I love working with people to help them take the big ideas that are swirling in their head and make them tangible whether that’s creating a product, a program, a service or a website.

Many (myself included) feel like we’ve got a book that’s just dying to be birthed. We’ve got the ideas, and absolutely know how much people could benefit from those ideas, but we don’t get the book done.

WHY? Because a book is scary, it’s big and it’s overwhelming.

I want to introduce you to  my friend Donna Kozik who shows others how to write and publish a book fast and easy to use as a “big business card.”

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It’s National Procrastination Week (March 1 – 7, 2010) so it’s a good time as busy entrepreneurs to think about how to conquer procrastination. When you work at home it’s so easy to procrastinate. Why? Because you’re always busy.

You can confuse being busy with being productive. They are not the same thing.

For me, having three children and a home-based business make for a very busy day (as I’m sure you can relate to). There are lunches to pack, carpools to run, emails to answer, and calls to make. While all these tasks are necessary for me to run a household, and care for my children, I can use them as an excuse to procrastinate important projects that will help me grow my business.

It’s too easy, and as work at home entrepreneurs we’re all guilty of getting caught up in activities that take our time but get us nowhere in our business. I call these “time vampires” because they literally take the life out of our business.

Some Examples of Time Vampires (during business hours) Include:

• Checking emails constantly throughout the day
• Answering your personal phone line (except if it’s an emergency)
• Doing household chores and errands

The solutions is to vanquish these time vampires and intentionally set aside dedicated time and focus on activities that directly impact our bottom line.

Here are some practical ways to get moving on a project you’ve been procrastinating:

• Chunk out times of the day for particular revenue-generating activities.

• Focus on only one task at a time.

• Close applications on your computer to prevent distraction.

Instead of procrastinating you’ll start using your work time more efficiently. As a result you’ll be able to enjoy your personal time—knowing you’ve already engaged in activities that are moving your business forward.

Got any tips that help you work efficiently from home? Please share them!

So often it’s easy for creative entrepreneurs to get distracted by what others are doing. You start feeling a little envious about your colleague’s new website, info-product, etc. and you think I want that too! Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for creative entrepreneurs unless you start spinning in too many different directions at once… and end up going nowhere.

Sometimes it’s about taking a deep breath and saying what do I have right now at my disposal that I can work with, that’ll be easy? What resources do I have already that I can start repurposing and repackaging?

Repurposing is taking what you already have created in one form and putting it out there in a different way or a different format.

As creative entrepreneurs we have so many great ideas we want to use, but this can lead to entrepreneurial ADD – we’re always creating but we’re not really getting things done. Repurposing is the simple solution for creative entrepreneurs.

Here are some other examples of repurposing:

• If you’ve been blogging for awhile, see if you can create an ebook based on a series of tips from your blog.

• If you have a huge newsletter archive but haven’t started blogging yet you don’t have to start writing new content from scratch. Recycle some of your newsletter articles and use them in your blog.

• Here’s one of my personal favorites, repurposing my transcripts. Sometimes I don’t have time to write an article from scratch but I’ll remember having done a teleclass on the same subject. I pull it out and have my assistant make a few necessary edits and voila I have a new article.

• Read and record articles you’ve written in the past and you can quickly create a podcast for your blog.

When you start thinking along these lines, creative entrepreneurs will find a wealth of valuable material that, through repurposing, can be offered to others. Check out my upcoming blog to see why repurposing your content is so beneficial.

You may also want to check out the MP3, transcript and highlights of:  Leveraging Your Knowledge for Profit – How to Repurpose the Content that’s in your Head (or on your Hard Drive) into Powerful Multi-Media Marketing.

Over the past year, you, the entrepreneur who wants to “get it done”, has joined me on my journey as I’ve shared the ups and downs and lessons learned. The last six months have been special because I’ve been doing a lot more coaching with visionary entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on how to get it done. So I’d like to share with you (and here’s Part 1 in case you missed it) some of the lessons learned from their perspective and mine.

 

 Entrepreneur, Get It Done Lessons for 2010 - Part 2 [Metromom Podcast] [6:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I love the change, fluidity and flexibility of entrepreneurship. There’s nothing quite like starting your own business to help you learn who you are and what’s important to you. The last six months have been special because I’ve been doing a lot more coaching with visionary entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on getting things done. So I’d like to share with you some of the lessons learned from their perspective and mine.  (also check out Part 2)

 

 Entrepreneur - Get It Done - Lessons - Part 1 [Metromom Podcast] [4:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Maybe you shouldn’t get it done. Maybe there’s a good reason why you’re procrastinating… Shocking words I know coming from me, the “Get It Done Girl”.

