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Moving Pianos For success in 2006, first look back: give thought to what you could have done differently last year. Only you can honestly answer the important questions related to how you spent your time, both in business and with your family. Taking the time to think about this is time well spent. If you have a business that includes a staff, ask them to re• ect on the same questions before the next staff meeting — what could we have done differently last year that, if changed, would improve production this year? You might be surprised at the insights your employees may have. This year I am going to take the advice that I recently read in a trade magazine and ask my staff two questions at our Monday morning meetings: 1. What are three things that we could start doing that would help us improve productivity in the office? 2. What are three unproductive things that we can stop doing at this time? Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Frank Sinatra doesn’t move pianos.” What things are you doing that don’t contribute positively to your bottom line? Ask your friends and associates what they think is your unique ability — then make changes so you can focus on that area. You will be happier and more productive. In my case, I am terrible with the details involved with my business and love communicating with clients — a really long day for me is a lot of paperwork. Consequently, I make sure I set appointments that get me out of the office and leave the paperwork to my assistant. Get more organized. Do you have your “to do” list in several different places? Try just keeping one spiral notebook and write down everything that needs to be done on one page with the current date at the top. Work through your list (I put client or prospect calls in red) and at the end of the day review your list and move the things that were not accomplished to the next page. This way you have a record of your day and things don’t fall through the cracks. Do you keep several different calendars — one on the computer, a large one on your desk or wall, and one that goes with you in some type of day planner? Use only one calendar; by keeping your schedule in just one place you can reduce errors. And write everything down! Write top priority items in red, and always include all necessary phone numbers and directions. When you get an invitation, write everything down and then toss it, with one exception: if the invitation has additional information that you will need, like multiple hosts and hostesses, put it in a file for upcoming events. As head of an office, using a handheld recorder works great for me. For tasks that my assistant can accomplish, I record them for him to transcribe. These include appointments and events that should be added to my calendar. This saves me a great deal of time and effectively communicates what needs to be done. Some final advice: while looking back, remember that you can still contribute to your IRA or SEP retirement plan. There are very few things you can do for financial success that compare to funding your retirement — it represents a triple blessing: tax deferral, compounding interest and reducing taxable income. Don’t cheat yourself and your family by missing out on this opportunity. Life is designed to be savored and enjoyed. Although
your circumstances may not be under your control, your attitude
is. This year, do everything in your power to make the positive
changes that will enable you to enjoy the life you have. The Hart Group, Inc. |