Planning-Organization-Productivity Archives

Daily gratitude in your everyday morning routine

by Michele | Planning-Organization-Productivity

It’s Sunday Funday, time to set the tone for the week ahead by exploring how planning and daily gratitude can help us achieve success and happiness. So grab a cup of coffee, and with your favorite pen in hand, let's dive into the power of intentional weekly planning and adding daily gratitude in setting us up for a successful and fulfilling week!

With all the beautiful marketing out there telling you in order to be happy, you need more and more. It can leave you feeling as if what you have in your life is not enough. Having all the new and better will lead us to be happy. Instead of chasing and needing, look at everything you already have and give thanks. You feel more pleased and satisfied when you look at all your blessings. In other words, find time in your busy schedule for daily gratitude. How do you find time, you plan it of course!

How do you set up your day to include daily gratitude?

When you add daily gratitude into your morning routine, this practice will start your day with the right mindset.

But here’s the thing, a morning routine does not need to be extravagant to start you off on the right path. Most people don’t realize that you already have a morning routine, but does your routine set you up for a great day or a day filled with chaos and overwhelm?

It’s time, my friends; grab your calendar or planner.

Why is planning your week essential? I’ve found unplanned weeks to end up being stressful and unproductive.

Because I leave it up to my in-the-moment decision-making, I can guarantee that I will not be working on the right thing at the right time.

I know, I know cut to the chase Michele.

Here are the items to include in planning a week that adds in daily gratitude.

What is your long-term goal, and what are you working towards this month or this quarter? If you’ve already created a project plan, this will be simple to know your big three actions that must be completed this week to move forward.
Schedule appointments and meetings: Block out time in your calendar for any appointments or meetings you have scheduled for the week. Be certain to include your family activities and events. This will help you plan your work around those commitments.
Set priorities for the week: I eluded to this one earlier. Identify the most important tasks or projects you must focus on for the week and prioritize them based on their urgency and impact on your business.
Break down big tasks into smaller ones: If you have a big project to tackle, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the week.
Plan your content: If you're an online business owner who creates content, review your planned content for the week. Is every ready to be published or posted for the week? Are you part of the last-minute club? No worries, I’m not throwing any stones here; while you’re planning your week, why not schedule time to create a content calendar for the upcoming week and if you’re feeling really ambitious the upcoming month.
Review your finances: Financial Friday, anyone? Look at your financials for the week and ensure you have enough money coming in to cover your expenses. If not, brainstorm ways to generate more revenue.
Take care of administrative tasks: Don't forget to do administrative tasks, such as responding to emails, updating your website, or paying bills.
Schedule time for self-care: As an online business owner, it's easy to get caught up in work and neglect your own well-being. Schedule time for exercise, meditation, or other activities that help you recharge and stay focused.
Practice daily gratitude: Of course, last but not least, Include daily gratitude into your week planning by reflecting on what you're grateful for and how it can help you achieve your goals.

Remember to stay flexible; this can be accomplished by adding buffer blocks and fire blocks. A buffer block can be used for anything your heart desires. I encourage my entrepreneurs to have fire blocks sprinkled throughout the day. A fire block is planning for the unknown. No, I don’t think the unknown will magically happen at that exact time; it allows you to shift the action items that were replaced by the unknown into that set aside planned for fire block. Allowing you the space in your calendar to adjust your plan as needed ensures your entire day or week does not get derailed.

At the end of each day, review the day and take a look ahead. Does anything need to be adjusted?

Not one minute of extra time for daily gratitude; weave it in.

Let me guess; as you planned out your week, you concluded you needed to get up earlier. If your first thought is dread of getting out of bed even earlier. Stay with me now; here are a few ideas for incorporating daily gratitude into your morning routine without getting out of bed one minute earlier.

While you are brushing your teeth, list in your mind what you’re grateful for that day.

When you’re getting dressed, this is the perfect opportunity to give daily gratitude that you get to choose from an ampule supply of clothing.

What about the food that you mindlessly eat as you hastily run out the door? What a blessing to have food for your body. Am I right?

In the car alone? Turn off what you’re listening to and take time for giving thanks and gratitude. When I’m in the car alone in the morning, this is my time to pray to God.

