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| 03 Jan 2008 10:26:02 am |
 Kick-Start Your Intentions |
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Happy Post-Holidays!! The 2007 Fall Retail Season is over, and I'm sending out a big thank you to everyone for your support. I am tired, but happy, and really eager to tackle 2008. January is a huge month for intentions, goals, plans. *Intentions* being the key word. We seem to start with the best of intentions, but many of us don't achieve our set goals during the year - often for reasons that WE control.
With that in mind, here are my goals and plans for 2008:
- Narrow the focus. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, I'm aiming for more mastery over less things. That kind of goes along with my "quality over quantity" mantra for my personal life, but for some reason I've not been consistent about applying it to the business. But I've found in recent years that as my focus narrows, I'm better able to perform the tasks I'm good at. The other tasks can be (and often are) outsourced, as time and revenue permits. Don't be afraid to give up some control and hire help if you need it. Doing so will keep you focused on your own skillset of tasks and help you work much more efficiently.
- Set goals and consistently aim to achieve them. When I don't have clearly defined goals, I tend to get lost. And overwhelmed. And wonder what the hell I'm doing. Most of my goals have been very loosely defined, and I think that's caused a lot of trouble mentally and even physically. Working toward clear goals, on the other hand, makes me super-productive, because every morning I know *what* I'm working toward. And I'm a big list girl - I love the satisfaction of checking off "done" tasks. The trick, for me, is to remember to put those tasks in my planner list to begin with.
- Remember to enjoy (schedule it in if you have to!) some personal time. Getting away from the workplace, whether that's in your home or outside of it, reaps major benefits (again, both mentally and physically). You'll come back to your work invigorated and with a fresh perspective. Hang with friends, take an afternoon off and play with the kids, or just spend some quiet time pampering yourself. The rewards are immediate.
Discipline plays a key part in achieving our goals, whether that's to be fitter and healthier, or to be on target for our careers, or to make room for additional personal time. Merriam-Webster initially defines discipline as punishment, and I think most of us view discipline that way. But I like this definition much better:
5 a: control gained by enforcing obedience or order
b: orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior
c: self-control
So remembering what you want the end result to be, and working every day to achieve that result (practicing self-control), will effect change. Flip it in your mind - it's not a punishment, but a factor for achieving your goals. View discipline as a positive instead of a negative, and you'll be much more likely to *stay* disciplined.
I think the difficulty most of us face - me included! - is that we get mired down with the big picture. We want to make a huge change, and it's overwhelming to be at Point A and see it all the way down at Point F...but once you've taken stock of that and set your daily (or hourly, weekly, whatever time frame works) goals, you just have to focus on the small steps.
By the end of this week, I intend to have a revised business plan written, along with the smaller steps to achieve the goals I set. That means that every morning when I get up, I see that goal in my daily calendar and I am spending time on it - in small increments, because to do it all at once is too overwhelming. And I have a reward in mind for getting it done. I'll post later in the week how it's progressing, and y'all can keep me on track if necessary. 
What are your plans and goals for this year? Drop a line if you feel like sharing. I'd love to hear them!
Motivatedly,
Jill |
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Category : General
| By : Jill |  Comments [0] |  Trackbacks [1] |
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| 02 Nov 2007 01:53:48 am |
| Let It Go |
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I just came across a beautiful statement on Scott Ginsberg's blog.
http://hellomynameisscott.blogspot.com/ (10/30/07 entry)
And though I am already up way too late for the busy day I have tomorrow, I have to share it with you.
That blog entry talks about getting over yourself; how artists / creatives are merely a part of the creative process. We only channel how the art comes into being. What he says is,
"You?re letting what wants to be created create itself."
Isn't that a lovely, and reassuring thought? We can channel, guide, and shape the the creative vision, but ultimately we are bringing into being something that wants to be. And wow! How thrilling, and inspiring, is that??
That sentiment reminds me of another statement I've always loved, from a chat board user:
"Create that which would not exist without you."
I'm paraphrasing it a little, because I can't remember the exact wording, but it doesn't really matter - you get the point. Each of us is such a fabulous individual. There is no one -no one! - exactly like any of us in this world. And what we create is as individual as our DNA. With that perspective, why NOT create with abandon? It's almost imperative, when you think of it that way. *wink*
So all of you who have struggled, or are struggling, with your creativity, and how to balance it with business , and life in general (and you know who you are, because you've talked to me about it!), get creating! Create with abandon, with willful disregard for anything but what comes from your heart and bring it into being. It WANTS to be here. It WOULD NOT be here without you. Don't stifle it, don't ignore it, don't agonize over it. Let it out into the world. And don't let anything - especially not yourself - stop you from doing so. |
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Category : General
| By : Jill | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [2] |
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| 31 Oct 2007 03:36:20 pm |
| The BEST Thing... |
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What's the BEST thing you have done for your business lately?
