Maintaining Momentum
January 29, 2010
by Cat Matson, Alito
At the risk of stating the obvious, we’re already one-eleventh of the way through the year. And if you take into account holidays, December etc, then we’re actually closer to one-tenth – or 10% of the way through 2010.
How are you going?
You see, it is around this time that New Year’s momentum and excitement starts to wane for many people – school’s back, the ‘planning’ phase of the year is well and truly over and the ‘day-to-day-ness’ of our lives is in full swing.
So I repeat …. how are you going? Specifically, how are you going on those plans you made a couple of weeks ago about what you wanted for yourself for 2010?
If you’re losing momentum now, then what are you going to be like in another couple of months? The trick is to get back on track NOW and put in place systems for yourself to regain and then maintain momentum.
Here are some ideas;
- Connect with other people to hold you accountable and problem-solve barriers – a MasterMind group, the ABN MentorNet program, supportive friends or bring in the professionals in the way of a coach.
- Schedule times to work on key projects into your diary today – I used to plan my week at the start of every week … and endeavour to fit key activities in at that point. However, by the time I got to the beginning of each week, my diary was already so full of appointments and tasks that it was hard to find the ‘chunks’ of time I needed to make progress on my strategic goals. Now, when I do my weekly planning, key activities are already scheduled in. Stephen Covey’s ‘Big Rocks‘ metaphor is a great reminder of this.
- Get clear on how your business objectives inter-relate with each other and your personal goals … life is an integrated work in progress – not a series of ‘goals’ to be achieved … if you can see how everything links up it’s easier to create the time and give importance to your priorities.
- Take a reality check – if you have already lost momentum, maybe it’s because your goals didn’t take into account the reality of your life. Now’s a good time to revisit and adjust your goals if necessary and re-establish your intentions.
- Determine what resources you really need to achieve your objectives. Professional assistance, help handling your admin, new equipment; or domestic help – a cleaner perhaps, or maybe do your grocery shopping online to give you back some time. Identifying the resources you need to be effective is a crucial key to maintaining momentum.
- Just do it – all reasons and excuses aside, the difference between people who do things and those who don’t is just that – doing, or not doing. There is a time for planning … and a time for ‘doing’ … so get to it
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Cat Matson - Alito
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herBusiness Blog Contributors
January 21, 2010
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Susan Wareham McGrath - McGrath Career Management
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| Email: | susan@susanwareham.com |
| Website: | www.susanwareham.com |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/Susan_McGrath |
| Blog: | www.susanwareham.com |
| LinkedIn: | au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath |
| Member Profile: | See Susan’s Member Profile |
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Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment
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| Phone: | 02 4367 5500 |
| Email: | kristy@footprintrecruitment.com.au |
| Website: | www.footprintrecruitment.com.au |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/footprintcc |
| Facebook: | www.facebook.com/footprintrecruitment |
| LinkedIn: | au.linkedin.com/in/kristyleejohnston |
| Member Profile: | See Kristy’s Member Profile |
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Cat Matson - Alito
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| Phone: | 07 3289 7055 |
| Email: | cat@alito.com.au |
| Website: | www.alito.com.au |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/catmatson |
| Facebook: | www.facebook.com/AlitoFusion |
| LinkedIn: | www.linkedin.com/in/CatMatson |
| Blog: | www.alito.com.au/blog |
| Member Profile: | See Cat’s Member Profile |
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Julie Wise - The SilverOwl
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| Email: | julie@thesilverowl.com.au |
| Website: | www.thesilverowl.com.au |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/julie_wise |
| LinkedIn: | au.linkedin.com/in/juliewise |
| Member Profile: | See Julie’s Member Profile |
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Caroline McAuliffe - ExeConnect and Virtual Angels
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| Phone: | 0415 623 122 |
| Email: | caroline@execonnect.com.au |
| caroline@virtualangels.com.au | |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/ExeConnectAu |
| Blog: | virtualangelsau.blogspot.com www.execonnect.com.au/blog |
| LinkedIn: | au.linkedin.com/in/carolinemcauliffe |
| Member Profile: | See Caroline’s Member Profile |
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Alycia Edgar - Coastal Accounting Services
