Please link (below) to join the e-mail announcement group for business events in Overland Park. Forward this to anyone you think would benefit (and enjoy!) a monthly happy hour with others doing business in Johnson County. Looking forward to strengthening connections!
Laura
Whether you are living the entrepreneurial dream or representing a large corporation, much of your success relies on your ability to manage your time efficiently. By understanding the simple guidelines below and completing each “Plan of Action” (POA), you’ll create a time management map that is sure to lead you down the highway of success!
The first step in learning time management is to know when you work. If I were to ask you, “What are your hours?” would you know them? It is natural, especially for a business owner, to think about work much of the time. It is important to “clock out” so that your work does not begin to consume most (or all!) of your functional time. If this happens, your work efforts will eventually become less focused, causing both your business and personal life to suffer.
Decide which days and times you will work and write them down! These are YOUR business hours. These are the times in which your clients can call on you and you will be able to give them the individual attention that they require.
It is a common fear that this step will cause clients to perceive you as inaccessible. In actuality, having business hours will show your clients that you are a serious business person.
POA: Write your personal business hours on a piece of paper. Keep this paper in a place where you will see it!
You’ve determined how much time you will invest; now make the most of each day by developing healthy work habits. What must be accomplished during your work day? Devise a written list that encompasses all of the areas you need to focus on in order for your business to thrive and continue to move forward. These are your “Vital Business Activities” (VBA). Your VBA might include calling clients, scheduling appointments, industry research and paperwork.
POA: Create a list of your VBA. Next to each activity, note how often that particular item needs to be done.
On a separate sheet of paper, draw five boxes. Label these boxes with the following categories: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly. Place each VBA from your first list into the appropriate box.
It’s time to map out each work day. Create a written chart of your workweek so that you can view your schedule. This will give you a clear vision of your work day, allowing you to create “power half hours”. Thirty minutes is a realistic time frame to expect uninterrupted productivity.
POA: Using a blank daily appointment log, highlight working hours for the week in 30 minute intervals. Fill in the highlighted areas with the tasks from your VBA chart that you created in the last activity. Don’t forget to schedule in breaks, lunch and personal phone calls.
Learn to be in control of your designated work time. A kitchen timer is a very effective way to be sure you stay on track. Consider a second timer to keep phone calls under 5 minutes.
Avoid tempting distractions that keep you from productive work. We call these ’no result activities’ (NRA). They are often tricky to detect, as they sneak into your work day while you aren’t focusing and manage to monopolize your time! They are likely work-related but have no true business value. These activities include, but are by no means limited to, desk organization, paperwork shuffling and office cleaning. These types of duties should be done when you do not have more pertinent tasks waiting. Once you become comfortable with your new time management plan, you will find that there will be plenty of time for all of the areas that keep your business thriving.
POA: Keep a note pad in your work area titled “NRA”. When you find yourself preoccupied by NRA, record the activity on this list. When you have completed a 30 minute work block, choose an NRA from the list and allow yourself 10 minutes to tend to this item.
Congratulations! You have developed a map to effective time management!
For more information on time management or to receive any of the POA forms discussed in this article please contact laurawynn@everestkc.net.
Article Source: http://www.flourishmagazine.com
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In addition to many traditional and social based marketing and advertising products, Black Widow Enterprises now offers TEXT MARKETING to its customers. With a 98% customer conversion rate, text blasting to opted in recipients is quickly replacing traditional e-mail campaigns; the response rate of which is typically 3% or lower. The following chart helps to explain advertising trends for 2010.
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Today we launched our first episode of Portrait Talk with Scott and Laura. This video series will be geared to the photo and portrait enthusiast who enjoys photography and likes to decorate their homes with personal portraits. Laura Wynn is my co-host and a photo and portrait enthusiast who will bring a fresh inquiring perspective to the show. I will be imparting my ideas, views and information on all things portraits and basic photography information. I’d love to hear your feedback as well as ideas for future episodes!
Watch Portrait Talk Episode 1.
