I’ve been sharing a video series of the 5 steps I use (and teach) to get any project done. The previous four steps involve:

Step 1- Defining Your Project’s Vision

Step 2 – Breaking the Whole Down into Manageable Chunks

Step 3 – Resourcefulness and the Power of Delegation

Step 4 – Creating Systems to Support Your Team and Project

Now it’s pretty clear that none of these steps will work if you don’t do them. Watch this video where I discuss step 5, which is about monitoring your progress and creating some accountability.

It’s true… sometimes we’re our own biggest obstacle. We get in our way – especially if we don’t have a boss – we’re not accountable so we procrastinate. One key reason my Get It Done System really works is that it gives solo-entrepreneurs the accountability and support to GET IT DONE – big time.

To see all the past videos, visit this page.

Last year I was invited to speak on a panel at a local community college to a group of entrepreneurs during National Entrepreneurship Week discussing “Success Skills for Women.” For me, it’s a joy to be on a panel, I love the interaction, the students coming up to ask questions when it’s over and the connections I make with the other panelists.  An extra perk is that I got to get dressed up and put on lipstick (which I rarely do while working from home.)

While the college market is not necessarily my target market, I’ve always envisioned myself speaking to groups of young people to share the possibilities of what entrepreneurship can mean in their lives.  During the 5-mile walks I took during my first pregnancy, I often rehearsed the talk I wanted to share to high school students telling them to be open to all the learning that came their way, no matter in what form.

Fast forward many months and I received a message from a professor of business and entrepreneurial studies from the community college. She wanted to nominate me for Connecticut SBA’s Women in Business Champion of the Year award. I was traveling a lot during that time, didn’t take in the opportunity she was presenting me, forgot to get back to her, and pretty much dropped the ball.

(more…)

Whether you’re doing most of the work yourself or working with a team – you need a system.

Watch this video (the fourth in a series where I highlight each of my 5 steps to get ANY project done) and I’ll explain why having a system allows you to focus your energy on the things that fuel your business and your soul.

Personally I love all the “nitty-gritty” details BUT I also know that for a lot of visionary entrepreneurs this is where they get bogged down. The thing is if you get systems in place, it saves you tons of time and money down the road.

In the Ready Set Resultz I hand over templates and lists so you’re crystal clear about responsibilities and timelines of your project.

What systems do you already have in place for your business that are working well for you?

Sometimes we hesitate to move forward with our business because we’re afraid that we just don’t have enough experience or skills to implement our ideas. While experience is important, resourcefulness has a much BIGGER impact on your long-term success.

Watch this video (the third in a series where I highlight each of my 5 steps to get ANY project done) and I’ll explain why knowing WHAT needs to be done, is more important than HOW to get it done.

To “get it done” you really need to learn how to reach out to people with the right resources. In the my 5-step program Ready Set Resultz, I teach a simple formula so you can figure out which pieces of the project your should delegate and which you can handle yourself. (As an added bonus I provide access to my private rolodex so you can find your own “dream team” of VAs, copywriters, webmasters, graphic designers and more.)

Which resources do you believe would help you to complete your project?

Once you have clarity about which of your many projects you’re going to focus on, looking at the whole thing often feels daunting and overwhelming. Maybe you’re considering launching a new website, creating your info product, or setting up some speaking engagements. The truth is each one of those projects (as examples) involves a lot of work. The key to maintaining your sanity, and really getting it done, is to break the tasks involved into small chunks if you want to move forward.

What do I mean by chunks?

Watch this video (the second in a series where I highlight each of my 5 steps to get ANY project done) and I’ll explain how I break the whole project down into smaller “bite-size” pieces.

You can now see how the single, larger goal is much more achievable as you work through one small piece at a time. In my 5-step get it done system Ready Set Resultz I share my secret formula (along with worksheets) for breaking down any project into manageable pieces.

Have you downloaded one of my favorite templates that helps you determine WHICH project you should be focusing on? If not, click here to download your copy for free right now.

As entrepreneurs, most of us are doing businesses on our own. Many of us, however, long for the support that a joint venture partnership provides. I believe there is so much more that can be done when we work and bring our strengths together in a joint venture. The question is – how do you create a partnership that works for both of you, as well as the communities you’re serving?

I interviewed Gina Bell, a friend of mine and the founder of GinaBellInc.com, for some tips on how to collaborate effectively and profitably. I want to share with you how you can find the “right” partner for your business and start an enjoyable and prosperous joint venture.

 

 Joint Ventures - How to Collaborate Effectively and Profitably [Metromom Podcast] [5:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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

Every once in awhile a joint venture partner will just fall in your lap. But, that’s not the norm. More often it requires a little more effort if you’re looking to find the “right” partner.

My first suggestion is to get out there and connect. It’s extremely critical to become more visible. You need to grow your network among like-minded people. To create a successful joint venture, you want to connect with people who are moving in a similar direction, share a similar goal and common interests.

I’m really happy to say that quite a few joint venture partnerships have blossomed among Metromom members and from entrepreneurs that have participated in my interactive coaching programs. These partnerships work because not only do they have a lot in common, but they’re working towards similar goals.

The next step is building your credibility and trust. You can build credibility by following up with your promises. You build trust by having the intention of giving and serving others. Your intention is, “How can I help you?” rather than “What can I get from you?”

Building trust and credibility takes time and doesn’t happen overnight. My friend Gina Bell shared that, “If you’re trying to go straight to profitability, it’s like proposing marriage on the first date. It just doesn’t work.”

Next, your joint venture need to be a win-win-win, which means it’s good for you, your partner, AND your clients and prospects. Often the missing piece is knowing how it’s going to benefit the customers and new clients you want to serve. However, if you’re clear on the benefits for everyone involved, the odds are very high that you’re going to have a profitable outcome for your joint venture.

Finally, don’t be afraid to lead and motivate your partners. People are busy. So don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and make some reminders. This can be the difference between a joint venture being spectacular and failing. Don’t be afraid to give your joint venture partners a gentle nudge.

Bottom line? The key to being successful in a joint venture partnership is having faith, being of service to others, being of value to others in your network and finding ways for everybody to win.

I’d love to hear your experiences about positive or negative joint ventures you’ve created. Please share your comments.

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

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.