I challenge you to sprinkle in gratitude for one week, and surely you will begin to see daily gratitude throughout your day. All those things you took for granted, suddenly you’ll see them differently with an appreciation for what you already have.

I understand your dread.
You see, I get it. The thought of getting out of bed early in the past always was met with resistance. Until one day, I decided I didn’t want to be that person anymore. Instead, I wanted to be the person that popped out of bed early, ready to start the day.

Always Changing

Life is constantly changing; that is a fact. Sometimes it changes slowly, and you hardly notice. Other times it changes quickly and leaves us wondering why things change.

Honestly, my morning routine varies depending on the clients and family circumstances. No matter what, two consistent things in my morning routine are daily devotionals with the Bible App and gratitude.

Do you have one or two things that, no matter what, happen at some point during the day for you?

How can you start with daily gratitude?

What at that very moment are you most grateful for in your day?

As for me, most days, my daily gratitude revolves around the people in my life.

Hey, I’ll admit some mornings, I’m just very grateful for a cup of coffee in one of my favorite mugs and my warm home.

A cup of coffee, tea, or maybe you prefer hot lemon water, whichever you prefer, is not a privilege for everyone. You see my point, right?

You'll not take them for granted when you give thanks for what you already have. Suddenly, you’ll look at what you have, big or small, with a grateful heart.

Today I am grateful for my coffee while writing this post from my warm home. A daily gratitude routine sets my day off on the right foot. It allows me to focus on what I have instead of worrying about everything I do not have.

What are you grateful for today? Enjoy your day; I appreciate you!

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What do you use for cloud storage?

by Michele Duwe, Miss Task | Planning-Organization-Productivity

The content you’re creating in your business is important and ought to be safeguarded. In order to prevent data loss, what type of cloud storage do you use?

Are you struggling to keep your business content organized and safeguarded? As a business owner, your content is valuable and should be protected from data loss. But how can you do this without wasting too much time? One easy solution is cloud storage. By utilizing cloud storage, you can safeguard your content and prevent data loss without the hassle of backup methods from the past. You know, those external hard drives and thumb drives with limited storage sizes. Or worse yet, are you not backing up your content to the cloud? Let me ask, what are you using for cloud storage? It's time to start protecting your business content and ensuring your hard work isn't wasted.

Cloud Store for your digital content

Are you looking for a reliable and efficient way to store your digital content? Cloud storage solutions have been around for a hot minute. However, I’m always surprised when I come across a client whose only means of saving content is on a local computer.

Is this you? I encourage you to find a digital storage solution ASAP. By implementing cloud storage, you’ll not only have the benefit of backing up to the cloud, but it will also make it very simple to share with your team. Even if it is just you right now, this will set you up for success when bringing on your first hire in your online business.

By the way, yes, I 100% consider your cloud storage a content system. It is a system that safeguards all your hard work.

The importance of protecting your business content

Why it’s important to back up your content in one consistent place for your online business. With many options today, your content will back up automatically to the cloud. As a bonus, it will look the same on your computer as it does in the cloud.

Why is choosing one consistent place? Using one place prevents you from losing files and searching in multiple drives to find your content. It goes back to the confused mind.

One storage system.

What are your options for cloud storage?

There are several popular cloud storage options for online businesses, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Google Drive: One of my business solutions is Google Workspace includes Google Drive. When I began in 2016, it was an easier option than paying for a Microsoft license. What is great about Google Drive is it allows you to integrate seamlessly with other Google apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Plus, it works well with Canva.

Dropbox: I’ve had a handful of clients use Dropbox as a cloud storage platform. They provide businesses with a secure and reliable way to store and share files. They have various pricing plans and features such as file recovery, version history, and team collaboration tools.

Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft. It offers businesses a centralized platform to store and share files, collaborate with team members, and access files from any device.

Amazon S3: Amazon S3 is a cloud storage service that provides businesses with a highly scalable and secure way to store and retrieve data. It is designed for large-scale businesses requiring a high-performance, flexible, cost-effective storage solution. Amazon is not one that I’ve worked with in the past.

iCloud: iCloud is a cloud storage service provided by Apple. It allows businesses to store and share files, photos, and documents across multiple Apple devices, including Macs, iPhones, and iPads. Since I have all Apple devices, yes, I also have iCloud as a backup to my backup.

