Being Proactive: Focus Series 2012: 30 Ways to a Better Focus

Tasks, lists, post-it notes… the “list” goes on and on.  No pun intended.  Most people use checklists in order to tackle day to day tasks.  I find  that lists are only helpful depending on how you use them.  Anyone can say, “I have this and that to do and I have a completely full schedule,” but if your list is just sitting on your desk collecting dust; there really isn’t any point.  Now is there?

#1:  Post your list of daily goals in a place that you visit commonly and also be sure that it’s at eye level.  For example, having a list above your computer screen or on the wall next to your bed.  When you wake up, you’ll see the tasks that need to be knocked out for that day.  It also gives the feeling of not really having “a lot of work” to do, which means, it gets done faster.  It’s all about perception.  Be creative and come up with different names for your lists.  It would feel more fun if you were doing work from your “Everything Out the Way, Time for a Lazy Day” list than “Monday’s To-Do” list.  It makes a huge difference.  Having a visual aid as a constant reminder will most likely motivate you and increase your drive; or that of your employees/co-workers.

With that in mind, let’s end with some introspective action.  Think about all of the goals that you set in 2011.  How many did you get accomplished?  What did you allow to distract you from accomplishing them?  Now what are some changes that can be made to get better results than yesterday?  Put the pieces together.

Focus Series 2012

Tomorrow we will begin our series “30 Ways to a Better Focus”.  So, be sure to check in daily as we help you to more focused, more driven, and more refined with our tips that will guide you on your journey to reinventing yourself and your business.  We will be sure to stay on your radar because we have A LOT of things planned for 2012!

Best Wishes and Much Prosperity,

Wendy Williams

Pixel Office

“May this year be much more prosperous than your last.” – Wendy Williams, Pixel Office

Tech Savvy on a Budget: Part 2

Tech Savvy on a Budget: Part 2

When you’re being efficient and productivity is up, chances are your bottom line is pleasing.  It’s a given that all these things tie together in order to help you succeed in your business.  The road to financial freedom is littered with hidden expenses and unforeseen dead-ends that usually lead to money lost or worse, quitting the race before the gun goes off.  That’s why the words “free” and “low cost” always bring a tear to my eye.  Last month, we looked at how to save money when upgrading or switching operating systems.  So, for the 2nd part of our Tech Savvy post, we’ll focus on programs that will put you back into the race by covering resources that will help you save both your money and your time.

When it comes to managing your time, you should have a calendar that is user friendly, easy to incorporate into your website, and that is simple enough to put into your daily routine.  A helpful tool that can help increase productivity is SnapAppointments.  The basic is free of cost to you.  With the minimum plan you can receive reminders via text and email.  Choose to upgrade to the premium service and you’ll enjoy features such as, client uploads, reporting tools, and more.

If you just want to have something that will help manage your time Google Calendar is another option.  All you need to do to begin using Google Calendar is create a Google account and you’re all set.  The perks of using the Google Calendar are that you have the options to sync your Google calendar to your phone and even to your calendar in Microsoft Outlook.   And just like the Microsoft Outlook Calendar, you can get updates of your team members’ appointments and meetings.  Google also offers a free trial for their business app, Google Calendar for Business.  The functions of the app allow you to do things such as, “share project calendars, add events and edit their details using your mobile phone, and overlay multiple calendars so that you can easily see the availability of others.”  It also includes, Google Cloud Connect, Google Docs, Google Sites, Google Videos, and other Google applications.

There are even cost efficient resources for technology startups.   Microsoft BizSpark can be a powerful tool for you if you fall into this category.  This is a program that not only helps tech startups, but also gives many high priced products for free (there’s that word again). However, you do need to meet the requirements in order to be eligible for this sponsor-based program.   After going thru the qualification phase, you are greeted with many free products to choose from, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, Expression Blend, and various other programs.  Expression Blend is a great program that allows you and your team to visually layout, design, and even animate your future idea.  This helps you to get a real sense of how your idea works in real world scenarios, without any actual work being done.  BizSpark is a great find for any tech startup that’s really trying to make it and once a part of Microsoft’s global program, you “gain access to Microsoft software development tools and visibility in front of an audience of potential investors, mentors, customers, partners and journalists.” (BizSpark)   This program is great because it gives software startups access to all of Microsoft’s developmental tools.  What better way than to partner up than to do so with a technology giant?

Not an established business yet, but have a great idea?  You’re in luck.  If you’re a student, still in college or high school and have a great idea but no money, Microsoft also offers up another avenue for getting your product or services out there.  This is where Dream Spark comes in.  It is another Microsoft program that gives out several programs, for free, to all students who are able to be verified.  You literally get a plethora of software.   DreamSpark provides professional-level developer and design tools to students and educators around the world at no charge.  Also, check out WebsiteSpark by Microsoft.  It “gives Web designers and developers a jump-start by providing the tools and resources needed to build great websites, free of cost.”  Taking advantage of these low cost to free resources can improve your efficiency.

For established businesses and even those that are in the beginning phases, cutting costs is always an important factor in running your business successfully.  Outsourcing your workload, projects, and anything else that you need taken care of can help increase your bottom line.  By hiring a knowledgeable virtual assistant from Pixel Office, you cut the need to pay for benefits, time and a half for overtime, and even something as small as office supplies.  We offer a wide range of services and 24/7 year round availability.  That gets rid of the need to have to schedule employees on any holidays and we will be there to help you when you need to make any deadlines, even if it’s in the middle of the night.  The rate for Pixel Office is much lower than that of other virtual assistant services.  Therefore, we are the most cost efficient choice for your business.  We also, give a 20% discount to non-profit organizations.  So let us do your work for you… we’re even the virtual assistant’s, assistant.  Read more

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