Category Archives: Project Management

3 Steps to Increase Productivity and Get More Done

By Lisa Nelson  |  Business Manager, Project Management

increase productivity
I’ve been in this vicious cycle lately. Lots of great ideas I want to implement, but I’ve been so busy working IN my business I haven’t had time to work ON my business.

I enjoy the clients I support, but I also enjoy the creative side of running a business. I must consistently come back and remind myself to implement these three strategies to increase productivity and consistently grow my business every day.

As we discuss each strategy, my reference to a “to-do” list does not encompass all the tasks/work/email conversations you are performing for clients. I am referring to the tasks you need (or want!) to complete to further grow and develop your business.

#1 Start the day WITHOUT email.

Do NOT start your day by opening your email inbox. Instead, dedicate the first hour of each day to working on your business.

The minute you open your email inbox you can be sucked down various rabbit holes and before you know it the day is ending and you completed nothing on your business to do list.

Do not have your email inbox as the home page of your internet browser. Instead, have your calendar as the home page. Review your tasks and activities for the day and select one or two business tasks you can complete. Complete those tasks, remove them from the to-do list, and then open your email inbox.

Examples of tasks you could complete without distraction…

1. Write a blog post
2. Write and send a newsletter
3. Record a teleclass
4. Research and outline a program module
5. Reach out to potential clients to schedule a strategy session (May require email, so approach cautiously… will need to implement blinders if you enter your email inbox!)

This is not a time to multi-task. One hour of dedicated work. One task at a time.

#2 Maintain an organized to-do list.

A never ending to do list is just a fact of life. You will always have something you need to do. However, everything on that list is not critical right now.

If you want to be productive and efficient you need an organized system. A bunch of post-it notes, plus notes on your phone, plus notes in various emails, and so on isn’t going to cut it.

One location.
Everything listed.
Easy drag and drop feature to reorganize
Quick access for adding/deleting

Have a consistent, easy to manage location where you keep track of all to do’s. I manage tasks via project management systems and google calendar. Google calendar is my hub.

Maybe you need to start your productivity journey with one hour tomorrow morning getting yourself organized. :)

Once you can see everything you need to do, you assess and move the three highest priorities to the top of your list. Focus at least the first hour of every day on these top priorities. Once complete, reassess priorities and move on to the next set.

#3 Break down big tasks into smaller steps.

Some tasks will be on the to-do list for months. This isn’t necessarily bad, but if you have something hanging over your head and causing your anxiety because it isn’t done, stop and assess the task.

Is the task too big and daunting? If so, breaking it down into smaller steps will allow you to move forward.

For example, “host a webinar on xyz” is a big task. I’m speaking from experience on this task. This has been hanging over my head and causing me angst for a few months now. I finally dug in and broke it down into smaller chunks and I’m seeing the light. For example, individual components would be…

1. Research and select webinar platform
2. Write webinar opt-in page copy
3. Create webinar script
4. Create webinar slides
5. Write reminder emails

You get the point. Big projects need to be broken down to make them more manageable. Plus, I’m all about checklists and I’m happiest when I can check a task off as done!

Increase productivity and get more done

Where do you struggle? Do you have any great strategies you implement to consistently stay on track?

All the best,
Lisa Nelson

Develop a Content Marketing Mindset

By Lisa Nelson  |  Marketing, Project Management

This guest post was originally published by Jen Levitz at Connect with Your Client.

Content Marketing Mindset

Today, marketing really is all about online content. It doesn’t matter what type of business you have, marketing online is going to be more lucrative than marketing offline.

Most people don’t run to the phone book anymore when looking for a business. Instead, they look for a business online. And then in addition to that, they ask their friends online, and do a lot of research online before making their purchasing choices. Whether you have an online business or an offline business, this advice will increase your sales exponentially.

Build Your Credibility

The first step toward developing a content marketing mindset involves using the online world to build up your credibility. Use your blog, release white papers, and participate in social media and more to ensure that your reputation is well represented online. Perfect every social media profile and don’t start an account unless you are willing to keep it up to date at least weekly.

Seek Out Thought Leadership

Getting to know thought leaders in your industry can actually rub off on you and make you into a though leader – eventually. Find and follow thought leaders in your industry, comment on their blogs, offer donated original content, review their products, and ask them to review theirs. Interview them on a podcast. Do what you need to do in order to become part of their circle.
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2 Factors for a List Building Telesummit

By Lisa Nelson  |  Marketing, Project Management

2 Factors for a List Building Summit

SUCCESS FACTOR #1: SPEAKER PROMOTION

By and far, speaker promotion is at the top of this list. The impact of the other factors is not nearly as great.

When hosting a summit, speaker promotion is the key for getting individuals to opt in to your event. Let me tell you now, social media promo does not convert as well as a solo email. A newsletter highlight for your event does not convert as well as a solo email. A solo email is very important. You will have speakers say they cannot send a solo email. You may have to pass on having that speaker participate. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule. Let’s say it’s a really big name speaker and simply having them participate would be a major draw for your audience. I can’t emphasize enough that this is the exception, not the rule.
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3 Scheduling Tools to Efficiently Schedule Appointments

By Lisa Nelson  |  Project Management

scheduling-tools

As both your team and client load grow with your business, you quickly waste too much time in sending emails back and forth scheduling appointments.

Here are 3 scheduling tools to consider incorporating into your business.

  1. Doodle – When you have multiple parties needing to coordinate a meeting date/time, you can use doodle to poll everyone. You select date/times that work for you and send a link to your doddle poll to all other team members. You can quickly determine which date/time everyone can make. Doodle integrates with MeetMe mentioned below.

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Are you monitoring your business stats?

By Lisa Nelson  |  Project Management

business-statsAt the end of every year, I look back at my business stats and compare how my business did this year versus the previous year. This allows me to identify if my business is growing and meeting my goals or if I need to shift the plan for next year.

I encourage you to step back and review your business stats.

What stats to monitor and how?

The easiest way to monitor your stats is to set up a spreadsheet…I actually encourage you to do this monthly or quarterly, but for the example here we’ll just cover annual.

All right, I’ve opened up my tracking spreadsheet so I can share with you exactly what it is I monitor and you can use this as an example to identify what you should be monitoring.

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