Debra Kasowski

Can You STAND Still, Up, and Out in Your Business?

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There are times when I feel like I am running a marathon and other times I feel like I am standing still even though many things are getting done because I delegated them. Continuous consistent movement is the key in business. You can STAND:

STILL: You should always have some reflection throughout your day, your week, and your month. Take 10-15 minutes to sit in silence and even journal to clear your head of all the brainstorming that is cluttering your mind. Ideas need to be transcribed onto paper otherwise they may remain as ideas and “Poof! They are gone.” You either forgot about them or someone else followed through on the same idea. Think about some of your upcoming decisions or about the one thing you can execute that day that would make a difference in your business or your life. You can stand still for short periods of time but you must move forward – you must take action!

“Playing safe is probably the most unsafe thing in the world. You cannot stand still.

You must go forward.” – Robert Collier

UP: Not only must you stand up but you must show up the way you wished to be viewed by the world. Think about how you dress, how you speak, and how you carry yourself. How do you want to be viewed by others? What would you like them to say about you to others? Ensure that you live what you want to hear. Would you do business with you?

The other way you “Stand Up” in the world is that you stand up for what you believe in and live with integrity. It is about doing the right thing especially when in matters most. There will be temptations, obstacles, and other challenges that appear as tests. Do the right thing.

OUT: Above all to get known in business, you want to be authentic! Stand out by bringing YOU to the world. You are unique. Position yourself as serving others in a different way. There may be many marketers out there in the world but “What makes you different than everyone else?” Why do your current customers choose you? Put those reasons in your marketing. You are YOUR brand so stand out!

 List the unique qualities you bring to your business and your customers. 

What can you learn about yourself and the things you need to do in your business by standing still? What do you stand up for? How you can stand out? – Be the change in the world!

 

What Would the Power of 20 Minutes Do for Your Business or Your Life?

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Time is one of those areas that many of us take for granted one day or another. Have you ever tried tracking your time?  I have. Have you ever had some tell you where you could fit in a healthy meal or some exercise? I have. Have you ever challenged yourself to see what you could get done in 20 minutes? I have. Imagine what you could do in twenty minutes.

What would your business be like if you did the following for twenty minutes here or twenty minutes there?

  • Write a blog or an article.
  • Read a book on a subject area you are trying to learn more about.
  • Follow up with 1-2 potential clients.
  • Write out thank you cards.
  • Plan your day for tomorrow or the next day.
  • Spend 20 minutes connecting with your staff or team.
  • Map out a calendar of tweets, blog posts, or Facebook posts.

What would your health be like if you spent twenty minutes focusing on your health?

  • Go for a walk or doing some super sets of weights at lunch time.
  • Plan your meals for the day.
  • Take time to listen to music or read a good book.
  • Sit in a relaxing bath.
  • Call a friend.

What would your relationships look like if you focused on the people you cared most about?

  • Read a bedtime story.
  • Play a game of soccer or allowed your child to take shots on you in goal.
  • Listen to the events of their day.
  • Watch their favorite show with them.
  • Spend time doing what your spouse or partner likes to do.
  • Play a board game.

Twenty minutes here and twenty minutes there adds up quickly and compounded over time can yield amazing results. Empowered engaged teams, better health, and stronger relationships are a few of the outcomes. Think about what you can do in 20 minutes. There is so much you can accomplish. Set a timer for yourself if you are worried. You may enjoy yourself so much and get immerse in what you are doing you may just continue.

Do you want to improve your bottom line in your business? Would you like to improve your health? Do you want to build closer relationships with your family and friends? Get an accountability buddy (aka partner) to hold you accountable for doing something in one area you wish to improve in your life. Watch for the shift that occurs not only in yourself but in others.

 Share this blog so you can help others live “rich from the inside out”. Let me know some of your 20 minute strategies!

The Power of Your Focus Can Make All the Difference

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For those who know me well, know that I am the “facilitator of thought”, I like to know what motivates people and gets them out of the bed in the morning to live their mission. I am also famous for brainstorming solutions and ideas for obstacles and new concepts. However, when there is a break in my routine, I can even start to get off course. I was sharing all these ideas I have for my business with my husband and all he said back was, “So what are you going to do about?” He said that I have been dishing that line out to him for awhile and he thought it was a about time he could say it to me. Alright – I guess he was listening all those times I thought he wasn’t. Good reminder! 

When projects start to turn into the Bright Shiny Object Syndrome, I am very quick to regroup and get on track with FOCUS. You may have heard the adage – “Focus on one course until completed.” Great concept but sometimes we need a little more of a push or way to get tunnel visioned or in what athletes refer to as the zone.

