Take Time Off to Relax

May 22, 2008

Melanie enjoying some time offMemorial Day is finally here, and it’s time to relax. As a small business owner like me, you probably work many hours and are always thinking of innovative ways to serve your customers and increase sales.

Do yourself a favor, and try not to think about work this weekend.

We all need a moment away from our hectic lives. Plus, many studies have shown that you will think more clearly and contribute more to your business by taking a break on a regular basis.

I know. For many of you, your business is your life. You enjoy it and spend most of your time thinking about it. 

If this sounds like you, here are a few simple steps to walk away from your business this long weekend:

  • Turn off your computer and don’t get near it or your office!
  • Plan some fun activities with family and friends.
  • Try a new hobby that you just haven’t had time to start.
  • Enjoy nature. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, visit a museum or cultural event. You’ll get a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. 
  • Visit a bookstore and find something interesting to read that is outside of the business, finance or management section.
  • Just veg in front of the television. When was the last time you did absolutely nothing?

Personally, I will be in the ocean scuba diving. No phones, e-mail or negativity. Just my dive buddy and the sounds of shrimp talking!

Hopefully, you will enjoy your weekend and not think about work until Tuesday morning. Then, you will be refreshed and ready to go with a new zeal for life and a passion for making your dreams a reality!

Melanie


Do You Need a PR Plan?

May 14, 2008

Many new enterpreneurs often ask me why they need a PR Plan. It is essential for achieving and monitoring success. After all, how are you going to reach your publicity goals if you don’t know what they are?

In fact, famous educator Benjamin E. Mays stated that “the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.”

With this in mind, do you know what your PR goals are?

To get started, review your business plan and the activities necessary to grow sales. What key activities will make you truly successful?

Maybe you want to be rich, improve the environment, help those less fortunate, or just have more free time to yourself. Once you know what you want to accomplish, you’ll have a better understanding of how your publicity efforts fit into your overall business goals.

To help you focus, here are some questions to consider when preparing your publicity plan-of-action:

- When people hear the name of your company, what do they think about now?

- What can you do to help your audiences think about your company in a positive way?

- Why is your business unique?

- What benefits do you offer customers?

- What do you want media members to say about your business?

- What do you specifically hope to accomplish through your public relations efforts?

Now, review your responses. What do you need to do activate your publicity efforts right now? Get your PR Plan ready so you can take action, monitor results and make changes as necessary.

This will not only help you focus, but you’ll see more cost-effective results. After all, as inspirational speaker Tony Robbins says, “setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”

For more information and to receive my newsletter full of valuable tips and information, please visit www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!


Start your week off right

April 14, 2008

Happy Monday morning, and welcome back to your work schedule.

After you’ve had a moment to drink your favorite wake-up beverage, take a moment to think about your schedule.  Ask yourself these three questions:

1. What are my priorities for the day?

2. How can I work smart and get things finished without wasting time?

3. What do I really want to accomplish this week?

If you’re like me, I just want to dive into my work and go. But if I just take a moment to think about my priorities and overall goals for the day and week, I tend to get a lot more done in less time. What do you think?

Have a great day, and if I can help you with your PR and writing needs, just let me know.

Melanie


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