Archives for August 2013

Goal of the Week #29: Finish Something

DoneThis Week’s Goal: Finish something. Remember all those projects you started, because it’s summer and you figured you will have a ton of time? How many of them did you complete? If the answer is “all,” multiple gold stars for you! If you are like most people, you started a bunch and finished maybe one or two of them, while everything else sits in limbo.

This week, finish one of your summer projects. It can be a proposal, query submissions, a chapter in a book, an outline, a social media strategy, whatever needs to get done. This will give you a sense of accomplishment, and then motivate you to finish other items on your to do list. Plus, it will bring you closer to achieving those big goals.

What project will you finish this week?

Goal of the Week #28 Plan a Reunion

140-IMG_8484This Week’s Goal: Plan a reunion. It can be a lunch with a few people, a casual happy hour, or a big event. The point is to take some time to reconnect with old friends and coworkers in real life. Catch up. And see where it leads.

Last week, more than 100 people came to the first #140conf LA event in two years … a mixer in Santa Monica. The best part? There new faces along with old friends, which make the mingling even more fun and beneficial.  

Call a friend or two, plan and promote a Facebook event, or schedule an outing. Don’t shy away from being social. Business and networking work hand in hand.  And you never know who will send you your next lead or referral.

What get-together will you plan this week?

Goal of the Week #27: Define Your Ideal Client

ideal clientThis Week’s Goal: Define your ideal client. In order to successfully market yourself – your services, website, or product – you need to figure out who is your ideal client or audience. Brainstorm. Who needs what you have to offer? Who reads your website or blog? What industries are ideal? Write up a character sketch, going beyond age, gender, and profession. Describe this person in as much detail as possible – include personality, likes/dislikes, hobbies, philanthropies, anything you think might be relevant. Once you know who you should market it, it will be easier to hone your pitch, target your ads and queries, and ask for referrals.

So, who is your ideal client?

Goal of the Week #26 Exercise

Kit RichThis Week’s Goal: Exercise. One of the goals last month was to take a walk. And, while you should do that on a regular basis, starting a regular exercise regimen is another way to improve your health, clear your mind, and feel better about things in general.

Most gyms – and your local YMCA – offer a free trial, while some studios allow you to pay for one class at a time, before committing to a series. You can also go for a run, a bike ride, a swim. I know some people who change up their exercise regimen each month. Kickboxing one month, aerobics the next. I have been practicing Aikido, which I love, for more than four years. Last weekend, I added a yoga-cardio-fusion class to my summer routine. Kit Rich (pictured) teaches a free Saturday-morning class at The W in Westwood. It was fun and invigorating.

Once you decide what sort of exercise to explore, commit to doing it once or twice a week. Choose something that is manageable with your schedule … something you won’t skip when something better comes along.

What exercise will you commit to this week?

August 2013 Goals

SummerIt’s summer! So why not make some awesome progress on your passion project. Here’s a simple way to do just that. In August, do something every day that will bring you closer toward reaching your personal and professional goals. It can be as simple as making a phone call or sending a few catch-up emails or as complex as writing pages for your business plan, blog, or book.

Keep track of your progress on a daily basis. Mark down everything you do in your computer calendar or on a piece of paper with the date and action. It’s highly motivating – you will see and feel that you are getting somewhere!

It’s easy to get discouraged when you are not as far along on your project as you want to be. However, if you focus – and work consistently – you will make great strides.

What actions will you take on this month?