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Archive for the ‘Success Motivation’ Category

Some people were born organized and then there are those of us who struggle with organizing every year at this time.  It seems that it’s always at the end of the year when that little annoying bug begins nudging you to clear things up and start the new year organized. Well, I’ve read just about everybody’s directions, books, and helpful hints about getting organized (in fact, I’m thinking of writing one myself), and I’ve got to tell you there are some misconceptions being fostered by every organizational guru.  It will be my pleasure to give you the “skinny” on that in today’s column. Here are the 8 misconceptions that we can throw out :

1. Handle paper once.  This is not only impossible, but in most cases it’s unrealistic.  Instead of handling paper once, get in the habit of doing something with each piece of paper to move it forward.  If you get some information about an upcoming seminar/trade show, for example, decide if you’ll attend or not.  If you’re to attend then note the date on your calendar and sign up.  If not, then toss the information immediately.  If you want to wait to sign up, then make a note in your planner to respond well before the deadline and file the paper in your “to-do” file.
2. Always keep papers stored out of sight: Some of us work better when their desk is clear, whereas others feel stifled if they aren’t surrounded by stacks of paper.  If you’re an “out of sight – out of mind” type, keep papers you use often nearby in files or stacking bins.  They’ll be accessible, yet not clutter your desk.  When working on a project, spread out the papers related to it, and when you’re done put them away together in one place.
3. Everyone should be organized to the same degree. Different people work differently.  Don’t feel that you have to work the same as someone else.  Find a comfortable level of being organized, and make the necessary changes to maintain that level.  I usually draw that line when I’m looking for something and can’t find it; that’s when I know things need to get reorganized.
4. Soon we’ll be a “paperless” society. Don’t you believe it.  Experts have been saying that for years, and we won’t be paperless for a long time.  It’s not technology that’s the problem, it is human nature that’s the culprit.  We’re creatures of habit and used to seeing things in print rather than on a computer screen.  The younger generation is now being trained on computers at an early age, so when they join the workforce, the “paperless” society will have a better chance of becoming a reality.
5. One planning system should fit everyone. When used correctly, daily planners are an ideal way to stay organized.  Keep in mind, however, they are designed by a few for many users.  When buying a planner, whether paper-based or electronic, determine what you want it to do and choose a system accordingly.  If you can’t find one to suit your system, design your own based on your individual needs.
6. You have to be born organized to be organized. We learn both good and bad habits at an early age.  It’s possible to change any bad habit, including disorganization.  Youngsters raised in an organized environment sometimes rebel as adults by being disorganized.  The opposite is also true, but neither is carved in stone and behavior can be modified.
7. You MUST use a “to-do” list. Planning day-to-day is not realistic for everyone.  Someone may do the same task every week, but others find their plans changing daily.  Consider your particular need, then plan by the day or the week.
8. Being organized means being a perfectionist. A perfectionist may spend time on insignificant details while disregarding the big picture.  When others complete a project quickly and on time, the perfectionist continues to work until the project is perfect.  A perfectionist becomes more effective when he/she lowers his/her standards slightly and concentrates on ways to increase productivity.

Misinformation, when taken seriously, can hinder you from doing what you want.  The next time you hear one of those “Organizational Gurus” espousing one of the above misconceptions, consider its value and work to develop your own style of organizing.

