I’ve found a useful technique to prioritize my marketing strategies. I’ll have to blog about that some time.

Ann

Best,
Judy

Like I’ve mentioned, it’s a numbers game.

The higher your numbers the faster the path to cash.

You are going to have to execute a number of carefully chosen strategies, measure your results, and then refocus.

You’re also going to have to embrace sales. And you have every reason to embrace it. You have something of value to offer a very viable marketplace.

Read my most recent post. That “artist” had something that wasn’t all that valuable but his volume of in person contacts made it work.

Be very mindful of your attitude. It will have a huge impact on your sales results AND the joy you get from your business.

Be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ann

Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving!

Most of my business comes from referrals and I did not pay for them.

This is about you needing to cultivate relationships and gaining exposure to other’s markets.

If they are willing to give you space for your promotional material, take it!

As far exchanging links, why not? If you have mutual respect, then do it. You have to give to get.

You need to meet with people face to face, be honest about what your trying to accomplish with your business, and ask for help. Always with the offer to help them somehow. Even if it’s not a referral fee.

Does that help?

Thanks

Then list what activities are not the highest best use of your time, those that do not make you money.

Then find out what it would cost to replace yourself. I like eLance.com.

If hiring out tasks will allow you to concentrate on money making activities and you have the funds then delegate it.

Make your expectations and instructions abundantly clear. What I like about eLance.com is that if the freelancer does not meet the written requirements your under no obligation to pay and your money is safe guarded in and escrow account.

I studied time management several times when I worked in a cubicle. I don’t think it works. I believe that you can’t manage your time you can only manage your priorities.

So first you must ask, have you made your goal your priority? Are you allowing other priorities or preferences to take precedence?

I assume that you have a central calendar? Before you go to bed each night list six things that you will do to reach your goal. Pick up dry cleaning may be important but it’s not part of this list.

Now number them one through six, in order of priority.

When you rise start on number one. Complete it. Then proceed to number two. Try as much as possible to complete all six. If for some reason you don’t you will know that you focused on the most important action items for the day. But try to complete all six.

Try it for a week and let me know how it goes.

Ann

I have a question about time-management and setting priorities. I am good at this, at times, however at other times I believe I use busy work as a procrastination technique to prevent having to do work that I don’t feel like doing (like selling, for example).

1- what is a good way to prevent this from happening because when I’m doing the busy work I FIRMLY believe that this has to get done or my business will fold

2- what if I really am bogged down with busy work that is legitimate? When is a good time to hire an assistant to help with all of the admin and basic photo retouching, etc?

Thanks so much!

Melissa