MoxieWorks

Your Best Year Ever

This is from my personal blog, but fits in with every small buisness person I know. Start celebrating the good. 

I think it is time that all of us started rejoicing in the good that happens in our lives. The big good and the little good. What happens is that we have huge plans to keep journals, write in a gratitude journal, blog, etc. The truth? We get busy and the good stuff just blends in with the everyday stuff.

Let's make it easier.

When something good happens write it down quickly on a piece of paper - any paper and put it in a jar. Put the date if that matters to you. Don't get hung up on the right kind of paper or the right kind of good thing. Just include stuff that happens that makes you smile, even if just a little. At the end of the year you will have lots of little scraps of paper to read through to remember that the year wasn't so bad after all.

To make your own jar download a set of my lids and instruction cards (there is a set for you and one for a friend). Cut them out on the lines provided. Put them inside the bands of canning jars. I used a half gallon jar, but any jar would work.

Start celebrating the good.

Shop Small Y'all States

I created a graphic for the holiday season about shopping small and posted it on Facebook, well, it has been shared hundreds of times. I realized that it was Arkansas centric so I am making one for every state.

I am adding them to a Pinterest board. Share! And Shop Small Y'all!

Related articles

Shop Small Y'all

Season of thanks

A Non Political Statement....but, Y'all....

The clock is ticking, y'all!

Shop Small Y'all

You know what to do. Support independent retailers as much as you can this holiday season. Sure, you need tech gifts and you might drift into a big box retailer, but if you commit to a percentage of items bought from independent stores, artists and crafts people you will be making a difference in the lives of people in your community. That is a MUCH better gift then anything you can find at something called mart. Do it. Commit to shopping small y'all.

Do you have a small shop? Etsy store? Put your link in the comments and I'll post them on Facebook too! Let's support each other this year during the holidays!

The To Do Files - Approaching Joy

I met Paige from Approaching Joy at the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference and was immediately taken with both her admission that she is an introvert and her beautiful photography. Doesn't hurt that she shares my daughters name, too! Beyond that she is really starting to make a name for herself in the fashion/photography world and just returned from Fashion Week in NYC. She is one to follow, for sure. As a young woman just getting started in the work world I wondered how she was getting it all done.

So, Paige, what system are you using now for keeping track of all you have to do? Online, paper, mix? My biggest problem right now is that I don't have a set system.  I have a paper editorial calendar for the blog with movable sticky notes: I post daily so knowing what's coming is crucial.  And I day "I have" but lately the more truthful statement is "I had"; since my foray to Fashion Week I've barely had time to breath so I simply put it on my Google Calendar and hope that it fits.  Everything else goes onto my Google calendar (sometimes reminders are scheduled and sometimes I forget), my Teux Deux app, or occasionally my Notes app on my iPhone.

So, you have a lot of systems going on, but what really works for you to get stuff done? When I am feeling overwhelmed I generally get a pencil and a blank sheet of paper that I divide into separate boxes. Each box is a separate area of my life (photography job, assistant job, freelancing job, blog, wedding, family, housework, etc.) so that I get a full bird's eye view of what really is priority.  By doing that, I also give myself permission to write down every single thing (even small, silly things like "get nails done" so that I am not plagued with the thought of, "There was something else."  This total brain dump allows me to really see what is most manageable.

If you are using an online program or list can you explain what that is and how you made the switch to digital?  I liked the thought that the Teux Deux app automatically updates tasks to the next day so I started putting all my "to-dos" in that program, which worked... until I realized I wasn't in the habit of consistently checking the app.  This herded me back to my Google/ Gmail calendar (which has reminders) as well as pencil and paper.

What do you struggle with to get it all done? The fact that everything I am involved in has simliar elements but is totally separate.  Example: I was checking out a Facebook application for my bosses photography business and learning different ways to incorporate it into our stream of information. During my research, another company that was using this same program caught my eye because it was vaguely related to the freelance work I do and then I was off learning about that company until I realized that while this was valuable to my over-all knowledge it was not helping me complete the task of research.

How do you reward yourself when you cross things off your list? When I was in grad school I would do something like "accomplish three things, reward of 30 minutes on the internet" but since all my work is somehow linked to a computer my "reward" became much less appealing.  Now I have my "work" and "reward" mixed together: I tell myself, "You only get to go into your favorite coffee shop and enjoy that dirty chai latte if you work there for at least three hours."  I think I'm keeping most local coffee shops running on my tab alone so apparently it's working.

Have you been successful at getting family or coworkers to adopt your to do strategy? Honestly, please see above. "I don't have a system!!"  (Thankfully it's just me and my fiance at the moment so as long as we make a point to communicate loud and often, "Hey remember I have that meeting tomorrow night and won't be in til late." "Okay, don't forget we have that wedding on Friday." it works for us.)

