September 2013 Goals

September 3, 2013 By

AutumnCan’t believe it’s September already. Where did the summer go? Good news is you have another four months to complete those annual goals. Bad news is … nope, no bad news. However, since summer is over, it’s time to adjust your schedule again. How many hours a week is it reasonable for you to work on your project(s)? How many hours can you commit to in September? Once you determine that, schedule that time in your calendar. Even if the time is flexible, enter a reminder in your calendar on Monday about how many hours you will work – and track after the fact – each week. Remember, hold yourself accountable for these commitments. You wouldn’t cancel a business meeting with another person, so do not cancel appointments with yourself. Good luck.

What are your goals for September?

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Goal of the Week #29: Finish Something

August 26, 2013 By

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?

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Goal of the Week #28 Plan a Reunion

August 19, 2013 By

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?

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Goal of the Week #27: Define Your Ideal Client

August 12, 2013 By

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?

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Goal of the Week #26 Exercise

August 5, 2013 By

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?

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August 2013 Goals

August 1, 2013 By

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?

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Goal of the Week #25 Expand your Social Circle

July 29, 2013 By

EB BBThis week’s goal: Expand your social circle. My favorite way to meet new people is to check out a new event or meetup group. I network … a lot. So it’s unusual for me to go somewhere where I know only one or two people. Yet that was the case at last weekend’s Eventbrite LA’s Bloggers & Bellinis. It was a great event, full of food, fun, and new friends. After the event, I followed up with many of the people I met on social networks. You never know where a new connection will lead. You just have to start by connecting.

This week, find and attend an event with a new group of people. Introduce yourself to and exchange cards with at least five of them. Good luck and have fun!

What new event will you attend this week?

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Goal of the Week #24 Join an Online Group

July 22, 2013 By

Carolyn HoJoThis week’s goal: Join an online group. Expanding your online and offline network is something you can and should do on a regular basis. It can help you in current and future endeavors. This week, join a new online group – on Yahoo, Google Plus, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This group can be for a professional organization in your field, an alumni group, or anything that relates to your expertise.

Joining the group is one thing, the next step is participate! If there is an “introduce yourself” thread, do so. Share knowledge, comment, and post, but do not self promote off the bat. Develop some real virtual relationships, first. You never know what may become of them.

This tip was inspired by – and thanks to – author Carolyn Howard-Johnson, How To Do It Frugally book series. Carolyn tries to join a new online group at least every other month.

What group will you join this week? 

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Goal of the Week #23 Take a Walk

July 15, 2013 By

Walk on the BeachThis week’s goal: Take an energizing walk. Just because you are busy juggling, work, life, and your passion project, does not mean you can’t schedule a little “me-time.” It’s important to take breaks throughout the day – it’s good for your mind, body, and spirit. So, for one break this week, instead of hitting the coffee shop or water cooler, take a ten-minute walk around the block. Leave your cellphone in your purse or pocket – I don’t expect you to leave it at the office – and enjoy a few moments outside. Don’t think of it as time lost. You’ll feel better and have any even more productive afternoon.

When will you take a walk this week?

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Goal of the Week #22 Reach Out

July 8, 2013 By

filmbreak buzzThis week’s goal: Reach out to three people every day. Through social networks – whether you are on LinkedIn or Facebook –  you encounter people you know, but rarely see on a regular basis. This week, call, email, message three people every day to check in and catch up. If that’s too much, just reach out to one a day. You never know who you can help – or who can help you – unless you are in touch.

This tip was adapted from Phu Styles’s advice as part of the FilmBreak Buzz panel (pictured, center) last month. According to Dr Taryn Rose at that same event, the average person has 16 word-of-mouth conversations per day. Be the  person to start your buzz.

How many people will you contact this week? 

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