MoxieWorks

Ask Moxie: I Need Help Networking

Dear Moxie: I am in sales, but I hate networking. I know I should, but it seems so fake. What do you suggest I do to make it feel authentic?

Networking isn't something everyone loves. In fact, most people are really rather shy and aren't able to break into new groups easily. Plus, when we see the proverbial sales person schmoozing it may make our skin crawl. What is a person in sales to do?

My first suggestion is to join one group that is a good fit for you personally. It may not be the best fit professionally, but we will get there. If you are into service, join your local Rotary. If you like sports, join an intramural team. Do you get your kicks doing yoga? Go to a class.

The first step is to get comfortable in a group, get to know the folks in the group and start making real connections with people who also like what you like. The key to this is to go alone. I know, scary, but if you go with a friend you are probably going to sit, workout, or just hang out with that friend. Completely defeating the point of being in the group in the first place.

Now, remember, you aren't there to sell them anything. You are there to work on your skills at meeting new people, getting involved, and making friends/connections.

After you have started with that one group it is time to move onto the conference or business networking possibility. Probably the most dreaded of networking moments you have had. They were either filled with people flinging their business card at you or you sat alone in a corner. It doesn't have to be that way. I promise.

Go to the conference and make yourself talk to people you don't know. Bring 25 cards and make the deal with yourself that you are going to meet 25 people and give them your card. It is as easy as saying hello, asking them about themselves (people love to talk about themselves, leaving you the opportunity to listen and learn, and asking them for their card. When they hand theirs to you, you hand one back. (I told you this was pretty easy stuff, even for introverts.)

If there is lunch, sit with people you do not know. Sure, it is easier to sit with people you do know, but you can go out with them another time, this is your chance to get to know someone else. And again, ask about them. People really do love to tell their story and if you ask a few easy starter questions they will get the ball rolling. Sure, they may not become your bestie, but that isn't the point.

Most business, if not all business, is mostly about who you know. Period. I wish it wasn't that way, but it is. You can sit around an feel depressed because you don't have Harvard connections, know someone who is a CEO or have celeb's on speed dial, or you can get to know the people in your industry and community.

Don't think of any of this as selling. What you are doing is learning to expand your personal boundaries and letting more people in. You never know who your next contact or connection will come from and the time spent expanding your network will only help you in your pursuits.

Cross Posting From One Social Media to Another

The question I asked on Twitter was: Do you post your Facebook status to Twitter? Why?

The answers ranged from:

Bob: It's bad for businesses. It's like they view their Twitter followers as less important. Too often they ignore Twitter replies.

Chris: That is my number 1 social media pet peeve. Two different outlets. Different uses. Different messages.

Naima: No. I think they are both separate and should be treated as such.

ARFoodie:  Nope, I always write something different for FB than Twitter.

Then there was this one lone voice:

John David: Other way around. Twitter to Facebook.

Here's the thing. There is no "right way". I know, I know. More of you prefer to not link your accounts, but you can and people will. Is it the right thing for everyone? No. Is it better to craft separate messages in each media? Yes. Do we always have time for that?No.

In cases like this I like to use the best case scenario - do what is best for you and the people who are part of your circle. If they only follow you in one place and you want to make sure your message is heard everywhere, link away.

But, and this is a big but, if you are cultivating an audience in different places you need to start talking directly to them where they are. Which means no linking. So, look at who is following you - are you talking AT them or are you talking WITH them. If you are talking with them you probably need to stop the auto-forward. If you aren't engaged at all and it is more of an announcement, like from the principal of your elementary school over a loudspeaker, well then, link away.

In the mean time, go check out all those fine folks Twitter feeds! They are up to good stuff... even the one guy who was brave enough to think something different.

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Ask Moxie: Does My Small Business Need a Budget

In a new feature I will be answering questions that I get here on the blog, in email, and in real life. I get TONS of questions and figure that here is as good a place as any to start answering them. If you have a question you can leave a comment, email me or stop me at the grocery store. Whatever works for you. I, like Lucy from Peanuts, am in.

Question: Does my small business need a budget?

Answer: Yes. I KNOW that wasn't the answer that you wanted, but really, you have to have an idea of your cash flow in order to run your business effectively. It can be simple though, you probably aren't running Apple so you can get by with some quick figures and call it a day.

What you need to put into your budget:

Expenses:

Rent
Utilities
Phone
Internet
Supplies
Advertising
Labor
Taxes
Subscriptions/Memberships

Income:
If you have multiple areas of income you can have a line for each area.

Now, I also like to put a line in for considered expenses. Such as, if this is the year we are buying a new computer, camera, office equipment, etc. I like to figure that in at the beginning. Granted, things happen and you have to do it when you have to do it, but if you KNOW that will help you with planning.

