So many great things have happened in the past few weeks, the most important of which is that I became Class Champion!
This is one of the first goals I set for myself from the moment I joined SFI, so I logged in with great trepidation on the morning of my one year anniversary –August 4th–, nervous about what I would find. I even half covered my eyes! The minute I saw that my silver E365 badge had turned to gold, I must confess I cried like a baby. I had wanted it so badly, and for so long, that I just lost it.
In the grand scheme of things, becoming Class Champion shouldn't be so important. After all, it's just another badge. But for me it is important, because it proves that I am capable of accomplishing something when I set my mind to it, no matter how much competition I face or how many barriers are in my way. I plan to put my Gold Plaque up on the wall in front of my computer as a daily reminder to myself that anything is possible if I want it badly enough!
The second bit of good news is that I became Silver Team Leader… quite by accident. I was concentrating so hard on collecting as many points as I could to become Class Champion, that I wasn't really paying much attention to anything else. I'll probably fall back down to Bronze Team Leader until I have a few more active affiliates on my team, but having tasted what it feels like to be a Silver Team Leader, guess what my new short-term goal is? ha ha!
The third piece of good news is that my brain is still functioning pretty well. I have been playing Knockout Trivia at TripleClicks and so far I've won 21 games and tons of TCredits!* This is nothing compared to the amount of games other geniuses at SFI have won, but it leads me to believe that I can beat the pants off of anyone who challenges me, if I set my mind to it… residual effects of becoming Class Champion :-)
The fourth piece of good news is that I am finally making headway with some of the affiliates on my team and I am also starting to earn more commissions and cash prizes which totally, absolutely and positively Rocks!!!! I'm not rich yet, but watch out! If I can become Class Champion, I can accomplish just about anything I want. I am woman, hear me roar!!!!
Have a great week!
TCredits are the currency at TripleClicks. You can buy any product you want with them. I'm trying to win enough to buy a Macbook Air… a medium-range goal :-)
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Sunday, July 27, 2014
One year at SFI: Looking back and moving forward
I can't believe it's been almost a year since I stumbled across the article about SFI (Strong Future International) that started this amazing new adventure. I don't quite remember what it was about the article that caught my eye and caused me to stop what I was doing (playing an online game), but whatever it was, it worked. I had to know more.
I searched the Internet for information about SFI to find out what others had to say about it and found plenty. The reviews were mixed, but all in all, they leaned more towards the positive than the negative, so that same day I decided to go back to the article and click on the link to the sign-up page.
I'm usually quite nervous about giving out my name and email address, but this time it felt right. After all, it was a reputable company that had been operating successfully for 15 years and had a good BBB rating. Moreover, I could join for free and gain full access to their training material for free too, so I thought to myself: "Go for it kiddo! Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
I'm glad I didn't let this opportunity pass me by, because it has been a fantastic year! From knowing absolutely nothing, in just one year I've learned how an affiliate program works, how to create a website and blog, how to post ads on advertising sites and wade through traffic exchanges, how to use social and business networks to promote my business, and most important of all, how to communicate with my team of affiliates and teach them what I have learned.
I've earned commissions, moved up the ranks to Silver Team Leader, been Top Author and Top Enroller, I've grown my team to over 800 affiliates and I am currently among the top 500 movers and shakers at SFI. And I've done all this with a great big grin on my face. This isn't work, it's fun! Oh, and speaking of fun, I've also won prizes, auctions and dozens of games and contests in my spare time.
I am definitely in this for the long haul. The company is growing in leaps and bounds, with a little over 1.5 million affiliates at SFI and over 2.7 million members at TripleClicks, SFI's online store. I like the fact that management is constantly looking for new ways to help us earn money by updating the training material and developing more effective marketing tools, as well as providing a wide variety of products for us to promote, thanks to its ECA (E-Commerce Associate) program.
And then there's the fun side of the business: aside from the regular contests and penny auctions, the company has created the Eager Zebra game division, which will contribute mightily to TripleClicks' popularity, as it continues to develop and launch new games. This division is a fantastic addition to an already great site, especially for those who enjoy playing online games, like Knockout Trivia, to which I must confess, I am becoming dangerously addicted!