What is one of the strangest, funniest, odd things that have been on your to do list in the past? Jewelry pops up on my list at a strangely frequent pace for a girl who consistently wear nothing more than a wedding ring.  One time it was because I saw on Instagram that my favorite shop had gotten a new shipment of bracelets.  The last couple of weeks it was because I was working with Mae's to borrow jewelry to wear to fashion week.  Yesterday, it was for wedding pictures.   I'm hoping something super fun like, "Pick up Sotheby's package (and the corresponding mysterious & wealthy donor/ supporter) from the post office," pops up on my to-do list soon.

More About Paige: Paige is the head honcho at the blog Approaching Joy where she writes and photographs about fashion, food, and anything that seems fun.  (Okay, let's be honest: She's the only honcho, but it's okay because she's one of those people who digs alone time.  If you adore pretty things, appreciate slighty self-depreciating humor, and have a propensity to enjoy the small things in life you are probably already her friend.  If not check her out on Instagram at Twitter: @approaching_joy and her blog: http://www.approachingjoy.com

The To Do Files - Jody Dilday

I first met Jody at the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference in 2011 and was utterly impressed with how composed and motivated she was. This is a woman who is the executive driector of a busy nonprofit organization, has a family, attends church regularly, in engaged in her community, and manages to get to the gym at some ungodly hour every day. When I saw her email interview come in I was overwhelmed with the sheer awsomness of her system - so detailed, so organized.

Jody, what To Do system are you using now? Online, paper, mix?  Because I always have my email open on my desktop, I’m using the TASK list in Microsoft Outlook. I also put project deadlines on my Outlook calendar and schedule time leading up to those deadlines to complete the projects.

Wow, that is completely impressive. What really works for you to get stuff done?  Blocking off time on my calendar to dedicate to certain important tasks.  For example, scheduling a half day to “work on 2013 budget” or “complete grant report.” 

Do you keep multiple lists? What kinds?  No, unless you count the grocery shopping list.

Can you explain what that is and how you made the switch to digital?  For a long time I would sit down at my desk first thing everyone morning and jot down all the items that had been racing through my head all day.  Then, as the day went on, I’d find myself adding other notes to my To-Do list, which not only cluttered it up but it also filled the page.  Out of necessity, I’d have to turn to a clean page and, it’s true what they say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” 

Now, I keep my To-Do list in my TASK list in Microsoft Outlook, and I can still have that sheet of paper at my side to jot notes, etc.

What do you struggle with to get it all done?  Distractions (email)  and interruptions (phone calls from board members, text messages from my kids, staff questions).  I’m also prone to follow the occasional  shiny object.

Your system is amazing how do you reward yourself when you cross things off your list?  Going home at the end of the day without a million things running through my head is its own reward but the truth is, I rarely do! When I complete a BIG, BIG project – like a significant grant or grant report – I’ll go home early and sit on my deck. 

Have you been successful at getting family or coworkers to adopt your to do strategy?  I assign tasks to my staff and use the Outlook calendar to indicate deadlines for them as well.  I don’t know if they “adopted” it for themselves for other projects, but they do utilize it for those things that I assign!

Because life is full of silly moments, what is one of the strangest, funniest, odd things that have been on your to do list in the past?  When I worked as the Director of Development in another nonprofit, we utilized shared Outlook Calendars.  One of the most important deadlines I had was to have my Depo-Provera shot every three months.  My male boss told me (with a beet red face, I might add)  that it embarrassed him when he saw that appointment pop up every few months.  I told him he could either deal with the occasional embarrassment, or he could expect that I’d be taking significant maternity leave within the next year.  He opted to deal with his own embarrassment. 

Inspired? You can follow Jody on Twitter, or go make a donation to the Single Parent Scholarship Fund where she is the Executive Director.

More about Jody: Jody Dilday (@jdilday) has spent her career raising awareness and support for nonprofit organizations.  Currently she serves as the executive director of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (@SPSFNWA), where she leads a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to achieve the mission, vision and strategic goals of the organization.

Jody was introduced to blogging while on assignment with the public affairs team assigned to the Houston Astrodome during the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.  She returned home and started a “mommy blog” – purely as a hobby and virtual scrapbook.  In 2008 she decided to integrate blogging into her organization’s overall communications plan.

Jody is a founding member of Womenade of Northwest Arkansas, and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  She serves on the board of directors of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, and is a past president of Northside Fayetteville Rotary Club.  In 2010 Jody was included in the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40.”  But she is most proud of her role as WIFE to Mark Dilday and MOM to Gracie, Ethan and Genna.

#MoxieToDo

How To Get It All Done - The To Do Files

For the next several months I will be featuring people who have developed ways, perhaps thier own or maybe adopted, to get it all done. Everyone has their own system and I think it is tremendously helpful to see how other people are doing it. It isn't about you trying to compare your way or even adopting a new way all together, but to be inspired with the possibilities. Heck, if I can find a better way to organize my time/stuff/home/work/life I am on it!