Now, if you KNOW your monthly income and expenses per month you can make a column that shows each month, but if you don't that is ok. Don't let it stop you from doing a budget. Even a rough budget will help you understand where your money is coming and going. If you find during the year that you are having less/more of expenses or income you can readjust your budget.

Here is the bottom line, knowing what you have is less scary than not knowing. People who aren't used to dealing with money or have had money issues personally can often be hesitant to put it on paper, but believe me - knowing is empowering. If you ARE making a profit you will see that, if you aren't you will see that too. It allows you to make some changes. Real changes from real answers.

Even if you aren't 100% sure what your numbers are, estimate them. If you need a template I highly recommend that you search Google Drive for any number of excellent templates. Really, though, it can be in a Word or Excel document and serve you just the same.

Do you have a question? Ask Moxie! 

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My Focus for January at Work

Around here we will be focusing on the concept of Auto Focus. What I mean by that is working with schedules, systems, and creating how I want my life/work to look like. I am, no doubt, one of the lucky ones that have crafted a life working, mostly, on my own terms. 

A little back story: I worked for large corporations both in and running creative departments when we left all of that to move to a rural environment. I tried to work full time in our area, but there just wasn't a great fit - I am pretty independent. What DOES work, I am a part time director for our Main Street program and I develop my own consulting/contract projects across the nation. Because of this I am able to craft a schedule/life that is of my own design. The same, though could be said for small businesses everywhere - you get to play on your own terms.

I will be honing in on my schedule: when I work best, when I get up and go to sleep, how I fit in fitness and health, how I schedule meetings, etc.

I will be working in detail on my To Do process to make sure it is working for me.

I will be keeping track of my fitness/food with MyFitnessPal - staying healthy is a BIG deal to the solo entrepreneur - or entrepreneurs in general because there just is NO TIME to be sick!

I will be seeing if detailed schedule or a more flexible schedule works better. For instance, does it work better to do all billing on Monday's or when bills come in? Should I stack all of my meetings or are they better scattered.

My computer will get a clean up as I move files off from 2012, set up new rules in mail to deal with things automatically, and create the folders I will need for 2013.

My plans for 2013 both for my clients and myself will finalized this month and posted so I can check in on them regularly.

Basically, I will be crafting the world as I want to live in it. Granted, life throws you unexpected garbage, and all these great systems may go out of whack. I know that, but if I have an overall focus on them this month I feel like the year (and if I really start to click beyond) might just run a little smoother.

Focus Sign from Etsy Shop: ManWood

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Doing Your Own Thing Well

Using a Paper To Do List

I have all the tools a girl could want. I have my Macbook Pro, the internet, iPad, iPhone and every possible to do app there is, but what I love the most is my To Do list that I designed years ago. Between that and a composition book system (more on that later) I can structure my to do list in a way that doesn't make me crazy and actually gets things done.

The To Do List components:

• To Do: Obviously there is a place to add to do items. It features a button to x when it is done, a line to add the item and a small place to add who is for. I do a lot of client work and I like to mark that there.
• Go: There is a field for places I need to remember to go. Yes, I am in my 40's and if I don't write it down I will get too busy and forget I need to get to the library to pick up the key for an early morning meeting.
• Connect: There are people I have to connect with that day and people I want to connect with. I put them in that field.
• Sit, Write, Exercise: Those are my three personal methods of me time. I aim to sit (meditate) for 20 minutes, write long hand, and exercise every day. I don't always succeed, but it gives me a running look at where I am missing out. 
• Dates: I write the date and circle the day... just to remember when I did or when I am going to do something.
• Big Blank Spot: My list includes a blank spot because a lot of my work is consulting over the phone and I need to take some notes. That is usually what ends up in that spot. This year it is designed with my One Little Word: Focus.

 

 

 

 

 

How I Use My To Do List:

• I print out 31 at a time and clip them to my clipboard. This sits next to me on my desk or travels with me in my tote bag if I am out and about.
• I add things at the end of the day to the next day or carry over items that are not finished.
• I also add things to specific days as they come up via email or float through my concisouness as a to do. They are never big things, instead I make sure that they are actually small aspects of a project that can be done. So, you won't see the name of a festival, but you might see design a poster for that festival. Everything is something that can actually be done.
• I also try to limit the amount of things that I am doing. The reality is I can, on a average productive day get 5-10 things done. If I try to cram more than that it just isn't possible and I end up defeated. Instead, I put them on days that I don't have enough things to do.
•  You can Download my To Do list. It works. I know it seems VERY old fashioned, but it works and I can, when I use this system be extremely productive. And although productivity isn't a measure of how good you are; it is a measure of how good you feel. When I can cross things off my list, see how much I have done in a month, I feel good.