My one year anniversary at SFI will be a very special day for me. August 4th 2014 will mark the first big milestone on a hopefully long and productive road to personal growth and financial freedom.
Thanks for reading this and have a great week!
Curious? Check out my website to learn more.
I searched the Internet for information about SFI to find out what others had to say about it and found plenty. The reviews were mixed, but all in all, they leaned more towards the positive than the negative, so that same day I decided to go back to the article and click on the link to the sign-up page.
I'm usually quite nervous about giving out my name and email address, but this time it felt right. After all, it was a reputable company that had been operating successfully for 15 years and had a good BBB rating. Moreover, I could join for free and gain full access to their training material for free too, so I thought to myself: "Go for it kiddo! Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
I'm glad I didn't let this opportunity pass me by, because it has been a fantastic year! From knowing absolutely nothing, in just one year I've learned how an affiliate program works, how to create a website and blog, how to post ads on advertising sites and wade through traffic exchanges, how to use social and business networks to promote my business, and most important of all, how to communicate with my team of affiliates and teach them what I have learned.
I've earned commissions, moved up the ranks to Silver Team Leader, been Top Author and Top Enroller, I've grown my team to over 800 affiliates and I am currently among the top 500 movers and shakers at SFI. And I've done all this with a great big grin on my face. This isn't work, it's fun! Oh, and speaking of fun, I've also won prizes, auctions and dozens of games and contests in my spare time.
I am definitely in this for the long haul. The company is growing in leaps and bounds, with a little over 1.5 million affiliates at SFI and over 2.7 million members at TripleClicks, SFI's online store. I like the fact that management is constantly looking for new ways to help us earn money by updating the training material and developing more effective marketing tools, as well as providing a wide variety of products for us to promote, thanks to its ECA (E-Commerce Associate) program.
And then there's the fun side of the business: aside from the regular contests and penny auctions, the company has created the Eager Zebra game division, which will contribute mightily to TripleClicks' popularity, as it continues to develop and launch new games. This division is a fantastic addition to an already great site, especially for those who enjoy playing online games, like Knockout Trivia, to which I must confess, I am becoming dangerously addicted!
My one year anniversary at SFI will be a very special day for me. August 4th 2014 will mark the first big milestone on a hopefully long and productive road to personal growth and financial freedom.
Thanks for reading this and have a great week!
Curious? Check out my website to learn more.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Trivia buffs Unite!
Have I got news for you! Starting this Monday, July 7th, at 10:00 am Playa del Carmen time, TripleClicks is officially launching a brand new game that will blow your socks off! The game is called Knockout Trivia, and the objective is to knock all of your opponents out of the game and be the last one standing, to win 80% of the Jackpot. The other 20% goes to the runner(s) up.
I was fortunate enough to get an invitation to test this game on four occasions before its official launch, and believe you me, I was sitting at my computer a full 30 minutes before each beta test began so as not to miss a single game (2 games per test).
I must confess that I didn't do very well in the first beta test because it took me a while to adjust to the tempo of the game and figure out how everything worked. The rounds seemed to pass by so fast and in less time than it takes to eat an Egg McMuffin, I was knocked out of both games.
When it was over I just sat there refreshing the page to see if maybe there wasn't another game scheduled. Yes I am a true Trivia buff! No, there wasn't another game scheduled.
I did much better in the second beta test –I won the first game! After I won that first game, I was psyched and couldn't wait for the next one to start. I almost fell into a trance watching those twenty minutes count down to the next game, but I didn't dare leave my seat in case I had to refresh the page.
Of course I got creamed again in the second game, although I did hold my own for quite a few rounds. The third and fourth beta tests were just as exciting although again, my brain failed me miserably. I didn't win any more games, but that's alright because come Monday morning, at 10:00 am, I will be at my computer, on the edge of my seat, waiting for the first game to start.
If you need me, I will be at my desk all day but I will not be taking any calls unless they coincide with the 20-minute waiting period between each game. Just kidding!
Have a great week!