Foodies listen up. The National Restaurant Association has released the top trends expected within the food and hospitality industry during 2010. In a press release dated December 1, Sustainability, Local Sourcing and Nutrition were quoted as the hottest Menu Trends for 2010.
OSI Restaurant Partners, whose portfolio of brands includes favorites such as Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and Carraba’s, has already mastered two aforesaid trends; sustainability and nutrition, in their popular chains of national eateries.
Local sourcing of goods, however, is easier done on a, well- local level. Allowing proprietors to create and utilize local partnerships has proven successful for the forward thinking company, whose Leawood location consistently ranks favorably when it comes to customer satisfaction and is known for community involvement.
Larry Kime, Managing Partner of Bonefish Grill located in Leawood, has a long history of supportive efforts within the community in which he works and his own family resides. Understanding the importance of supporting local vendors, Larry had been looking for additional local resources to promote in his establishment long before the release of the national report that slated “local wines” as the #1 beverage trend for 2010.
After a chance meeting with Cindy Reynolds, owner of local vineyard Somerset Ridge in November of 2009, Bonefish Grill of Leawood was serving local wine- and lots of it, even prior to January 1 of this year.
Recognized for fish that is flown in fresh daily as well as their signature appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp, it was important to Larry that the wines chosen from the local vineyard would enhance the flavor of the entrees and add to the positive dining experience of customers. Larry and his managing staff hand selected three permanent menu additions that will be available at the Leawood restaurant. In addition to a Chardonel and Somerset Ridge Flyboy Red choices, a 2007 Cuvee Rouge Reserve that is exclusive to the restaurant has already proven its popularity among patrons.
It’s just the first week of January, and OSI Partners’ Bonefish Grill brand already takes front runner position in many of the top 20 trends including #1 locally grown produce, #6 nutritionally balanced children’s plates and #9 gluten-free dishes. To view the entire report visit The National Restaurant Association Press Room or download the list in pdf format.
Robert and I had the pleasure of joining other members of the staff and writing contributors at the annual 435 South Holiday Party held at Portfolio on November 18, 2009. We had an amazing time and especially enjoyed watching chef Jasper Mirabile make fresh Mozzarella right in front of our eyes while explaining the origin of the delicacy! Judging by the number of “second servings” and this weekend’s reservations at Jasper’s restaurant, Robert is a huge fan of the Peppered Beef Filet, as well! Thanks to 435 South and Portfolio for a wonderful evening.
Images courtesy Living Moment Images
This is an update to the original “Shift Happens” video. This version includes facts and stats focusing on the changing media landscape, including convergence and technology, and was developed in partnership with The Economist.
Credit to xplanevisualthinking. XPLANE is an information design consultancy that collaborates with companies to create understanding.
Watch the video on YouT ube
POST EVENT UPDATE:
Thanks to all who attended the benefit and shared in the wonderful evening! Logan’s family appreciates the support and is grateful to those who donated items, cash and your time to make this event a success! On behalf of the family of Logan Jason Miles, THANK YOU!
Slices of Life: Skate City January 13, 2010
Tags: coachlite, comments, kcfreepress, Laura Wynn, retro, roller skating, skateland south, Slices Of Life
Words by Laura Wynn
Roller Skating Down Memory Lane
(excerpt)
Last week I attended my first ”School Skate Night” as an adult. Sure, the pompom display has been replaced with photos of roller derby icons, and the wishing well now houses a mini-arcade, but otherwise: a time capsule.
After lacing my worn rental skates, I grasped the hands of my four children. In chain format we slowly click, click, rolled our way to the smooth rink… Read the entire story originally published at KCFreePress
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Comments:
SatchWill says… I remember the huge pickles! One of my favorites at Skateland South. Lovely piece. Brought back some lovely memories, with a side of goose-bumps, that I’ll hold forever.
Emily says… I was really moved by (this story), and thought it was such a cool perspective. It was really neat how the fun experience of skating (and the similar nostalgic memories it evokes for all of us) was viewed also through the lens of watching your kids and how the way they experienced skating said a lot about their personalities and about the past/future- I just thought it had a lot to say in a really great way! I look forward to reading more of your articles!