ARE YOU ON THE SAME PAGE?

By Vernalee

Are you speaking the same language? Are you listening to each other? Is what is being said matches what is being done? Why do you continue to ask certain questions when the answers should be obvious? In other words, is the person “walking the talk?” Comfortably, you should be able to take a colleague's or partner's word and vice versa at face value. Nothing beats a person doing what he/she said. Keeping your word and living up to your commitment are foundational principles. If you can’t satisfy those terms, you may as well close the book altogether. In order to make substantial progress and be in agreement, being on the same page is fundamental. If you have to see, discern, or ask what page you're on after a substantial period of time, there is undoubtedly a disconnect. Being on the same page may not be the right question; remaining where you are with who you are with may be a more suitable ask! This theory applies whether it is a personal or professional relationship. Trust is too essential!

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TIME IS MONEY

By Vernalee

Our time is so valuable. How it is used determines integral outcomes in our life. There is "never enough time in the day," is an old adage whose meaning becomes more realistic daily. Thus, we need a plan, particularly when our utilization (of time) determines our income. What's primary; what's secondary? How do we make those determinations? As an entrepreneur, making a daily/weekly/monthly plan makes sense. "If we fail to plan, we plan to fail." Four questions of relevancy may determine how our business grows.

1. What tasks make money now?

2. What tasks make money in the future?

3. Schedule money making tasks every day.

4. Delegate tasks that need to be done, but not necessarily by you.

In quick simplistic terms, the answer centers around - a what and a how. What can bring in the $$$ now; in the future; and how will it be accomplished? Time management is a science with our utilization of same equating to outcomes ... with generation of revenue being one. How we spend our time - directly and indirectly - determines how much money is in our pockets! What becomes our next step? There may be many. Do you need help? Hiring a full time employee may not be financially affordable right out of the gate, but support - be it virtual or a consultant - may be an avenue to explore.

Many of us learn by example. Oddly, some of us can't resist learning the hard way. With quantitative and qualitative measurements, eventually, we will learn that we cannot do it all ... by ourselves. When that realization clicks, we will "be in the money!" By the way, the vibrant color green is one of my favorite colors not just because it's the color of money. As we look at our earning power, it is essential that we do something that we enjoy; something that we are passionate about, and something that we are technically and professionally astute to deliver ... as we get started planning the "how's" and "what's!"

Stop looking at the clock. Let's get started. Time is money, but money can't buy time!"

Photo credit: www.inc.com;source: About.com

MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN IS SHINING

By Vernalee

Being from a small town in the Mississippi cotton belt, I love farming analogies. They are so similar to life occurrences. "Make hay while the sun is shining" is one of them. In other words, if you have an opportunity to do something, do it before the opportunity expires; do it when the situation and conditions are right! Take advantage of favorable circumstances. A good crop/harvest doesn't just happen! It takes hard work. It is imperative to cultivate and till the soil. Therefore, as they say, "Strike while the iron is hot." You never know when thunder storms and rain are in the forecast! Get busy;stay busy. Seize opportunities.!

Photo credit: www.wonderopolis.org