There will be times when you have to listen to your inner voice when everyone around you is telling you something completely different. At times like these it’s very tempting to forego your intuition in favor of "proven" strategies and techniques from “experts.”

Don’t get me wrong, I advocate listening and learning from business and marketing experts and I work hard to apply what I’ve learned. However, there are times when I’m reading a marketing book, or at a class, or speaking with my coach and I’ll hear great advice but it’s not the best advice for me. It doesn’t feel right, so guess what? I end up procrastinating about the project.

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Here we are 10 days into the New Year and I keep hearing that many are already stuck on what they’re going to get done. This morning I was interviewed by Chris Velardi at WTNH (New Channel 8 – CT) speaking about 3 different roadblocks that many confront as they start the new year.

As I put programs together for 2010, I want to make sure I’m providing you with the content that’ll make the most different to you. Please let me know what’s getting in your way to get the things done that you want to get done.

Over the past year, you, the entrepreneur who wants to “get it done”, has joined me on my journey as I’ve shared the ups and downs and lessons learned. The last six months have been special because I’ve been doing a lot more coaching with visionary entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on how to get it done. So I’d like to share with you (and here’s Part 1 in case you missed it) some of the lessons learned from their perspective and mine.

Let Go of the Outcome and Enjoy the Journey

So much of what you do as an entrepreneur is to make it up as you go along. Most of us don’t have a degree in entrepreneurship! It’s very easy when you are in that place of starting out your business to think, “Because I’ve not done it, I can’t do it.”

But if you have a passion for what you do, you keep trying until you figure out a way to get it done. A fear of failure can get in your way. If you’re overly concerned about the outcome, you don’t enjoy the journey. Just remind yourself that it’s part of the process – that there will be things that will go awry when you are an entrepreneur, and you will learn along the way to get it done. That really is okay.

You Don’t Need to be Experienced, Just Resourceful

I wholeheartedly believe that if you know what needs to get done, you can always get help on how to “get it done”. I’ve seen it time and time again. It’s because of that that I’m such a believer in being a connector. This is where connecting and reaching out to other people can be so invaluable.

Just because you haven’t done it before, has nothing to do with the fact of whether you can or can’t do it. It just means that you need to reach out to others who have that experience. It is okay to be the one entrepreneur with the questions and not the answers because there are other people around us we can get those answers from.

Develop Good Boundaries

As a mom entrepreneur who works from home, the temptation is to work all the time. You finally have the kids to bed so you naturally want to get some work done. That’s fine sometimes but boundaries are critical.

Schedule a few nights each week when work is truly turned off (this means turning off your Blackberry or iPhone) so you can connect as a couple or have some quiet time for yourself. Because you can’t “get it done” if you burned out and exhausted!

Don’t Let Go of Your Purpose

Maybe you’re business isn’t where you want it and some mornings you wake up worrying about bills. I wanted to share with you the truth – not the glossy version either. I deal with these same worries.

Funny thing is my business is on track and doing better than ever before! BUT, my husband just went back to work after a year off and we’re still digging out. I’ve got lots of “business investment” on my credit cards and I’ve utilized my home equity line to keep my business going. That’s a scary place to be. The stress is palpable.

I share this because I’m not a quitter and I will continue to do what it takes to do what I’m meant to do. (I always describe myself as a Weeble – they wobble but they don’t fall down.) You have to keep moving forward. You have to keep focused on your purpose – what your were meant to do – and then you have to keep reaching for it and “get it done”.

Sometimes You’ve Just Got to Take a Pass

I’m a big believer in teaching my kids to take responsibility for their actions. But I also know the importance of being able to bend the rules. I recently decided to give my 10 year old son a pass when he forgot his backpack. Normally I would have sent him to school without it but I felt like he deserved a break so I helped him out. (Checkout the whole story here.)

When I reflected on the importance of my giving my children a pass now and then, the message I’m giving is that I believe in them and it’s okay not to be perfect. I then thought about that same message for myself. I need to give myself a pass sometimes. I’m a far cry from the perfect mom. I do my best to connect meaningfully with my kids and instill the values I believe in but sometimes we eat crappy food, stay up too late and forget our backpacks, and it’s okay. We need permission to give ourselves a pass.