Developing Focus at Work

As you know, my one little word for 2013 is Focus. To be honest today got off to a rocky start. I have been taking semi-vacation days through the holidays and today was my first day back in the home office full time. I had my desk all ready, my email cleaned out, but, as with all best laid plans, things didn't quite work out.

The phone rang off the hook, I overslept, my egg tasted terrible, and my to do list got bigger than intended.

So.... reboot.

That is the key. Don't let a botched morning, meeting or moment ruin the whole day. Regroup what your intentions for the day were and start again.

Rebooting Techniques for Focus at Work

1. Rework your To Do list - if there are things on there that can be moved or postponed... move them. If you need to add something that is nagging you, add that. Look at your list uninterrupted and start again.
2. Get a glass of water - I know. Simple. But you are probably dehydrated so go get it.
3. Shut down social media - yes, it is a temptation - stop, cross some stuff off and feel centered and not distracted.
4. Move on - if your day is totally wrecked by a sick kid, something really crummy, or not feeling up to par... just stop and start again tomorrow. It is ok to throw in the towel when you are really toast. You aren't going to do your best work anyway. If you are in a brick and mortar and can't physically leave, do what you have to do and put the heavy thinking things off for tomorrow when your morning starts the way you had wanted it to.

Throughout the month of January we will be focusing on things that should be come auto focused - schedules, to do lists, systems, etc. 

 

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Doing Your Own Thing Well

My 2013 Word

Since 2008 our family has been choosing a theme and we may still, but I have also been choosing words for myself. Sometimes those words have great meaning all year or they fade out. This year the word FOCUS just kept sticking into my mind. I am easily distracted sometimes. By people, ideas, opportunities, moods, etc and this year, instead, I want to focus.

I want to focus writing.

I want to focus on design.

I want to focus on taking better photos.

I want to focus on meditation.

I want to focus on doing embroidery as my one craft.

I want to focus on health and fitness.

I want to focus on quality time with friends.

I want to focus on my relationship with my husband.

I want to focus on diving deeply into simple living.

I want to focus on doing good work.

It seems like a lot to focus on, but really they are all things I want to bring attention to in my life. Not to get all new agey, but I truly believe where we spend our time is where we see success. It is a pretty simple formula. 

I am considering doing the one little word project, or going it alone. Either way I am excited to bring focus into my life this year and see where it takes me.

Do you have a word for your coming year?

Photo taken at the AMAZING Therapon party organized by Evolved Mommy.

 

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Doing Your Own Thing Well

I have been thinking a lot about comparison, judging others, and not staying focused in our business/creative lives. Face it, we are distracted by the lure of social media, shopping sites, business round tables, what ever drives you away from creating your own personal magic. I believe there are a lot of reasons for that, but mostly it is fear.

What would happen if for several months we put our blinders on and created our own thing? We focused on what we were doing? We did what we were doing really well? I truly believe that we could all be doing something AMAZING.

We don't do that, and I am JUST AS GUILTY as you, because we are afraid of both failure and success. We don't hone into our true talent because what if we blow the roof off or the roof falls in.

So, how DO we do it? How do we shut off the noise and distractions if we are too afraid?

Small steps.

Start every single day with an intention to move yourself forward. It could be writing a blog post, spending a few hours on your craft, writing an amazing proposal, or just organizing your space to get ready. It doesn't have to be everything all at once, but if you start every day with a time and action dedicated to what you and your plans and do that well, you will see you move forward.

Stop comparing. Stop distracting yourself. Focus on doing your thing well. That's it. It isn't rocket science or brain surgery, although if those are your things I hope you are focusing on them! It is about shutting off the TV, Twitter, Facebook, other peoples blogs, other peoples stores, other peoples everything and focusing on what you can do today. 

The reason you have to shut it all off is because the comparison of others will kill your drive. It is a slow slipperry slope towards doing nothing. And because of the ease of social media it is super easy to see how well everyone else seems to be doing. Here's the thing, they aren't showing you their messy days. Well, they might be because that might be their "thing"... but that is another story. What I mean is they are taking photos of their perfectly done cupcakes, tweeting about their rocking business lunch with a client, posting their conference speech on YouTube... they aren't showing you the day they blew the meeting, ruined the frosting, lost the job or got the rejection letter. So you are comparing yourself ONLY to thier very best. Not their very real self.

So, just stop and spend that time that you are envying them and dive into you and your projects. I promise that you will see success. Promise.

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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