Box: Box is a cloud storage and collaboration platform that offers businesses a secure and scalable way to store, share, and collaborate on files. Protecting your sensitive file is a top priority. Box has e-signatures for all your contracts and agreements. It offers workflow automation, advanced security and compliance, and custom branding features.

Ultimately, the choice of cloud storage provider for your online business will depend on the size of your business, the type of data being stored, and the specific features and capabilities. As they all seem to have their own little niche in the marketplace.

Book A Mini Session: 30-Minute Mini Session to figure out the best project management system for your Online Business Content Marketing System, PLUS a template to get you started!

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Systems! Does your online business have systems in place?

by Michele | Planning-Organization-Productivity

As an entrepreneur, you know that running an online business is not for the faint at heart. This is especially true when you're running a household and family alongside it. From managing a small and mighty team to working with clients, there are endless tasks that you need to take care of to ensure that your online business runs smoothly. However, have you ever considered the importance of having systems in place?

Systems Aren’t Really That Overwhelming

Before you zone out on me, yes, a system is a set of processes, procedures, and workflows I get that aren’t the most fun words. Heck, even the word procedure stresses me out a little bit. In the end, all those words help your business do things systematically and efficiently.

Your plate is full, and your system can make your life easier. Besides, consider procedures as a guideline for making better decisions.

Without systems, your online business will likely feel stressful, overwhelming, and disorganized.

Have I sold you on systems yet?

How can you get behind systems? What if we explore the importance of having systems in place for your online business? We can chat about the benefits of having systems, the types that may be helpful, and how to start creating or improving your systems. I will be your tour guide through implementing effective online business systems so you can succeed.

Define the importance of systems in an online business.

As an online business owner, one of the most crucial aspects of your success is having systems to get stuff done.

Yep, that is the whole point.

By implementing proper systems, you can organize and streamline your business without throwing spaghetti at the wall, which will help you and your team work efficiently and effectively.

With systems, tasks can be done consistently, reducing errors and making it easier to delegate responsibilities. Systems also provide clarity, helping everyone understand their roles and responsibilities and making it simple for new team members to onboard.

Do you see how huge it is to have systems in place?

Not yet? What if I tell you that systems save your business money in the long run? How about now? Do you see the benefits of putting systems in place?

Is your online business going to survive and thrive without them?

Without them, you already know you’re overwhelmed and inefficient in running your family, household, and online business. We all have the same time in the day, and every minute counts.

When you have established systems, you can streamline your operations and eliminate wasted time and resources. Without systems, it's easy to become overwhelmed and miss important deadlines or opportunities. I’m not sure about you, but if I do not know exactly what I need to work on when I sit down at my desk, I will scramble to get the important things done at the end of the day.

Is your online business going to survive and thrive without them?

Without them, you already know you’re overwhelmed and inefficient in running your family, household, and online business. We all have the same time in the day, and every minute counts.

When you have established systems, you can streamline your operations and eliminate wasted time and resources. Without systems, it's easy to become overwhelmed and miss important deadlines or opportunities. I’m not sure about you, but if I do not know exactly what I need to work on when I sit down at my desk, I will scramble to get the important things done at the end of the day.

Create A Process For Everything

Having processes for everything from customer service and scheduling to marketing and accounting allows you to focus your time and energy on what's most important – spending time with your family.

Additionally, with clear systems and guidelines, it's easier to delegate tasks to team members and ensure everyone is on the same page.

In short, having systems in place is critical for the success and sustainability of your online business.

Essential Systems for an online business

Now you're wondering what the best systems are to get started.

Here are three key areas to get started.

1. Project management: You’ll hear me talk about this until the cows come home. A good project management tool helps you know what needs to be done, by whom, and when. It will keep everyone on the same page without communicating every task daily.

If you want to work part-time hours with a full-time income, this is nonnegotiable in your online business. Finding the right PM tool for how you think is essential because a confused mine will not follow through on the implementation. Examples include Asana, Trello, ClickUp, and MeisterTask. One that I’ve not mentioned before is Teamwork; this is also an amazing tool.