I hoped you enjoyed these lessons. I think there is a lot of value to sharing with each other our triumphs and our fallbacks. Are you an entrepreneur trying to “get it done”? I’d love to hear about your lessons learned.

What would you like to get done this year? Are you weighing your options? Maybe redoing your website, setting-up a blog, launching a coaching program, finishing your book or doing whatever it takes to find new clients…

The problem is you may not be sure what will create the best results. What will propel your business in the right direction?

As entrepreneurs, most of us don’t have a lot of extra time (and we tend to be kind of impatient) so when we think about taking on additional projects we want RESULTS.

I feel the same way. I’m a busy entrepreneur and mother of three. I don’t have time to waste either. Thankfully I’ve already outlined my short-term and long-term goals for the year (hint – a brand new “get it done” website for entrepreneurs is in the works)!

Anyway, when I’m trying to prioritize the hundreds of projects floating around in my head I use a SIMPLE FORMULA to help me determine which project will create results fast. Since we’re just starting the New Year I figured it’s the perfect time to share this with you.

I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you EXACTLY how I use my simple formula to get it done in my F*REE teleclass on Thursday January 7th at 1 PM EST (10 AM PST) -  How to Choose the Right Projects for 2010 – To Build Your List, Gain Credibility, Expand Your Platform and Make More Money. http://metromom.com/vision

You’ll discover how to:

- Figure out whether or not your project really meets your objective (and what objectives are most important for you)

- Create a clear vision for your project that meshes with your overall business vision

- Determine if your project is big enough for you (a little extra motivation to just go for it!)

- Help you let go of the bright shiny object syndrome (the things that sound fun, but won’t really benefit your business)

Here’s that link again to reserve your spot in this complimentary teleclass.
http://metromom.com/vision

This call will give you clarity on what steps to take…whether you want to build your list, gain credibility, expand your platform or make more money! Let’s get it done in 2010!  I look forward to seeing you on this call.

I love the change, fluidity and flexibility of entrepreneurship. There’s nothing quite like starting your own business to help you learn who you are and what’s important to you.

Over the past year many of you have joined me on my journey as I’ve shared the ups and downs and lessons learned. The last six months have been special because I’ve been doing a lot more coaching with visionary entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on getting things done. So I’d like to share with you some of the lessons learned from their perspective and mine.

Share your story.

When you’re an entrepreneur, it’s not your expertise (like your business degree) that people care about as much as the story of how you got to where you are today. Your truth is often your passion for wanting to help others and is rooted in something very personal to you so it’s incredibly important to share that reason why. I’ve also realized that it’s okay to share your mistakes – they are an important part of your truth so don’t be afraid of sharing them. It’s from our mistakes that we are much better teachers.

Celebrate the small things.

It’s important to celebrate each victory, each sale, every follow-up you didn’t want to do (but did it anyway) and most of all, every time you stepped out of your comfort zone. I have been following a mentor who had huge numbers attached to her programs and mine were much less. Initially, I felt I’d failed and I found myself looking at the situation very negatively. When in fact I had generated more business in that month than previous month, and had served more people. My lesson was to celebrate my own victories both big and small. Too many times we look outside ourselves to what others are doing and if we don’t live up then we feel “less” than. Who’s served by that?

Recognize and then acknowledge your gift.

As women we can often dismiss the value of that which comes easily to us. It’s almost as if we think if it’s easy then it must not be important. So many times it’s the unnoticed asset that is our biggest gift. Which is one of the reasons why I believe it’s so critical to connect with like-minded “get it done” entrepreneurs. They will point out our strengths. Don’t say, “It’s not a big deal,” – acknowledge your gift.

It’s a disservice NOT to offer your services.

I learned this from Lisa Sasevich who taught me so much about selling authentically. Selling is scary – it forces you to really step out of your comfort zone. The fact is that when you’re out there and people are learning from you and enjoying you, some are going to want more of you – be it services or products you have to offer. You can “sell” more effortlessly when you make it easy for them to see and take the next step.

Just start somewhere – action begets action.

Ideas are great – most entrepreneurs have tons of them, but implementation is the key to success. A huge revelation for many of my clients is that just doing SOMETHING, even if it turns out to be the wrong thing, is better than inaction. There is beauty in momentum. Once you start with something you’re able to improve upon it. If you take a step and it turns out to be the wrong step, then you know and can move in the other direction. On the other hand, if you never get started, you have no place to work from.

I’d love to hear the the wisdom of what you’ve learned about yourself and your business.