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| Phone: | 0403 983 529 |
| Email: | alycia@coastalaccounting.com.au |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/alyciaedgar |
| Blog: | www.numbersarelife.com |
| Member Profile: | See Alycia’s Member Profile |
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Cheryl Hayman - Hayman Strategy
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| Phone: | 0408 200 545 or 02 9555 5776 |
| Website: | www.haymanstrategy.com |
| Email: | cheryl@haymanstrategy.com |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/cherylhayman |
| Facebook: | www.facebook.com/cheryl.hayman |
| LinkedIn: | See Cheryl’s Public Profile |
| Member Profile: | See Cheryl’s Member Profile |
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Yvette Vignando - www.happychild.com.auYvette is pursuing her passion – to take action that helps children develop great social and emotional skills as a foundation for a happy and successful life. Formerly a lawyer and then successful executive coach specialising in Emotional Intelligence, Yvette was encouraged by her experience of MentorNet to launch her business – a website for parents that publishes practical and engaging information about raising children with emotional intelligence. Yvette looks forward to sharing the challenges and successes of her experience as she navigates her way through the adventures of launching a website, and tackles online sales and marketing, an evolving business plan, and the growing universe of social media. Yvette hopes that by following her personal and professional development as an entrepreneur you will also be inspired to follow your passions.
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Catherine Pritchard - Radiance Healthcare CentreCatherine is a scientific naturopath who is experienced in working with business women to increase their energy, motivation and productivity. Her innovative programs are based on the latest research and incorporate simple dietary changes so that you can get the most out of each and every day. Prior to commencing her career as a naturopath almost 10 years ago, Catherine was an industrial chemist in an oil refinery. Her scientific background caused her to seek out the latest technology to assess your health, energy and vitality. In conjunction with a thorough assessment, these state of the art tests allow her to personally prescribe you the most suitable nutrients that will make the greatest impact on your health and wellbeing.
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Nerida Gill - Admin BanditNerida Gill is the creator of Admin Bandit, a web-based accounting package designed specifically to make keeping the books easy for volunteer treasurers in community groups. After winning numerous business awards, Admin Bandit is in a growth phase after recently attracting external investment.
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Amy Lyden - Advocacy Advisor – Australian Businesswomen’s NetworkAn entrepreneur and specialist in ecommerce and online strategy, Amy has had over 13 years of practical experience in these areas. Launching her first website in 1998 Amy was at the forefront of an online revolution without even realizing it. Within a year this site became and remains today a #1 ranking site and global community of pet lovers that attracts over 4 million visitors a year. This Australia-based business, Bow Wow Meow, now sells product online to over 100 countries worldwide. Amy sold this business in 2007 and turned her energy to the nonprofit sector. Amy is currently the CEO of Australian Scholarships Foundation, an organisation that facilitates scholarships for education and training for people who work in the nonprofit sector. Amy is the recipient of numerous business awards including the 2006 NSW Telstra Business Women’s Awards for Innovation, the 2002 National Telstra Business Award and the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World Grant. Amy is an Ambassador and former Chairperson for the Australian Businesswomen’s Network, an organisation that supports female entrepreneurs. Amy was also invited to serve on the Commonwealth Small Business Council, an initiative by the Federal minister for Small Business. Amy has been profiled in the following books: “Women’s Business, Women’s Wealth” by Amanda Ellis, “Female Entrepreneurs”, by Leiza Clark and “Secrets of Female Entrepreneurs Exposed!”, by Dale Beaumont. Amy is passionate about using technology to connect people globally for positive change.
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Anna Kyriacou - AKA GroupAnna Kyriacou is the founder and CEO of AKA Group, established in 1997 as a total financial solutions destination for start-ups through to established small to medium businesses. With 17 years experience working with and advising clients in Australia, London, USA, Holland and South Africa, Anna has sought not only to deliver accounting advice but also to mentor them towards autonomous business success. Anna is driven to help others help themselves, similarly illustrated by her commitment to community and charitable organisations. Operating with sheer professionalism in tandem with genuine caring, Anna applies a holistic approach to her client’s business development and ultimate success.