There are so many imple, yet really sure-fire ways of acquiring wealth, it's a wonder everybody with even the least bit of ambition isn't already rich. When you come right down to it, the only things needed for anyone to make bundles of money are the long-range vision and the energy to put a money-making plan into force. One of the easiest methods of building wealth, and the one most often used by the "smart" people, is to furnish the expertise, equipment or growth capital to promising beginning business. Basically, you buy in as either a part owner or limited partner; then, as the busines grows and propers with your help, you reap your share of rewards. The beautiful part about this whole concept is that you can repeat this procedure over and over  again. You can start out with, say marketing and sales leadership for small, garage-type business; then with your holdings and earnings from that business, invest in another, and keep doing this until you own a part of twenty-five to an unlimited number of businesses. Looking at the idea from a dollar return point of view, if you were getting $200 per month from 25 different business, your monthly income would amount to no less than $5,000 and that's not too bad for a fledgling millionaire. Look around your own area. With just a little bit of business sense and perception, you're sure to find hundreds of small businesses that could do better--perhaps even become giants in their--with your help. Most small businesses need, and would welcome marketing, promotional, advertising, and sales help. If a quick survey of business turns you on with enthusiasm about the potential profits to be made with just a few changes that you can suggest, then you are on your way. Basically, you set up an appointment to see and talk with business owners about some ideas and help that could double or triple their profits. When you approach them in that manner, their  almost certain to want to see you and hear want you have to say. In prepartion for your meeting, set your ideas down on paper. Put them together in an impressive marketing or profit potential folio. Outline your ideas, the costs involvrd and the ultimate profit to be gained. Then, when you arrive for the meeting, be sure to look nad act the part of a successful business person. A few pleasantries to break the ice, and begin with your presentation. Through your proposal, you must instill confidence that you can do all you claim for him. Guide him through the presentation to the ultimate profits (all for a 10 or 20 percent limited partnership in the business), which really won't cost him anything. Of course, if he is reluctant to give up any part of his ownership, you come back with the idea of being hired as a consultant. Almost all small businesses need help of some kind. The owners get bogged down in a myraid of every day problems and things to do. They find there just are not enough hours in the day to handle everything that should be taken care of, and end up neglecting or putting off some of the things they should be doing to keep the business prosperous. As a result, the long struggle for business survival begins, with more than 60% of them selling out at a loss or just closing up hop. The other way to " cut yourself in" on a piece of someone else's business is to supply needed money. If you can come up with 10 or 15 thousand dollars, you can easily "buy into" some small businesses. Be sure to look the business ( and its market potential) over; but once you spot one that can really be a winner with just a little bit of operating cash or money for expansion, then  tart figuring! You can reach a never ending supply of such businesses to choose from, simply by running a  small advertisement in your daily newspaper in the .Classified section under the heading of Business Opportunities Wanted. Such an ad might read: SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS EXECUTIVE LOOKING FOR NEW BUSINESS VENTURES. WILL CONSIDER BUY OUT OR PARTNERSHIP. PO BOX 123, CITY By the same token, make it a habit to look through the Business Opportunities Available on a regular basis. Mark a few each day and follow up. Check them out, And see what kind of a deal is being offered. Remember, proper management and planning are basically the ingredients to success in business; and most small businesses just do not have these ingredients in the proportions needed to attain their greatest profit potential. Other people have done it, and more are starting up every day. There's no reason why you can't do it. In most cases little or no cash is needed. But with a little bit of action on your part, you could quickly become a multi-business owner, and very wealthy as well.

Motivation is perhaps one of the topics that is the least understood, yet most studied and talked about of our human traits.  Yet there is no action we ever take that is not guided, persuaded and/or altered in some way by motivation. Whether it's about gaining or losing weight, holding on to or saying goodbye to smoking, attending a business seminar or even buying new clothing.  Your every decision is influenced by your own internal motivational factors. You know, even reading this article is being guided by your motivation. If you are really, truly interested in the subject matter and have a burning desire to learn how to become a successful entrepreneur, you will likely finish something in one sitting. Being motivated or not being motivated makes the crucial difference between incredible success and disappointment for entrepreneurs.  Basically, your motivation emerges from two sources, external and internal. External motivation comes from outside sources like data, prices, success stories of similar people, etc. In contrast, internal motivation comes out from your own dreams, thoughts, desires, passions and even personal habits and shared experiences. All human beings are very unique, as you are aware. And something that deeply inspires someone else may not influence you in the least. Therefore, it's still going to be you and only you who can determine what really works the best where motivating yourself is concerned. You need to ask yourself what internal and external factors that are motivating you to become a business owner.  And of course, only you know the exact steps you needed to boost up your own motivational levels in order to make your business become a reality and get it going a lot faster.