Goal of the Week #34: Pick a Goal

GG Logo RevThis week’s goal: Pick a goal, any goal – something you can start and finish – and just do it. So many weeks we get frustrated, because we feel like we can’t seem to get things done. So this week, pick something feasible and then accomplish it. It can be a personal goal or a professional one.

Is it time to start a workout regimen? Go to the gym or take a class. Maybe you get stuck writing blog posts, write a blog post. Perhaps you need to read a draft of a book, book proposal, or presentation. Set aside time to do just that. Whatever it is that you need to do, write it down, and look at it every day until you do it. Then, decided on the next goal you wish to accomplish.

What goal will you complete this week?

Goal of the Week #33: Blog

WordPress BlogThis week’s goal: Blog. When was the last time you updated your blog or website? When was the last time you even looked at it? Do you even have a blog? If you don’t, think about starting one – it’s an excellent way to show your expertise. If you do not have a blog, or even if you do, look into guest posting for a friend’s blog, a relevant site in your industry,or both.

These articles don’t have to be long – 300 to 500 words is a good range. However, they should be conversational and user-friendly, unless it’s a high-powered trade website. Whether it’s for your own blog or another site, sharing pieces of your knowledge on a regular basis – news, interviews, trivia, tasks – is an important way you can stay ahead of the pack in your industry.

So, go ahead and write a blog post this week. You know you want to. And if you don’t, well, do it anyway.

What will you write about 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?

July 2013 Goals

run towards goalIt’s July. That means there are six months left to complete those 2013 goals. That’s right: six months remain, forget about the six months that have come and gone.

The mid-year point means it’s time to regroup and refocus. What do you want to accomplish in 2013? What do you want to get done in July? What do you need to complete by the end of the summer to stay on track? Just break down your goals into manageable parts … and they will be way easier to accomplish.

Whether you are writing a book, starting a blog, or launching a business, pace yourself and work at a steady pace. Write out your goals and look at them regularly. You’ll reach that finish line!

So, how about those July goals? Post them in the comments.

Silicon Beach Fest – Advice for Entrepreneurs

Silicon Beach Fest 2013One of the things I love about living in Los Angeles is the access to so many creative, inspiring, passionate business-minded people in the LA Start-up Scene. Entrepreneurs were out in full force at last week’s Silicon Beach Fest,  in Santa Monica, California. Presented by Digital LA, this is the second annual Santa Monica event … plus, they had a Hollywood mini-version last fall.

Below are excellent tweeted advice from #sbf 2013 … pay close to the first and last tweets. They are my favorites.

CrossCampusLA ‏@CrossCampusLA “Entrepreneurship is no different than painting. We are all artists; our medium is ideas.” #storytelling with @Micahat #SBF

Holly Self ‏@iamhollyself @msuster – great prezo! Urgency, networking, tenacity  & real problem solving. 4 most important things you need as an entrepreneur. #sbf

Julian Tyler ‏@JulianTyler The value of an event like #SBF is more than its revenue, the real value is in what people get out if it and what it does for the community.

Digital LA ‏@DigitalLA Great entrepreneurs must: accept and overcome failure, be fit, support each other, says Nely Galan, noon keynote #SBF

Alexa Roman ‏@calexity You don’t need to be a developer to get it done. Move fast and make the impossible possible. @EspreeDevora‘s advice for#startups #sbf

bLife @blife: Lesson from the wellness tech panel at the Silicon Beach Fest? We need collaboration, communication and engagement.

Silicon Beach LA ‏@SiliconBeach_LA Investor @MSuster speaking at @CrossCampusLA for #SBF. Mark’s advice: “Don’t get psyched out”pic.twitter.com/1cVNz81LRa #SiliconBeach

Kian Gohar ‏@fromthekgb Entrepreneurs are the only people who work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week. #siliconbeach #sbf #startups

Did you attend Silicon Beach Fest? What was your favorite part?

Goal of the Week #20 Be Social

socialThis week’s goal: Be social. Go to  networking event, a panel discussion, or booksigning. Going to events in – or slightly outside of – your field are all great opportunities to meet new people, expand your network, and learn something.

I recommend trying to go to at least one event every or every other week at the very least.I live in Los Angeles, and opportunities are everywhere … many nights, there are at least two to three competing events. If you live in a smaller town, you may have to look a little harder, but opportunities are there.

gold star

You can find events by asking friends, going to meetup.com, and checking your local library and bookstore. You can also do a good old-fashioned local Google search. When you are out and about, you never know who you might meet: A new friend, a potential client, or business resource. A little bit of social can go a long way. Don’t forget to bring your business cards.

What event will you go to this week?

Goal of the Week #18 Do Lunch

gold starThis week’s goal: Do lunch! Make plans to see someone you haven’t seen in a while. Have a bite. Catch up. See how you can help your friend and vise versa. It helps to get out of  your regular routine. Plus, a little bit of changing up your energy goes a long way.

With whom will you “do lunch” this week?

Goal of the Week #17: Don’t Overdo It

gold starThis week’s goal: Don’t overdo! It’s real easy to try and cram five or more days of work into a shortened four-day week. This leads to mistakes, exhaustion, crankiness. Plus, all the physical and emotional benefits of the long weekend go down the drain.

So, this week – don’t! Do not try and fit in an extra few hours on your side project. Do not make up for taking a day off yesterday. You needed it. You deserved it! Put in your regular extra time, as planned. You’ll get a full week again next week!

How did you spend the long weekend?

Goal of the Week #16 Ask for Something

gold starThis week’s goal: Ask for something. There’s value in paying things forward, just as there is value in asking for what you need. This week, ask a friend, a colleague, or a business contact for a referral, a testimonial, or an introduction. Then, offer to do the same for this person and/or someone else.

Sometimes it’s intimidating or uncomfortable to ask for help. Reasonable requests should never be a problem. Besides, people love to help. Plus, a little good karma goes a long way.

You never know if you are going to get a “yes” unless you ask. And the benefits can be amazing.

What will you ask for this week?

Goal of the Week #14 Leave Your Comfort Zone

gold starThis week’s goal: Take a walk outside your comfort zone. Starting a new project, career, or venture is all about taking risks. This week, dip your toe in the water and try something a little different from your norm. We’ll get to A LOT  different at a later time. Make a pitch call, send a query letter, or strike up a conversation with someone new. You’ll find doing things a little different goes a long way.

What will you try this week?