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Lisa Murray - Revive Business Coaching/Bliss TribeLisa Murray is an experienced business mentor who brings bliss back into your business. Her holistic, unconventional and creative strategies help small business owners design authentic, ease-filled and profitable businesses. Through her BlissTribe community, Lisa is a catalyst for business owners to choose a phenomenal, rich and joyful life without compromise! The sky is not the limit… there are no limits… unless you choose them! Lisa connects the dots for you… she is an idea generator, a sounding board, a skilled facilitator, a strategist, a problem solver and a contribution to the authenticity and potency of you creating the business you truly desire and deserve. What else is possible? Ask and you will receive!!
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New Year, New Career?— How to manage staff’s new-year blues (and minimise impact on your business)
January 21, 2010
by Kristy-Lee Johnston, Footprint Recruitment
‘New Year New Career’ is a term well used by employers and recruiters alike in job ads during the lead up to, and aftermath of, the Christmas and New Year period. And there is a simple reason for this – it works.
Many employees who have become disengaged in their workplace, roles, and careers during the year find themselves taking stock of what really matters and what they really want to achieve in the year ahead – and they do all of this whilst on their Christmas break.
At the end of the day, staff will always leave organisations, and in some cases there is nothing you can do to prevent this, but you can ensure you manage the process to minimise the impact it has on the rest of the team.
As they sit with family and friends, and start discussing New Year’s resolutions, and the achievements of the year just gone, it dawns on many people that they are unhappy in some aspect of their lives, and the quickest fix seems to be to get a new job! They return from their Christmas leave and one of three things will generally happen:
1) They stay put, waiting for a ‘sign’, some motivation, inspiration or for something to change. These people generally remain disengaged from their responsibilities and do just what’s needed to get through the day flying under the radar.
2) They promptly hand in their resignation on their first day back and commence job hunting.
3) They start searching for that great new role, giving little if any focus and commitment to their current workplace until they inevitably resign.
None of these are ideal situations for a business of any size to face at the beginning of the calendar year, but what, if anything, can you do to avoid these times and minimise the impact they have on the operations and profitability of the organisation?
1) Look for the signs of staff who have began to disengage from their roles or the organisation. These signs generally involve a shift in behaviour and some classics include taking more than the usual amount of sick leave; leaving work right on time every day, when they used to be the sort of person to work back whenever needed; not putting their hands up for those special projects they previously have been dead keen to be involved in; withdrawing from groups within the workplace; taking long lunches and in general being a different person in the office.
2) Don’t wait until after the New Year to start re-engaging these employees. By having regular reviews and appraisal systems in place, you will more easily be able to identify and manage these employees. Also coordinate more casual and off-the-record catch ups with staff to encourage open communication.
3) Keep employees engaged in the vision through regular team and company meetings – sharing with them goals and visions and allowing them the ability to provide ideas as to how they can contribute to the success and achievement of company goals.
4) Reward staff who are doing a great job! It doesn’t have to be grand or expensive, nor does a big fuss have to be made – a small gesture goes a long way.
5) Know what motivates your people – when you understand this you have the best possible chance of keeping them engaged and committed.
At the end of the day, staff will always leave organisations, and in some cases there is nothing you can do to prevent this, but you can ensure you manage the process to minimise the impact it has on the rest of the team.
If you have open and honest communication channels with your staff, and they feel they can come to you with honest feedback, you will be in the drivers seat when these situations arise. If they come to you indicating they are seeking alternate work, and there is nothing more you can do to keep them should you want to, give them your blessings, help them to find something new and start he replacement process yourself internally straight away.
The longer an unhappy employee stays with you, then more detriment it will have on your team and ultimately your business. Don’t try and delay the inevitable, nip it in the bud and move on.
Kristy-Lee Johnston is the Director of Footprint Recruitment, a Central Coast based Recruitment and HR agency which is run by locals, for locals.
