A newsletter can be a potent marketing tool for a solo business. Properly executed, it is an effective way to strengthen aware-ness and keep customers informed about new developments, products and services. Depending on your budget, a newsletter can range from a single-page one color format to a 12-page four color design. You can have your newsletter written and produced by Read the rest of this entry »
How can a solo business deliver a fully functioning team that can take on the kind of projects that are usually reserved for larger organizations? The answers lie in strategic alliances with other businesses that create the ability to deliver on the same basis as your larger competitors. Strategic alliances extend your market reach and provide a wider Read the rest of this entry »
Another way to extend your capacity is outsourcing. Out-sourcing consists of arranging for some of your work to be performed by another person or business. It enables you to focus on your own core competencies while gaining access to expertise in other areas. The reasons why you may want to out-source some activities include cost savings, skills, flexibility, innovation and experience
Distractions can be a major waste of time if you let them. The key is to block out disturbances as much as possible. If interruptions are the main cause of distractions, try to set aside a period of each day in which you meet with people and take phone calls. The remainder of your day can be spent behind a closed Read the rest of this entry »
Putting off unpleasant, boring or difficult chores is human nature. But if you discipline yourself to tackle the things you dislike, you will gain self-confidence and make better use of your time. Think about how good you will feel when the job is finished. Create an incentive by promising yourself a special reward for getting the job done.
The key to using the 80–20 rule is to discover what makes that 20 per cent so productive. When you devote more of your time to those activities, you will automatically spend less time on unproductive ones. To understand how you spend your time, try keeping a log of your daily activities for a short time. This will enable you to identity the time-wasters and do something about them.
The key to getting the most from a temp agency is to carefully plan what type of help you need, how much and when. What will be the specific requirements of the job? Exactly what skills do you need? How long will you need them? Don’t ask for a person with higher qualifications than the work calls for or the cost will be Read the rest of this entry »