PS if you think you can beat me at Knockout Trivia, visit my website to get some free credits to start you off on the right foot.
I was fortunate enough to get an invitation to test this game on four occasions before its official launch, and believe you me, I was sitting at my computer a full 30 minutes before each beta test began so as not to miss a single game (2 games per test).
I must confess that I didn't do very well in the first beta test because it took me a while to adjust to the tempo of the game and figure out how everything worked. The rounds seemed to pass by so fast and in less time than it takes to eat an Egg McMuffin, I was knocked out of both games.
When it was over I just sat there refreshing the page to see if maybe there wasn't another game scheduled. Yes I am a true Trivia buff! No, there wasn't another game scheduled.
I did much better in the second beta test –I won the first game! After I won that first game, I was psyched and couldn't wait for the next one to start. I almost fell into a trance watching those twenty minutes count down to the next game, but I didn't dare leave my seat in case I had to refresh the page.
Of course I got creamed again in the second game, although I did hold my own for quite a few rounds. The third and fourth beta tests were just as exciting although again, my brain failed me miserably. I didn't win any more games, but that's alright because come Monday morning, at 10:00 am, I will be at my computer, on the edge of my seat, waiting for the first game to start.
If you need me, I will be at my desk all day but I will not be taking any calls unless they coincide with the 20-minute waiting period between each game. Just kidding!
Have a great week!
PS if you think you can beat me at Knockout Trivia, visit my website to get some free credits to start you off on the right foot.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
6 obstacles to e-commerce and possible solutions
1. Not everyone speaks English
Well, duh! We all know that! But did you know that aside from the official language(s) in each country, there are also many different regional dialects? How do we reach such a diversity of cultures and languages when the only language we speak is English?
The best advice I can offer is to try to express yourself as plainly and clearly as possible, and proofread what you are writing to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
Use Google Translator to translate the text into the desired language and send both the original and translated versions to your client. The translation won't be perfect, but it should help you bridge the language gap.
Finally, make sure you avoid using slang words or local jargon that will inevitably get lost in translation and leave your interlocutor more baffled than enlightened.
2. Not everyone conducts business the same way
Some people have a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to conducting business. I call it the "Wham Bam, Thank You Ma'am" business approach (in and out of a meeting so fast, it makes your head spin). It may be the most practical and time-saving way to do business, but that is not the way it is done in many parts of the world.
If you really want to go global, don't expect your customers to always adapt to your way of doing things. On the contrary, learn how they do business and adopt some of their practices. You will open many more doors this way, and your clients will be much more receptive to what you have to offer. I guarantee it!
3. Limited payment options for international customers
In America, the ability to buy a product online is something we take for granted. We don't think twice about tossing the product we want into a virtual shopping cart, and paying for it from a variety of payment options. It's something we do every day without a second thought. Not so in other parts of the world.
Some countries have strict regulations and/or major restrictions when it comes to paying for products acquired from abroad. Many people have debit or credit cards that can only be used to pay for purchases within their own borders. Despite the growing popularity of e-commerce in these countries, their payment options for global purchases are still very limited.
If you want people from these countries to buy your products, it's up to you to find a solution. Once you know what their limitations are and how they can be resolved, let them know which specific payment options or methods will work for them. The easier you make their lives, the happier they will make you and your bottom line.
4. Distrust of the Internet
There is still an enormous amount of distrust when it comes to buying online. Many people are afraid their credit card information or their identities will get stolen or sold to third parties. They may also have doubts about whether the product they buy can really be delivered to them on time and in one piece.
Others are unwilling to buy online because they worry that the product won't live up to their expectations. Will it look the same as it does in the picture? Will it fit? Will it work? What if it is damaged during shipping?
The thought of having to pay for shipping costs to return a product that was unsatisfactory, and the real possibility that they may not get a full refund if the seller decides it is unwarranted, makes many people think twice about buying online.
How do you overcome these obstacles? Make sure you have a clear and fair return policy and always be available to answer any questions or doubts your customers may have. Bear in mind that things can go wrong, and many times it won't be your customer's fault.