Kristy-Lee Johnston - Footprint Recruitment
Kristy’s background includes 10 years in Recruitment, as well as 10+ years in a broad range of other customer facing sectors. She possesses Post Graduate qualifications in Psychology, as well as a Masters in Human Resource Management. Kristy is passionate about bringing something unique to the recruitment sector in her local area and wants to see all businesses make the most successful staffing decisions they can.
Help us name a new author series…
January 21, 2010
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network and Citrix GoTo Webinar will soon launch a new lunchtime series with prominent business authors from around the world. Designed to provide lunchtime education (the series is part of Citrix’s Lunch + Learn initiative) each webinar will feature a business thinker whose work and message is compelling and thought-provoking.
We are looking for a good name for the series, and we’d love your input.
A couple of points:
- The speakers will (in most cases) be authors. Occassionally a prominent business person may be asked to address the audience.
- The sessions will be educational more than ‘motivational’.
- The webinars will often coincide with the release of new business book titles.
- The webinars are for a business audience.
- The name of the series should be short (no more than 4 words, ideally).
Any ideas? We’d love your thoughts.
You can either add a comment below or email me direct.
My appreciation,
Suzi
P.S. I’m very excited about this series – and especially our first guest (who I’ll announce next week).
ABN Meeting with Federal Parliamentarians – Community Input Sought
January 16, 2010
As the peak representative organsation for Australian businesswomen and female entrepreneurs, the Australian Businesswomen’s Network is meeting individually with the Federal Minister for Small Business, Dr Craig Emerson and the Federal Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry next week.
Community Director Suzi Dafnis will be meeting with Senator Sherry and Advisory Board member Susan McGrath is meeting with Dr Emerson.
We’re seeking input for both meetings so we can make the most of this opportunity to represent the concerns of the Australian SME community to both parliamentarians.
If you have a public policy issue you would like us to raise with either Dr Emerson or Senator Sherry, please contact us on policy@abn.org.au, or call the ABN on 1300 720 120.
The more input we receive, the stronger the messages we can take to the Minister and the Assistant Treasurer – this is one of the few opportunities Australian businesswomen and female entrepreneurs will have this year to have their voice heard at the highest level of Australian government, so we would love to hear from as many community members as possible.
Sincerely
Suzi and Susan
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Susan Wareham McGrath - McGrath Career Management
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| Email: | susan@susanwareham.com |
| Website: | www.susanwareham.com |
| Twitter: | www.twitter.com/Susan_McGrath |
| Blog: | www.susanwareham.com |
| LinkedIn: | au.linkedin.com/in/susanwmcgrath |
| Member Profile: | See Susan’s Member Profile |
Beyond Planning: Easy ways to convert your plan into action
January 15, 2010
It’s January, and of course the flavour of the month is planning.
Planning is great … but plans are only as good as our ability to implement them. So what can you do NOW, while you’re focused, excited and motivated about the year ahead to ensure your plan does get converted into action?
First, check your plan against reality. Yes, by all means, aim high, but if you look at your plan and doubt your ability to make it happen, it’s unlikely you’ll stay motivated as the months pass.
Further, check the viability of your plan in the context of your life. A new component I’ve added into my plan is my ‘Life Sandbox‘ – the life context that my business exists within. For me, this includes having two young boys at daycare, my personal health and fitness goals, my volunteer Board and community commitments, not to mention my husband (who also happens to be my business partner). The impact of these ’sandbox boundaries’ is that I have approximately 24 hours per week available for ‘work’ … and a significant amount of that time is already allocated. By clearly identifying this sandbox I’m in a better position to balance my business and personal demands, find opportunities to creatively intergrate the various roles in my life (e.g collaborating with my husband on work projects is a way we get to spend time together), … and able to set more realistic goals in my business.
Another step is to break down your plan into projects … and for each of the projects create a simple project timeline. This helps uncover any overcommitments by way of time or other resources. (Tip for parents: Put school holidays into your project plan … it will help prevent setting up unrealistic expectations about what will get done when things are ‘off-routine’).