The people chosen come from all aspects of life and if you would like to share your To Do List, please drop me a note and I will send you the questions. Happy to feature every kind of possible productivity option out there.

Face it, those of us interested in productivity are suckers for learning about better ways to GTD (short for the very famous Get Things Done). We might even have a bit of a problem with organizational materials, products and tools. I believe though, that we don't need to, necessarily, purchase another thing. We just need to see how other people are utilizing their tools to incorporate tips and tricks into our own lives.

So whether you are a David Allen junkie, live on Lifehacker.com, went to hours of Covey training, use the Pomodoro technique, keep multiple to do lists, are working with Outlook, Reminders, or Remember the Milk - whatever it is we know deep down that we could be doing it better.

My goal is to share people who may not be perfect, but who are currently using a system to get it all done and are willing to share those experiences with you. Inspiration - that is the hope! If you do end up adopting a method, I'd love to hear about that too. Until then, look for the first story tomorrow as we begin the journey of exploring how everyone is getting it all done! #MoxieToDo

Single Tasking Experiment - Week 4

In the last couple of weeks I have adopted three new ways of working/living: Not emailing while I am on the phone, putting down the devices when I am in person with someone, and lastly thinking before I speak. All three have serious challengers, mostly my flitting magpie of a mind, but when I actually committed to doing them my conversations were deeper, my work was completed faster, and my words seemed to have more impact.

This week, the last week of the experiment I am taking Sundays off. No phone, no internet, no Twitter, no blogging, no Facebook. I believe that we need time to not be online. We need to live our lives, not just Tweet them. So, Sunday will be dedicated to the spirit or a sabbatical. Soup will be made, life will be lived, movies will be watched, walking will happen and my spirit - hopefully - will be renewed for the coming week.

• The Rules:
• No phone, internet or ipad before 8PM
• No work unless a crisis occurs
• After 8PM I can do an overview of my coming week and check my schedule and task list

Digital Sabbatical - it's what all the cool kids are into and it is the last part of the tools I want to cultivate to work smarter.

Single Tasking Experiment - Week 2

Last week I attempted to not read my email while I was on the phone during my Single Tasking Experiment. The ONLY way I could do this was by turning away from the computer or shutting the laptop. If it was open, I was drawn to it like a moth to the light bulb on our porch. So, I did that. I walked away and focused on the conversation at hand. Better conversations, real listening, and complete focus. The change was immediate and I could feel my brain syncing with the task at hand.

Single Tasking Experiment - Week 2 - Put Down the Device

In addition to the no email while talking on the phone rule, I will attempt to put down the device during one on one encounters. This is going to be difficult. I am guilty of looking at my phone during meetings, when I am bored, while watching TV with my husband, etc. I realize, though, that by not paying true attention to the people in front of me I am being rude, not making personal connections and, possibly, damaging relationships.

"Focusing on more than one thing decreases your productivity by 40% and lowers your IQ by 10 points, according to Harvard Business Review. And it almost goes without saying how dangerous it is to multitask while driving." Matt Petrinzeo of Mashable

The Rules: Set down the device during one on one encounters.

I'll keep you posted mid week. This is, by the way, in addition to the no email during phone conversations rule. We are ADDING to the Single Tasking Experiment each week, not trying one skill and letting it drop. What do they say? 21 days makes a habit? Something like that; let's hope that is true.

Photo courtesy of People Against Distracted Driving

Pinterest for Small Business, Bloggers and Nonprofits

Yesterday I presented to The Belford Group team about using Pinterest for Small Business, Bloggers and Nonprofits, a presentation that is part of my Crash Course series that I teach Main Street communities, Chambers, and more.

You can see the presentation that I uploaded to SlideShare.

After the presentation I do a live demo, that is not included.

How to be Pinteresting - Pinterest for Small Business, Bloggers and Nonprofits:

• Pinterest Basics
  • An overview of what Pinterest is and what the terms are. "Think of yourself as a curator of your own museum."
• Let's Organize Ourselves
  • Creating a profile strategy, setting up boards, and using your own images from your own site.
• Gaining Followers
  • Email Strategy, Facebook Strategy, YouTube Strategy, Twitter Strategy, 
• Photos that Make You Go Ahhh...
  • I include the types of photos that most often are on the Most Popular page of Pinterest, yes puppies!
• The Top 10 To Gain Traction
  • Relationships, #Hashtags for SEO, and more

Then I do a live demo showing examples of Pinterest - it is a lively good time where we can take your clients and see how Pinterest can work for them. 

I will be presenting this at the Destination Downtown Main Street conference in September 2012. You can follow my work on Pinterest too.

New Business Cards Have Arrived