By building a good rapport with your clients and providing top-notch customer service, they will be delighted to tell their friends and families how safe and easy it is to buy from you online. Word of mouth is still a very powerful marketing tool, so try to always get rave reviews.
5. Duties, taxes and banned products
It's important to know which of your products are banned in certain countries, which ones need a special import permit and whether any of them will have to pay a duty or tax. Many people aren't aware of their country's laws and restrictions and could end up blaming you if their product is detained in customs.
Be well-informed about all the restrictions, taxes and/or duties for all of the products your customers wish to buy, and let them know about the risks and additional costs they may have to face before they place their order. A well-advised customer is a happy customer.
6. Shipping costs
Most times, shipping costs can be equal to or more expensive than the product itself, depending of course on the product. if you plan to ship products overseas, be prepared to do some fancy footwork and legwork.
First, find which shipping method is the right one for each circumstance and destination: air freight, sea freight, international courier, etc. Your choice will depend on whether your customers are prepared to wait longer for their purchase if it means lower shipping costs, or whether they need it sooner, despite the extra cost.
Second, I suggest you try to negotiate the best deal you can with your shipper of choice. If he is unwilling to give you a lower tariff, shop around. There is so much competition nowadays, that you will surely find a company that is willing to give you a slightly better price, especially if you plan to use their service often enough.
Another solution could be to get one of your customers to buy in bulk and resell to others, so that he can prorate the shipping costs and perhaps even make a profit. This should work if it is a popular item and easy to sell in their particular country.
If all else fails, crunch your numbers and see if you can absorb some of the shipping costs while still maintaining a reasonable profit margin. If you can do this, you will earn your customer's undying gratitude and loyalty.
These six examples are just a few of the obstacles we face since the Internet became such a huge commodity. Although it has allowed us to 'virtually' cross borders and navigate freely to every corner of the earth, we still have much to learn about the customs, traditions, perceptions and misgivings of this diverse population when it comes to conducting business online.
I would love to hear what other obstacles you have encountered while doing business online with people from other nations.
Thanks for your feed-back and have a great week!
Well, duh! We all know that! But did you know that aside from the official language(s) in each country, there are also many different regional dialects? How do we reach such a diversity of cultures and languages when the only language we speak is English?
The best advice I can offer is to try to express yourself as plainly and clearly as possible, and proofread what you are writing to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
Use Google Translator to translate the text into the desired language and send both the original and translated versions to your client. The translation won't be perfect, but it should help you bridge the language gap.
Finally, make sure you avoid using slang words or local jargon that will inevitably get lost in translation and leave your interlocutor more baffled than enlightened.
2. Not everyone conducts business the same way
Some people have a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to conducting business. I call it the "Wham Bam, Thank You Ma'am" business approach (in and out of a meeting so fast, it makes your head spin). It may be the most practical and time-saving way to do business, but that is not the way it is done in many parts of the world.
If you really want to go global, don't expect your customers to always adapt to your way of doing things. On the contrary, learn how they do business and adopt some of their practices. You will open many more doors this way, and your clients will be much more receptive to what you have to offer. I guarantee it!
3. Limited payment options for international customers
In America, the ability to buy a product online is something we take for granted. We don't think twice about tossing the product we want into a virtual shopping cart, and paying for it from a variety of payment options. It's something we do every day without a second thought. Not so in other parts of the world.
Some countries have strict regulations and/or major restrictions when it comes to paying for products acquired from abroad. Many people have debit or credit cards that can only be used to pay for purchases within their own borders. Despite the growing popularity of e-commerce in these countries, their payment options for global purchases are still very limited.
If you want people from these countries to buy your products, it's up to you to find a solution. Once you know what their limitations are and how they can be resolved, let them know which specific payment options or methods will work for them. The easier you make their lives, the happier they will make you and your bottom line.
4. Distrust of the Internet
There is still an enormous amount of distrust when it comes to buying online. Many people are afraid their credit card information or their identities will get stolen or sold to third parties. They may also have doubts about whether the product they buy can really be delivered to them on time and in one piece.