I have made some major structural changes to the business this year. Having some part time help has really forced me to be more organized - not that the biz isn't already pretty organized, but mostly I keep everything in my head or on the computer, and so far my helper hasn't had access to either of those.
In the process of re-aligning some processes based on how they might be most efficient for others, rather my just "knowing" how to do them, I thought that some of you might find this information useful. So I'll share some of the BEST things I've done for the business in prior years. These are mostly processes I've set in place that have *really* helped me become more efficient, achieve my objectives, and even occasionally just saved my butt when it was crunch time!
2003- Get professional slides made. I think they were $200, which was a big chunk of money for my biz at that time. And they weren't even shot by a true jewelry photographer, but someone local who could do (and did) an adequate job for my needs. When I look back at them now, I can see a lot of room for improvement, but they got me into the shows I needed to be at for that time frame. And every time I've had to have new slides, I've ratcheted up the photography budget so they could really highlight my jewelry. Whether you use your images online, in print, or for jury slides (or all three!), don't scrimp here. Good photography is worth every penny you have put toward it.
2004 - Research. Again. And then some more. I began exhibiting at shows in 2003, and at first everything about that was chaotic. So I spent a lot of time in 2004 learning (both online and in person) how much to bring to shows, how to get on top of the set up and tear down so that it was orderly, how to remember *everything* I needed for each show, etc. I got some pointers on how to sell my work with confidence. I learned about pros and cons of certain business options. About where to buy or how to make the displays and other show-related items I needed for exhibiting. I made lists from my research, and I refer to them regularly to keep my business on track and consistent. I learned a lot - and made fewer mistakes - by doing my "due diligence" beforehand. Do the legwork first.
2005 - Keep it all in one place. By far the best thing I did that year (and it has helped me every year since) was to start my "Design Reference" book. This lists all my designs, so that for my production and limited production items, I can re-make them without having to refigure everything from scratch. I often have requests for custom colors ? for example, someone might like a certain necklace design, but not the color combinations. So I will make the design and embellish it with whatever colored gems they prefer. To be able to do this quickly, especially during busy times, I refer to The Book. It lists out every detail, like what size jump rings a design needs (and how many of each size), which tools I used to shape the wire, and all steps involved in creating each design. Take the time to document your designs and design processes.
2006 / 2007 - Refuse to take "no" for an answer. A few years back, I'd approached three well-known galleries to see if they wanted to represent me. They all told me no, (nicely), and two had suggestions for what they'd like to see if I wanted to get back with them in the future. I knew I wanted my work in those galleries, and that making the changes / new designs they asked for would fit with my current design path, but it would take time. So I spent about two years really honing my collections, changing things up a bit, refining my design directions, and placing my work elsewhere. In late 2006 and also this summer, I went back to each of them. And now I am represented in all three. Rejection can be a positive experience if you use it as a learning tool.
2007 - Recognize when to get help. Many businesses reach a point at which future growth (and revenue potential) is forestalled because the one person running the business can't take on anything else. It's a natural evolution...but one that many entrepreneurs resist, because they are used to "doing it all" and don't want to give up control of any aspect of the business. But ultimately, that?s necessary for growth, assuming your business plan dictates continuing to grow. I've been outsourcing all along, as soon as my budget allowed for it - I outsource my web maintenance, my printing, accounting, photography - all things that ultimately serve Blue Piranha better by using professionals. And this year, I've taken on physical help as well. I have a friend come in, once a week, and do some of the mundane chores that I can't ever seem to get to (or just can't stand). She folds and punches my hang tags, cuts chain (my least favorite task ever) for my necklace pendants, organizes paperwork, and anything else I have time for her to do while she's here. This only started a month ago, but already it's made such a difference for me. Don't hold yourself back by insisting that you can do it all. At some time, you just physically can't. Learn what to relinquish, and when.
What's the BEST thing you can do for your business, right now? Implement it. Go ahead...and see how much more efficiently you operate. Or how much closer you get to realizing your goals!