Once you’ve mapped your project timelines, take the time to block out time in your diary or schedule. Life does, and will, get busy. So, now is the time (while you’re focused and pumped about the possibilities) to make appointments with yourself to get things done. This is an element that I find particularly challenging … as I don’t like seeing a ‘full’ diary. So as a way of making it fun, I’ve colour-coded the appointments in my diary. And instead of just blocking out time to say ‘write e-book‘, I’ve prefaced each appointment with the project and key result I’m aiming for – ‘Revenue Generating Information Products – Write free e-book‘ – so as I look at my calendar I’m reminded not only of the task, but of the bigger picture.
My final tip: Put your plan on one page. A ‘one-page-plan‘ is easy to update and you can stick it on your desk or wall and see, at a glance, what it is you’re striving for.
Cat Matson | Alito
Cat Matson’s successful consulting experience ranges from the nuts and bolts of business such as HR, administration and operational processes to the less tangible aspects such as motivation and company culture. She has achieved exceptional results in helping clients to develop effective teams and profitable operations without losing sight of the human aspect of their business. Cat is as comfortable advising on high level strategy issues as she is on the critical aspects of a successful business such as attaining, training and retaining employees to creating the right corporate culture and work environment.
In addition to her comprehensive experience, Cat holds a Masters of Business Administration with specialisations in Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship and Marketing. She also holds a Diploma in Small Business Management, a Diploma in Training and Development and a Practitioner’s Certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Website: www.alito.com.au
Blog: www.alito.com.au/blog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/catmatson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlitoFusion
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson
Member Directory: Cat Matson
The Best of Business
January 12, 2010
I hope you’re ready for a great year in business. This year the Australian Businesswomen’s Network programs, publications and webinars are designed to help you, in a structured way, create, plan, implement and work towards real business results.
Each month our themed events and newsletters will build, step-by-step, adding to your knowledge, reach and exposure to good education, inspiration and information.
But, YOU are going to have to put in the time to read, study, collaborate, question, participate in our discussions and training programs.
2010 GOODIES FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS
Here’s just some of what our 2010 programs will give you the opportunity to do:
- Clarify your business vision, mission and plan
- Determine who your customers are and how to find them
- Put in place your big milestones for the year
- Determine the cost of doing business and look at forecasting profits
- Uncover steps to marketing your products and services and yourself
- Find the measures that make a difference to your ultimate success
- Look at what team (virtual or not) that you need to help you create success
- Implement actions that will get you results
- Improve your productivity so that you focus your time on what matters most
- Increase your business knowledge, borrowing ideas from industry experts
- Master online communication and leverage the internet
- Innovate and improve what you offer and how you do business
- Formalise and systemise processes for efficiency
- Promote your business and spread your message
- Capitalise on new media and technology
Get Started HERE
| 1. | If you’re not yet a member of the Australian Businesswomen’s Network then join today. Choose from StartUp Membership or Growth Membership. | |
| 2. |  Decide what you’ll start, stop and continue doing to grow your business with this free resource, available for download. (If growing your business and your contacts is on your list of things to start – then see point 1. Membership is where the rewards are!) |
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| 3. | Register now for the upcoming business webinars. February’s webinars get you started with the BIG PICTURE, Planning and Strategy | |
| 4. | Join our social networks. If you haven’t connected with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, you’re missing opportunities to network. Join our online family today. |
I look forward to our conversations this year and in getting to know you and your business better.
My best wishes,
Suzi Dafnis – Community Director
Women in Business eNewsletter - Best of Business Articles, Podcasts, Webinars
Let your passion drive your actions this year
January 4, 2010
How do you bring your passion to work, and keep it there? We spend a lot of time in our businesses. For many it’s our primary focus. But what do you do when the passion leaves? How do you bring your passion to your work and keep it there? Janet Bray Attwood, author of The New York Times bestseller – the Passion Test shares strategies in this interview.
I read Janet’s book – The Passion Test - two years ago and the ‘test’ is a way to keep me on track with keeping passion in my business and my life. It’s a simple but powerful process that you can use to ensure that your actions are driven by your passion and that you make each day alive with what you love.
Janet Attwood | The Passion Test
In this interview we discuss:
- Why clarity about your passion helps you create exactly what you want
- The role of passion in team engagement
- Why connection to your passion is an important ingredient to business and personal success