Others are unwilling to buy online because they worry that the product won't live up to their expectations. Will it look the same as it does in the picture? Will it fit? Will it work? What if it is damaged during shipping?
The thought of having to pay for shipping costs to return a product that was unsatisfactory, and the real possibility that they may not get a full refund if the seller decides it is unwarranted, makes many people think twice about buying online.
How do you overcome these obstacles? Make sure you have a clear and fair return policy and always be available to answer any questions or doubts your customers may have. Bear in mind that things can go wrong, and many times it won't be your customer's fault.
By building a good rapport with your clients and providing top-notch customer service, they will be delighted to tell their friends and families how safe and easy it is to buy from you online. Word of mouth is still a very powerful marketing tool, so try to always get rave reviews.
5. Duties, taxes and banned products
It's important to know which of your products are banned in certain countries, which ones need a special import permit and whether any of them will have to pay a duty or tax. Many people aren't aware of their country's laws and restrictions and could end up blaming you if their product is detained in customs.
Be well-informed about all the restrictions, taxes and/or duties for all of the products your customers wish to buy, and let them know about the risks and additional costs they may have to face before they place their order. A well-advised customer is a happy customer.
6. Shipping costs
Most times, shipping costs can be equal to or more expensive than the product itself, depending of course on the product. if you plan to ship products overseas, be prepared to do some fancy footwork and legwork.
First, find which shipping method is the right one for each circumstance and destination: air freight, sea freight, international courier, etc. Your choice will depend on whether your customers are prepared to wait longer for their purchase if it means lower shipping costs, or whether they need it sooner, despite the extra cost.
Second, I suggest you try to negotiate the best deal you can with your shipper of choice. If he is unwilling to give you a lower tariff, shop around. There is so much competition nowadays, that you will surely find a company that is willing to give you a slightly better price, especially if you plan to use their service often enough.
Another solution could be to get one of your customers to buy in bulk and resell to others, so that he can prorate the shipping costs and perhaps even make a profit. This should work if it is a popular item and easy to sell in their particular country.
If all else fails, crunch your numbers and see if you can absorb some of the shipping costs while still maintaining a reasonable profit margin. If you can do this, you will earn your customer's undying gratitude and loyalty.
These six examples are just a few of the obstacles we face since the Internet became such a huge commodity. Although it has allowed us to 'virtually' cross borders and navigate freely to every corner of the earth, we still have much to learn about the customs, traditions, perceptions and misgivings of this diverse population when it comes to conducting business online.
I would love to hear what other obstacles you have encountered while doing business online with people from other nations.
Thanks for your feed-back and have a great week!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Good News vs Bad News
This week has been a real roller coaster ride. Not one minute of boredom. As the title says, I have good news and bad news, so let's get to the good stuff first.
Great news! I won my third auction yesterday and it was the best, most exhilarating win yet. I won a 300 TCredit Pack. TCredits are the currency we use at TripleClicks to buy products, list our second-hand stuff on our TConnect page, download music, bid in auctions or play Eager Zebra games.
I never thought I would ever win one of these auctions because everyone –and I mean everyone– wants to win TCredits. They are really valuable, so there is always a lot of competition. I'm thinking that my win was due more to dumb luck than brilliant strategy, but who cares… I won!!!
More good news: In the past seven days I've won five –yes FIVE– T-Time contests at TripleClicks. Winning this many in one week has never happened to me before. For those of you who aren't members of TripleClicks, the T-Time contest awards free TCredits every hour and since it doesn't cost anything, I usually try to enter as many times as I can each day.
Another piece of really good news: I won 10 CSAs (Co-Sponsored Affiliates) in last Monday's SFI Daily Grand drawing. That's 10 more members on my team. Yesssss! After so many years of rarely winning anything, not even coin tosses, these past few months at SFI have changed my luck completely. Life is good!
Now, to the not so good news: Facebook has restricted me from doing certain actions for a whole week for having the audacity to try and share the good news about my auction win. I say "try to share" because they never did let me, even when I protested that it was indeed a legitimate post.