All the BEST,
Jill |
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Category : General
| By : Jill | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [1] |
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| 30 Oct 2007 12:10:50 pm |
| In the Midst of Crazy Town, a Warm Fuzzy |
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Nearly a month since my last entry! I keep trying to find time to write, but this time of year doesn't leave much extra time, for writing, or those "moments of stillness" I mentioned earlier, or much of anything besides work. This November I have three retail events plus a wholesale show....and it's the wholesale side of things that's making me frenzied. Brett and I have decided (on verrrrry short notice) to re-work my entire booth for the wholesale show. Ha! We are a little insane, but every time things get really crazy, I remind myself it's better than being bored...right? RIGHT?!
In the midst of all this, we are trying to coordinate travel for our two nieces, 17 and 14, to come visit us from Colorado. We made plans in July to bring them both out for Thanksgiving, but trying to get reasonable airfare has been a bit difficult. It's only the most-traveled weekend of the year, after all...we are watching fares closely and think we've *finally* found something that will work with their schedules (work and school) and ours. Brett and I agreed that even if fares were a little higher than we'd hoped to pay, we'd have to just bite the bullet - we'd promised the trip, they're excited about it, and we're really, really looking forward to having them here for a few days.
And tonight, in the midst of all my work busy-ness, and my stressing about ticket prices, I IM'd briefly with our younger niece. Before she signed off to go do homework, she wrote this:
" love you 2! u 2! goodnite!"
And now I'm just all melty inside. Most of you know that we don't have children, but those two girls (and our three-year-old nephew) are just precious to us, and living across the country means we don't see them nearly as often as we'd like. Oh, I can't WAIT for Thanksgiving!
So now I'm off to bed on a happy note. Insanity resumes bright and early tomorrow...
Sweet dreams,
Jill |
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Category : General
| By : Jill | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [67] |
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| 02 Oct 2007 02:21:47 pm |
| Moments of Stillness |
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Before I get going, here's a little funny for you. After a busy morning, I came home to find this on my MSN page:
And it tickled me. Yeah, what is UP with all you English cows!
And now, back to your regularly scheduled blogging:
Moments of Stillness
It's that time of year when everything feels faster, busier, crazier. And though you try not to get caught up in the madness, there are bound to be times when you feel overwhelmed. Commitments, activities, social events, extra shopping, family obligations - they all seem to start taking up more of your life than ever.
When I start feeling overwhelmed - and this is, of course, a super-busy time of year for my business as well as our personal lives - I make it a point to take what I call "moments of stillness". These moments, which are often only be five minutes long, help me slow down and be more centered. If I can quiet my mind and my body, I'm calmer, more focused, and - surprisingly! - more productive.
How can you put these moments in *your* life? Here are some suggestions:
- Meditate. Pick an open spot against the wall and sit down. Use a regular household timer and set it for five minutes. You'd be surprised how long five minutes is when your eyes are closed and you're focused on clearing your mind. It takes me at least a couple of minutes to really push thoughts out of my head and just let my mind be. But once I'm in that zone, I'm always shocked when the timer goes off, because I have completely forgotten about it (and everything else, which is the whole point).
- Live in the moment. It might be your morning shower, it might be sitting in the pick-up line waiting for the kids, it might be anytime you have a small block of quietude. Really focus on how your body feels. Stretch. Sing, if you're in the shower. Don't worry about anything else. Put your energy into something personal that allows you to shut out the rest of the world.
- Connect with nature. Sit on the front steps (or back deck). Really notice the trees, the grass, the falling leaves, the color of the sky. Have a cup of tea, coffee, cider - whatever you like - and watch the birds. There's so much going on in the natural world, just outside your door. Get in touch with nature and you'll feel calm and renewed when you have to go back to your regular tasks.
- Journal. Early in the morning, or at night just before you go to bed. It's amazing how much flits by us every day. Taking some "slow time" to capture a special thought or memory is important. Did the kids do something touching or funny today? Journal it. Did you achieve something wonderful? Write it down. Did you have a horrible day? Write about what you're looking forward to tomorrow, or on the upcoming weekend. Chronicle those bits and pieces of your life as they happen.
It's five minutes - surely you can spare that once a day? Or at least once a week. Try to put these personal moments into your life regularly and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.
What do YOU do for you? I'd love to hear about it!
As ever,
Jill |
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Category : General
| By : Jill | Comments [0] | Trackbacks [175] |
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