2. Client Onboarding and Management: A system that can help you keep track of client interactions, manage leads, and follow-up emails.

What's great if you have a system for this. Your virtual assistant will be able to do most of this work for you besides having the actual coaching session with your client. I want you to imagine it; your virtual assistant takes all the recordings from your calls with your clients.

Breaks out all the action items for you and your client, then assigns those as a task in your project management system to you or your client. Everybody knows what needs to be done and the date that it needs to be done.

Do you see how huge that is for you and your business?

3. Content Management: This would not be the Content Systems for growth show. If I didn't talk about content management. Do a quick mindmap of all the areas in your business that have to do with your content management. It’s a lot, Friend.

Your Content Management Systems may include, the workflow for your long-form and short-form content. All your free offers, email marketing, and pitch packets. What about podcast promo kits you send out to your show guests? Spreadsheets with links to all your content. A process for rewriting, reposting, and repurposing older content. We know Google likes it when we refresh our content.

When I did a quick mind map I came up with over 20 systems to create for content management alone.

4. Gathering Testimonials: We all love social proof. That’s why testimonials are so important to the growth of your online business. By having a procedure in place to be able to gather testimonials from your clients after you worked with them.

Do you see how huge that is? Or maybe at the end of your coaching, you actually ask for a testimonial, and then you can have a recorded one that you can share on your social media channels or on your website.

By implementing these systems, online business owners can streamline workflows, improve communication, and ultimately enhance the customer experience. Don't let your business fall behind by not having these key systems in place.

Tips for implementing systems effectively

In order to grow your business and manage tasks efficiently, you must implement systems.

It is not enough to have systems in place – you need to ensure that they are being used and implemented effectively.

To get the most out of your systems, clearly define your goals and establish measurable metrics to track progress.

Next, assign specific roles and responsibilities to team members involved in the implementation process to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Be a good manager, keeping in touch with your team members, and encouraging them to ask questions and share feedback is also essential.

Finally, consistently review and refine your systems to ensure they meet your needs and contribute to your online business's overall success.

Remember, systems are designed to help you get stuff done more efficiently. Put them into practice and reap the rewards of a well-organized and optimized online business.

The role of systems in ensuring long-term success and growth for an online business.

The success and growth of any online business depend on the ability to set up systems to accomplish tasks efficiently.

Systems can help simplify and streamline business operations, reduce costly errors, and ensure consistency in execution. Guess what else, it frees up your valuable time to focus on your business growth and doing the things that only you can do in your business.

Effective systems can range from scheduling and managing tasks to tracking and analyzing business data to automating sales and marketing processes.

Having well-defined systems in place can help an online business owner stay organized, establish workflows, and enable the delegation of tasks, both to you and your team.

This allows for better management of resources and creates opportunities for scaling up the business in the future.

if you are an online business owner and have not yet established systems, it is time to do so. What are you waiting for? Because this is going to take your business to the next level.

Having organized systems in place is a game-changing factor in the success of your online business. It saves time. It minimizes your errors.

And it allows for the effective delegation of tasks, not only to you but also to your team members. You'll know exactly what you need to do every single day. When you sit down at your desk.

Is it hard to implement systems? Yes, it will take time. But I promise it is time that you will get back tenfold. Or you can continue to go on like you are now chasing squirrels, well that's hard too.

I’m sure if you’re like my past clients, they never have enough time to implement systems. And it's never going to be easy to implement your systems. But they're so worth it because they streamline your business operations. So again, what are you waiting for? Take the time to evaluate all the different pieces that you are doing in your business. And look for ways that you can create streamlined systems. So you never have to worry about what needs to be done when you sit down at your desk.

Know that working with us is an option, we offer two ways to work with us. One option is a 30-minute mini-session where we discover the best project management tool for your business. I’ll give you a template to get you started. Option two is a Content Systems VIP Day, we will do most of the heavy lifting for you. No more excuses, wasted time, or money.

I hope you have found this valuable friend. I appreciate you, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

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Little Side Note

If you're jumping from project to project and back to the first project you may want to block your time and complete one project as far as you can before you move to the next project. Research has shone that our brains really do not like to multitask they like to focus on one thing at a time.