The notification says: "Some your activity is limited because it looks like your computer may be affected by Malware", which is total bollocks! I'm not too happy with them at the moment. I'm already a paying customer, so I'm thinking they really shouldn't bite the hand that feeds them… the same hand that would slap them silly, given half a chance. Just kidding! In real life I am a peace-loving pussy cat, but in my fertile imagination I am "Moira, the Warrior Princess". Hear me roar!
Anyway, after weighing the good against the bad, I am happy to report that good still comes out on top! I can survive a whole week without these 'restricted' Facebook actions –no idea exactly what they are yet. It will take about that long for the glow from my amazing auction win to fade, so Facebook… eat yer heart out!
Have a stupendous week!
PS If you think you know the answer to "What country will win the 2014 World Cup and how many total goals will be scored?", visit my website for a free Gift Card to enter 6 predictions in the Eager Zebra Time Machine game. The Jackpot is getting juicier by the minute. Offer valid only for non-members of TripleClicks and SFI.
Great news! I won my third auction yesterday and it was the best, most exhilarating win yet. I won a 300 TCredit Pack. TCredits are the currency we use at TripleClicks to buy products, list our second-hand stuff on our TConnect page, download music, bid in auctions or play Eager Zebra games.
I never thought I would ever win one of these auctions because everyone –and I mean everyone– wants to win TCredits. They are really valuable, so there is always a lot of competition. I'm thinking that my win was due more to dumb luck than brilliant strategy, but who cares… I won!!!
More good news: In the past seven days I've won five –yes FIVE– T-Time contests at TripleClicks. Winning this many in one week has never happened to me before. For those of you who aren't members of TripleClicks, the T-Time contest awards free TCredits every hour and since it doesn't cost anything, I usually try to enter as many times as I can each day.
Another piece of really good news: I won 10 CSAs (Co-Sponsored Affiliates) in last Monday's SFI Daily Grand drawing. That's 10 more members on my team. Yesssss! After so many years of rarely winning anything, not even coin tosses, these past few months at SFI have changed my luck completely. Life is good!
Now, to the not so good news: Facebook has restricted me from doing certain actions for a whole week for having the audacity to try and share the good news about my auction win. I say "try to share" because they never did let me, even when I protested that it was indeed a legitimate post.
The notification says: "Some your activity is limited because it looks like your computer may be affected by Malware", which is total bollocks! I'm not too happy with them at the moment. I'm already a paying customer, so I'm thinking they really shouldn't bite the hand that feeds them… the same hand that would slap them silly, given half a chance. Just kidding! In real life I am a peace-loving pussy cat, but in my fertile imagination I am "Moira, the Warrior Princess". Hear me roar!
Anyway, after weighing the good against the bad, I am happy to report that good still comes out on top! I can survive a whole week without these 'restricted' Facebook actions –no idea exactly what they are yet. It will take about that long for the glow from my amazing auction win to fade, so Facebook… eat yer heart out!
Have a stupendous week!
PS If you think you know the answer to "What country will win the 2014 World Cup and how many total goals will be scored?", visit my website for a free Gift Card to enter 6 predictions in the Eager Zebra Time Machine game. The Jackpot is getting juicier by the minute. Offer valid only for non-members of TripleClicks and SFI.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
3 Steps Towards Creating A Profitable Daily Work Routine
There are a number of benefits to be gained from creating a daily work routine. Most importantly, you will know how to use your time more efficiently as well as more profitably. A lot of people who run home-based businesses don't normally think about the value of their time in terms of dollars, because their profit usually comes from completing projects or making sales.
If you had an infinite amount of time, you could complete thousands of projects or make thousands of sales. Sadly, you don't. Time is the only constant that you cannot alter. Here is a closer look at how you can create a daily work ritual that provides you with the maximum amount of income per hour spent working.
1 Create a Baseline
The first step is to create a baseline. The easiest way to do this is by tracking how you spend your average work week and tracking every task that relates to your business. This includes actions which may not be directly profitable, such as checking your email, time spent on Facebook or other social and business networks, and returning phone calls.
