Hey, everyone! I’m back here….it appears OG and I are going to write at FFA once per week. My posts here will be more structured and on-task than my writing at Stacking Benjamins. If you’re looking for more humorous writing, find me there……
I just got off the phone with my coach. We have a session three times per month and they’re a powerful use of time. Not only do we focus on business, but on the balance between my business, personal and spiritual life.
This month we’ve begun digging deep. Here’s what we’re working through:
1) I’ve listed all of my important strategic priorities for the fall.
If I don’t prioritize what’s important to me right now, I find that it gets lost in the shuffle. It’s better to plan my fall now to make sure that those events that are important to my business and family all make the cut.
2) I took out the calendar and planned my model week. This also included making sure I block out time for family and friends. I don’t want to get buried in my work and forget my priorities.
For me, the Apple calendar works best because I use mostly Apple products. However, you should do something similar and find a good calendar that will automatically sync with all your devices. That way, whenever you remember something that needs to be added to a calendar, you don’t have to worry about being at your desk.
3) I reviewed my business accounts. Because I’m starting to build up some money in my business accounts that I’ll be spending later in the year, I’m interested in business savings. By setting up separate accounts, I can make sure my “buckets of money” for different projects don’t inadvertently get spent on other, less important pursuits.
4) I scheduled creativity. This is an important one for me. To write entertaining pieces and fun podcasts takes a ton of creative “juice.” Studies have shown that a neatly sewn calendar actually decreases creativity. I’ve scheduled time to read (called R&D) and time to play games with friends. I also schedule time to listen to other podcasts and read other blogs.
5) I created automation whenever possible. If I could automate it, I’ve scheduled ways to get it done. Much of my twitter and Facebook posting can be prescheduled. Because I’ve found a bank that offers free business banking, I’ve automated much of my financial tasks. Anyone helping me on the back end of the site is given tasks each Monday so that I’m able to concentrate on the reader experience.
That’s what I’m doing to plan for the fall. How about you?
Joe is a former financial advisor and media representative for American Express and Ameriprise. He was the “Money Man” at Detroit television WXYZ-TV, appearing twice weekly. He’s also appeared in Bride, Best Life, and Child magazines, the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, Detroit News and Baltimore Sun newspapers and numerous other media outlets. Joe holds B.A Degrees from The Citadel and Michigan State University.