Small Business Success in 2013

Mornin' from the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company!

Sitting here, reflecting on the year, and have a thought:

I'd love to contribute to small-town newspapers and journals in the new year...

I can meet by phone - this week or next - editors who have room on their website or in their print edition for a "small business success column" based on my book: http://ow.ly/1ObTZk




These articles will give small business owners a strategy and three tactics every month that will help them succeed in this economy.

The most limited resource (isn't time)

It is attention. So, here's my ask, next time you're out, check page 103 of the most recent (December/January) issue of Inc. Magazine.

KDSK.com - news channel 5 in St. Louis, MO

Where The News Comes First

Well, I'm a little bit early, and...ready to go on air! Today, @ 4 we are going to talk about "better" holidays.

I loved the fact that the producer of the show sent me questions to think about. For this audience, she wrote, they're wondering how to get it all done: Family visits and work and travel and more...

So, to get me thinking, I went for a little walk. There's the Arch, behind me!




I'm going to share as much as I can (in less than 5 minutes!) about how we can really focus on having a "happy" holiday season. One thing I hope I get to share:

"Let's not think about 'unplugging' but instead focus on what we ARE plugging in over the next few months."

Like when we do plug in that holiday strand of lights inside or outside the house, for a few weeks it does grab our focus.

So, let that - or some other thing you've put up or taken out - act as a reminder to you to take a moment and focus on your MITs - your Most Important Things.

TEDxWomen showing in Ojai

It was amazing to watch the live stream of TEDxWomen yesterday in Ojai, CA. At one point there were 8 of us gathered together listening to speakers share their truths, ideas and insights from the stage in Washington DC.

At the end of the presentations, the discussion at our house continued. (Yup, Jodi coordinated this so that people came and went over the course of 7 hours of presentations.) At one point, someone asked aloud, "What was your favorite presentation?"

(If you're new to the TED Family, go - right now - over to www.TED.com and look around for 7 minutes. Set a timer, and go!)

Me...I didn't have a "favorite." Each person's individual sharing was unique, meaningful and important. The theme...that is what has me wondering the most. The idea that there is "a space between."

I liked the stories around the significance of stopping (for whatever reason) and starting again. My little idea, "What if stopping could be intentional as opposed to reactive?"

Willing to try? Share something you're looking to stop doing so you can get started!

I Am At My Best When…

When are you at your best?

I wonder how many people can answer that question with authority.

Have you stopped to consider it for yourself?

Have you taken time to evaluate the things you need to do, the ways you need to be, and the things you need to bring into your life to ensure you are functioning at your best?

For example, I know that I am at my best when:

I eat breakfast
I prepare for meetings a day or two ahead of time
I am able to finish something every day


If you look closely at my list you will see all of these factors are 100 percent within my control. This ensures that with a little bit of effort on my part, I can function at my best.

Identifying when you are at your best is something I strongly encourage you to do. Though it requires a little bit of work, I have found the benefits to be priceless.

Take time to observe when you feel most productive and alert. Then, once you recognize what factors lead to those feelings, write them down. That list will serve as a reminder as you move forward.

Having an easily accessible list to refer to consistently will help you to be more productive, effective, and efficient. That list, when used properly, can keep you accountable.

Perhaps you could post your list on your mirror at home. Maybe it belongs on your desk to review each morning when you sit down to work. I even had a client take a photo of her “I’m at my best when…” list and use it as her desktop screen!

Once you have asked and answered the question, “What do I need to do to be at my best?” you are on your way to improving your daily productivity. With dedication, focus, and consistency you can function at your best regularly.

When are you at your best?


Where can you keep your list so that it is a daily reminder of how you can function at your best?

No, you can NOT have it all

8,940 steps during a seminar

I still remember setting a record (but, that as an 8am-5pm seminar for 200 people...) so when a saw this, I was happy.

It Could Be Easier Than You Thought

It could.

Leave that option open. Once you clear it...that is, you've put in "four words or less" what you're going for, let it show up.