Once you have a baseline, you will learn how you are actually spending your time. A lot of people who work from home will say that they are working 8 hours a day, when they are really only working four or five hours. This is because they end up losing time by glancing at the television or tending to in-house concerns not related to work, such as getting the kids ready for school, making lunch, etc. When tracking how you spend your time, it is important to be as detailed as possible.
To make things easier, you should keep a manual log where you write down when you begin and end every task, regardless of what it is. Also track how long you spend running any particular application and how long you spend on every website you visit. You might be surprised at how much time you are spending on doing things that have nothing to do with improving your business.
2 Re-Prioritize and Create a Plan
Once you acquire a baseline understanding of how much time you waste when you lack a specific routine, you can start prioritizing your time better. The problem with a lot of people is that they have a hard time deciding what is profitable and what isn't. The best place to start is by cutting everything that isn't work-related.
When you are running a home based business, it can be difficult to separate your work from your personal life. However, this is the time to do it. Anything that is remotely personal, cut out of your daily schedule. In most cases, an efficient 5 hour work routine can be much more profitable than an unscheduled 8 hour work day.
Simply add an hour to the beginning or end of your “shift” to take care of all of the personal tasks for the day. Once all of the personal tasks are cut out, take a look at how long you are spending on your work-related tasks and try to get them done more efficiently.
3 Don't forget to Update
It is important to remember that this isn't something you can do once and then forget about it completely. You should review your ritual every month and try to find changes that will further enhance your profitability and productivity. This will not only boost your profits, but help you identify what really matters and what doesn't.
Have a great week!
If you had an infinite amount of time, you could complete thousands of projects or make thousands of sales. Sadly, you don't. Time is the only constant that you cannot alter. Here is a closer look at how you can create a daily work ritual that provides you with the maximum amount of income per hour spent working.
1 Create a Baseline
The first step is to create a baseline. The easiest way to do this is by tracking how you spend your average work week and tracking every task that relates to your business. This includes actions which may not be directly profitable, such as checking your email, time spent on Facebook or other social and business networks, and returning phone calls.
Once you have a baseline, you will learn how you are actually spending your time. A lot of people who work from home will say that they are working 8 hours a day, when they are really only working four or five hours. This is because they end up losing time by glancing at the television or tending to in-house concerns not related to work, such as getting the kids ready for school, making lunch, etc. When tracking how you spend your time, it is important to be as detailed as possible.
To make things easier, you should keep a manual log where you write down when you begin and end every task, regardless of what it is. Also track how long you spend running any particular application and how long you spend on every website you visit. You might be surprised at how much time you are spending on doing things that have nothing to do with improving your business.
2 Re-Prioritize and Create a Plan
Once you acquire a baseline understanding of how much time you waste when you lack a specific routine, you can start prioritizing your time better. The problem with a lot of people is that they have a hard time deciding what is profitable and what isn't. The best place to start is by cutting everything that isn't work-related.
When you are running a home based business, it can be difficult to separate your work from your personal life. However, this is the time to do it. Anything that is remotely personal, cut out of your daily schedule. In most cases, an efficient 5 hour work routine can be much more profitable than an unscheduled 8 hour work day.
Simply add an hour to the beginning or end of your “shift” to take care of all of the personal tasks for the day. Once all of the personal tasks are cut out, take a look at how long you are spending on your work-related tasks and try to get them done more efficiently.
3 Don't forget to Update
It is important to remember that this isn't something you can do once and then forget about it completely. You should review your ritual every month and try to find changes that will further enhance your profitability and productivity. This will not only boost your profits, but help you identify what really matters and what doesn't.
Have a great week!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
20 reasons why I love SFI - The Movie
Today, instead of writing my usual blog, I decided to make a little movie. It's of course about my favorite subject, SFI, but I created some colorful graphics to go with the usual blah, blah, blah, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.
The song you'll hear is "Blue Monday" as recorded by Renato López and Naftalina. The words and music are by Domino/Bartholomew.
Have a great week!
PS Don't forget to check out my website
The song you'll hear is "Blue Monday" as recorded by Renato López and Naftalina. The words and music are by Domino/Bartholomew.
Have a great week!
PS Don't forget to check out my website
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