KeyNotes Newsletter
November 2006
Greetings,
This was an exciting month for 1st VA. I have hired my first honest-to-goodness employee. I had utilized independent contractors in the past, but I have just issued my first real payroll check. We are growing! And with Becky's assistance we're expanding our offerings and creating systems and procedures so we'll consistently be able to provide service that exceeds our clients expectations.
It was a scary decision - you know - payroll, withholdings, workers comp, taxes, liability....
I had put off hiring someone for quite a while - and at my latest Local Women Business Owners luncheon someone said, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". I put my fears aside and made my decision right then and there.
I haven't looked back! What is holding you back?
Is Fear Holding You Back?
by Donna Toothaker
Fear – that darn 4-letter word! How many times would we try something different, or out of the ordinary in our businesses if we didn’t feel that sensation? Probably for many – a lot! Fear is a common emotion in business. Fear of failure, fear of being ridiculed, fear of being noticed, and, yes, even fear of success. And this fear can sometimes stop us in our tracks.
It can be difficult to discern why we have the fear, and sometimes we refuse to acknowledge it, and we ‘credit’ something else with our stagnation. We find excuses. I don’t have time. I forgot. I didn’t think it would help. I’ll do it later. And countless others.
The saying that Susan Jeffers coined, “feel the fear, and do it anyway”, is, most times, easier said than done. So what do we do? We practice, and we make choices! We try stepping out of our comfort zone and we see what happens. Usually – nothing. Nothing bad, that is. We take “baby steps”. When we start trying things and doing things that are sparking the fear, we’re soon saying, “that wasn’t so bad”.
Our lives are about the choices we make. We can choose to ignore the fear. We can choose to have courage. Positive self-communication works well, too. Acknowledging fear is okay, but dwelling in it is not. Constantly saying “I’m afraid”, will consistently keep you in fear. Positive self-talk – “I am strong and brave and I can do this!” will help you to become strong and become brave!
Most people start their businesses with passion and excitement and grand ideas. Don’t let fear keep you from achieving what you know you could achieve! Remember - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Donna Toothaker is an expert Virtual Assistant and founder of www.1stVA.com. Donna specializes in providing marketing and administrative support and services to Professional Speakers and Life and Business Coaches. To discover how 1st VA can help your business – visit http://www.1stva.com .
Resource of the Month
Check out this very cool Cordless Presenter for your next talk!
The Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter helps you focus on connecting with your audience, not your computer.
Take advantage of its 50-foot range to control your presentations while moving around an auditorium with confidence. A built-in LCD timer with vibration alerts at five and two minutes helps you effectively manage your time.
No software is required—just plug it in and it works. The built-in controls for ‘Launch Slideshow´, ‘Slide Forward´, ‘Slide Back´, ‘Black Screen´ and ‘Volume´ put the most-needed presentation tools in the palm of your hand. There´s even an integrated laser pointer to help you emphasize your key messages.
And much more!
Donna Recommends....
MarketingSalad.com Online Business Networking
Join me and other business owners in a unique networking event led by Biana Babinsky of MarketingSalad.com.
- Do you want to meet your potential clients online?
- Do you want to expedite the process of online networking and start building networking connections faster?
- Do you want to learn how to use online networking to get clients and partners?
Join us for the first MarketingSalad.com Online Business Networking Event on November 14th and 15th. During this event you will meet other online business owners, learn how to create online partnerships and promote your own products and services. The event is free to attend.
The networking will take place through a mailing list. You will be able to participate and respond to messages when you have time.
Register AT NO CHARGE: MarketingSalad.com Online Business Networking
I look forward to networking with you! Please join me!
~Donna
Business Building Article of the Month
by Cheri Alguire
When you're planning your to-do list, make sure you take a look at the work that you're planning for yourself. How much of it is really important? And of that, what needs doing most urgently? Most people do the easiest and most enjoyable things first, without taking into account what really needs doing. It feels good to cross things off your to-do list, but if they aren't the things that really need to be done, you're not accomplishing as much as you may think.
Start with Urgent AND Important Work
When you make a list of what needs doing, mark each item with a 'U', an 'I', or both. Begin with those items that are marked urgent and important, even if they're things that you're dreading doing. Look for any entries on your to-do list that you've marked neither urgent nor important. Copy them on a separate piece of paper and cross them off your main to-do list. You can refer to that new list when you've finished everything else. Also, take a close look at items that you've marked urgent, but not important. If they aren't important, why do they need doing quickly? Be realistic. Start with what really needs doing.
Learn to Say No
We often feel pressure to do favors for others, or to sign up for every lunch-and-learn, or special event that comes along. To keep yourself on task, go over your schedule thoroughly before committing to new things. When other people, or even clients ask you to do favors for them, tell them that you need to get back to them before you say yes. Then take a good long look at all the facts. Don't be afraid to say no. You may be surprised at how reasonable people can be when you say no. Explain why you need to say no, and be honest yet firm.
Remember the 80/20 rule, otherwise known as the Pareto Principle, named for the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. This principle states that 80 percent of our activities produce 20 percent of the results, while only 20 percent of our activities produce 80 percent of the results. Make sure that you are spending your time on the activities that produce the greatest results and you'll see a giant increase in your productivity.
Real Estate and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri is also the creator of the highly sought-after Five Year Business and Life Planning Guide for Real Estate Professionals. Learn more about this and Coach Cheri's other products and services at http://www.nextlevelservices.net.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you a fantastic November and a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Until next month...
Warmly,
Donna Toothaker
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