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Upcoming Informational Discover Your Compass Sessions
(click the link to register)
Sunday, October 11, 2009, 6p EDT
Wednesday, October 14, 2009, 8:30p EDT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 8:30p EDT
Sunday, October 25, 2009, 6:00p EDT
Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 8:30p EDT
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Thoughts from Your Administrative Partner
A few weeks ago I completed my first quarter of teaching a course entitled the Business of Graphic Design to up and coming Graphic Designers at the Art Institute of Washington. The course was intended to prepare students for graduation by teaching skills in job searching, starting their own business, protecting their artwork and branding.
I had quite a mix of students. I say this to say that the 80/20 rule holds true in many areas of life and this is no exception. I am confident that 20% of those students will do well. In business, 20% of businesses in a particular area do 80% of the business. Are you in that 20%? Was your goal for 2009 to be in that 20%? What do you need to do in this final quarter of 2009 to make it so?
I have recently reevaluated where I was in my business to see if I am in that 20%. I have found that in order to continue to progress and grow, my personal need was to be held accountable for all of those grand and realistic goals I set for myself and my business at the beginning of year -- one of which was being in that 20% and having a certain target audience that make up my 80% of clients.
Since making that decision, I have signed up for affordable group coaching. If you've ever thought about coaching but stayed away because of the cost, this could be the solution for you. In the first week, I have gained a greater focus on not only my goals but realistic paths in order to reach them. Check out the Invest in Yourself banner to the left for more information.
Additionally, I've recently taken a trip touring the coast of Turkey - it was an experience I'll never forget, including its lessons for business. I share these in the attached article - Applying Travel Lessons to Business. Finally, I love to share knowledge, and earlier last month, I participated in a Fit While You Sit seminar which gave helpful hints on how to be healthy while we are busy working in our office space.
Until next time, all the best in business.
Tamika R. Johnson, MBA
Virtual Business Manager
administrative partners, llc
tamika@administrativepartners.net |
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Applying Travel Lessons to Business
A recent trip from Washington, DC to Turkey called to mind a few valuable business lessons and why they are important both in travel and in running a business effectively.
Number One: Learn the Language:
The experience in travel is so much more pleasant if you take the time to actually learn a few phrases that will help you communicate more effectively with the local population. The same is true in business. Who are you trying to reach and how do you need to speak in order to reach them (or what language)? Are they web based? If so, do you have a strong presence on the web? Are they most likely to respond to printed advertising? If so, where are you advertising your business where it will gain the most exposure to your audience?
Number Two: Know the Exchange Rate:
What is your exchange rate or put differently, what is your time worth? Knowing the rate helps you to budget, in this instance, budget your time. As a business owner we need to be sure we are spending our time on revenue generating activities. Have you determined what these activities are for your business? If not, you could be wasting valuable time doing activities that don't convert to the value/revenue that you need it to. For instance, are you spending 5-6 hours a month reconciling bank statements and tracking expenses? This is not a revenue generating activity. Is this something that someone with a lower hourly rate can do for you (typically in half the time)?
Number Three: Drive with a Map:
This principle goes hand in hand with knowing what you want to accomplish. Now that you know this, what is your path to success? Every business needs a business plan. A business plan serves many purposes, two that are specific to our discussion are - 1. helping you to decide the future of your business and 2. to keep you on task. It defines the methods you will use for your business to be successful. Havinb this map or plan provides the business owner an opportunity to think through possible risks and to develop a contingency plan as necessary. As with driving with a map, you might have to detour. Understanding where you are trying to go will help you when you come to those roadblocks in your business.
Number Four: There is reward for risk:
During our travels in Turkey, we drove along-side cliffs where we literally looked down to water crashing against boulders. But when you looked up, the views of the Mediterranean were indescribable. There are rewards for your risks if you stay focused. Sometimes when we are in the process of growing our business, we need to make decisions where we aren't sure if there will be a clear return on our investment. An example of this could be in the form of taking a few days to write a winning proposal for a great opportunity that will result in much more consistent business in the future. Takes those risks.. the rewards or views might be worth it.
Some views below.
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Fit While You Sit.
Over the past few weeks I had the attended a seminar by Noya Chiropractic in Washington, DC entitled Fit While You Sit. Here are a few nuggets.
Stretches - Exercises - Exercise is your vehicle to becoming fit.
1. Place hands under desk and push up.
2. Shoulder shrugs.
3. Clasp hands behind head; pull elbows back pinching shoulder blades
4. While sitting in your chair, lean forward putting chests to your thighs.
Work/Home Environment - Make the changes and become fit while you sit.
1. Seat height should set so that:
a.Your feet are firmly on the floor
b.Hips and knees are level
c.The back of your legs are off the chair
2. Keyboard tray set to height that keeps:
a.Elbows at 90-degree angles
b.Wrists straight when on keyboard
3. Desk height is two inches higher than keyboard tray.
4. Computer screen should be 18-24" from your eyes.
5. Computer screen is eye level or above.
Body Positioning - Changing your posture will reduce stress while keeping you fit.
1. Take frequent change of position breaks.
2. Conduct meetings or conversation while standing.
3. Elbows should be at 90-degree angles.
4. Head straight not tilted.
5. Use phone handset.
6. Close your eyes periodically.
7. Shift your eye focus periodically.
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| administrative partners, llc is a virtual support
practice that is committed to nurturing collaborative and efficient partnerships with its clients. We support and develop future growth of businesses by working closely with business owners that recognize
that they can't do it by themselves. We
provide business solutions for small business owners at various stages
in their business. These services include project management,
administrative productivity and efficiency consulting, assistance for
start up business as well as a growth package for business owners ready
to reach the next level. |
Tamika R. Johnson, MBA
Virtual Business Manager
Administrative Partners, LLC
office: 301.249.1891; fax: 240.823.9367 tamika@administrativepartners.net
www.administrativepartners.net
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