Is Productivity Your Enemy? It Might Be!

Here is sit on a Saturday writing about productivity. I can because I've completed all my work for the week. Yes, I have the weekend off. This doesn't mean I am sitting around doing nothing. I am using my extra time to be productive. Let me write a blog, research new business ideas, seek out old clients that may use my services- see, I'm taking charge of my destiny. Are you? I've found people who are "too busy" to accomplish anything really use that phrase as an excuse to not do anything. "Too busy" is starting to be the best excuse for people who like to dodge responsibility. But, if you are trying to be productive and just can't get it right then follow the following tips. I promise these tips will help you become more productive!

Write down your tasks- all of them. This is going to start off as becoming overwhelming. As you take count of each unfinished, yet important, task- you will begin to feel buried alive. Don't! Once you have all of your tasks on paper- number them in the order of importance. Next, write down which numbers need be completed daily, which ones have to be finished within the next week and then which ones have 3-6 month results goals. Schedule accordingly. Don't leave work until you are finished with each daily scheduled goal.

I find this method helps increase productivity, keeps you focused on your goals, and helps you not be overwhelmed every single day of what has to be done.

Need more help? I'm offering a FREE business consultation to the first three people to follow me on Twitter and DM with the word "productive".

Happy Saturday,
Twyla

Beat Your Business Competition!

People always want to know what the secret to success is. I often get asked how to beat one's competition. It is simple. Have a great product. Products and services that are loved by consumers will sell themselves. That is why you always hear of these bootstrap businesses that started with nothing and made it to multi-million dollar sales status.

Here are my top steps to beat your competition.

First, don't buy into a competitor who is stealing your thunder. Maybe you did have the first idea on a specific service. Months after launching you then notice a new company pops up and is copying your idea. Don't freak out. In fact, don't even worry about your competition. Getting caught up in what the other company is doing, even with your idea, will distract you from moving forward.

Next, stand besides your product or services. Don't discount to meet a competitor's pricing. If you stand by the quality of your products or services, customers will remain or still buy. Why? People prefer quality over a discounted price. Even in this economy women are still buying $20 lipsticks from Macy's. Quality and reputation do mean something to consumers.

Last, love what you do. Some people start businesses to make money, not create a lifestyle or career. Your competition probably is in it for the money. You stay in it because you love what you offer. If you remain passionate, people will pick-up on your enthusiasm. This passion will drive sales, increase customers and allow you to be admired as a leader in the business community!

Have you ever had a business idea stolen by a competitor? Let's talk. Find me on Twitter.

2013 Business Trends - As I See Them!

Businesses of any type MUST have a social media presence. So, it only makes sense that the top trends for doing business in 2013 would revolve around social media!

My '2013 Business Trend' predictions!

#1 - The death of traditional advertising. -
Why pay thousands on a print ad when you can pay hundreds and reach a bigger audience?

#2 -E-commerce!
Social media sites are now allowing more embed codes to drive E-commerce sales. See a product topic on Twitter? You are able to view,link and buy too. Talk about impulse buying!

#3 - Online Video replaces SEO content.
You heard it here first! More videos are replacing the all-powerful SEO game. So, make those videos now and know how and when to release them in 2013.

#4- Engage customers through gaming
That's right. You are going to be able to use Farmville to promote your brand through gamification.

#5- Google search will not be as trendy as it is now.
For a second in 2012 it looked as if content writers were out of work and luck. Not so fast. In 2013 content producers will be back at work as it has been proven that user paid content makes more of an impact when it comes to brand association and loyalty!

Twyla