Here are some quick tips to help you get focused and get your mind working on your terms:

  • Eat well balanced meals.
  • Ensure you are getting enough sleep. Some people feel rejuvenate after 5 hours whereas others need 8 hours of sleep. Learn what is best for you.
  • Make sure you are well hydrated. Keep some water with you.
  • Get physically active before you start your day. Go for walk or jog.
  • Plan your day either the night before or morning of. Focus on your most important subject matter first thing.
  • Work in an area without distractions. 
  • Remove an clutter in your way and have only what you need to work on in front of you.
  • Set a timer for 20 minute increments so you can focus for short periods of time. This is especially helpful when you have trouble getting started on a project.
  • Brainstorm ideas before you get started if you are needing to write an article, tweets, or blog posts. This will help you organize your thoughts.
  • Close the internet browser and shut off email notifications on the computer and your cellphone.

Not only will your focus and concentration improve, you will become more productive, energized, and even discover some free time just for you.

Do you know anyone who has trouble getting focused? Do you know others who may chase bright shiny objects? Is there anyone in your circle of family, friends or colleagues who wishes they were more productive? Please share this blog! 

Great Books: Shift Your Mind And Business To A Whole New Level

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Just as people come into your life and have an impact so are there books that have shifted your thinking with the power of an author’s pen( or keyboard) and message. I commit to reading 15-20 minutes every night to relax my mind and even stimulate ideas. When you take what you learn and apply to your business and life, your perspective on things will change. You may have heard people say, “but we have always done it this way.” Yes, and this is why they are getting the same results. If the results are great not to worry, it is when the results are not what you want them to be then there is a problem.

Here are just a few of the books that have influenced my life:

  • The Success Principles – Jack Canfield
  • Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
  • The Go-Giver – Bob Burg and John David Mann
  • Start with Why – Simon Sinek
  • Go-Givers Sell More – Bob Burg and John David Mann
  • The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz
  • Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
  • The Four Agreements- Miguel Ruiz
  • Make Today Count – John C. Maxwell
  • Delivering Happiness – Tony Hsieh
  • Smart Women Finish Rich – David Bach
  • The Energy Bus – Jon Gordon
  • The Millionaire Messenger – Brendon Burchard
  • The Compound Effect – Darren Hardy
  • The Slight Edge – Jeff Olson
  • Click – George Fraser
  • Who Moved the Cheese? – Spencer Johnson
  • The Likeability Factor – Tim Saunders

 If you want circumstance, events, or any outcome to change, you must take a look at what is working in your life right now. What do you know you are doing that is not a value add and that you need to stop doing. What is moving along but not your skillset thus not making an impact in your life or business – delegate it or drop it off the to-do list. You want to  focus on what is your greatest return on investment. Remember your investment is not only about the money you put into things but where you put your time and energy is also an investment. If you are going to be pouring your time and energy in places, don’t you want to have the feeling of satisfaction that you are shifting the way people think or do business, or even spend time with their families?

Reading is one of the most amazing things you can do to boost your creativity, stimulate new ideas, and share with others. Leverage what you learn by doing book reviews, writing an article about what you learned, emailing or sending a thank you note to the author for sharing his or her gifts, or writing a blog. Word of mouth influence has an amazing impact of how books get read. 

Are you looking to make a change? Maybe you would like to shift your thinking? Are you looking for new strategies to increase your ROI? Grab a couple of these books on the way to the lake so that you continue to create momentum in your business and life.

I would love to here what books you have read that have made the difference in your life.

 

Taste the Benefits of Writing a Blog – What’s A Blog Got To Do With It?

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A couple years ago when I started blogging one of my colleagues had mentioned that she would not start a blog because she had heard from a marketing person at a seminar that blogging had no benefit to a person’s business. Over the time that I have been blogging, I would have to say it has been further from the truth. Blogging does benefit a person’s business if done right. Guess What? She is blogging too and now recommends it to others. 

Blogging can really boost your business and create many opportunities for you. Blogging can be personal – like a travel journal or used professionally to boost a business. “Julie and Julia“, the book and the movie, is a prime example how a blog lead to an opportunity. It helped her tap into her creativity while working an office job, do something she loved – writing, and even experimented and stretched her out of her comfort zone trying out new recipes. And yes – even more people other than her mother started to follow her blog. 

Let me just share some of the benefits of writing a blog:

  • Increase your visibility – Your blog can be posted on your social media networks and to great way to get your brand known.
  • Increase your credibility – People can get to know more about what you do and your expertise.
  • People get to know you – Blogging is great way for people to get to know you and your business and what you stand for.
  • Increase traffic to your website – Use keywords that people would use to search your topic. Ensure that others have a way to share your blog.
  • Hone your writing skills – The more you write and develop your voice online, the more readers you will gain as well.
  • Develop products and services by compiling blog posts into ebooks, teleseminars, books, and workshop guides.
  • Monetize your blog – Blog about books (do a book review) and promote them through Amazon.
  • Support other colleagues or business owners – Perform a product review and promote products your believe in.
  • Share your knowledge, voice, and creativity with a greater audience than you currently do – GO GLOBAL!
Should you blog? I say “Yes”. Be mindful of your audience, blog purposefully, and have fun! You will be able to connect with other bloggers like I do during the Ultimate Blog Challenge! Are your ready to BLOG about it? 
I would love to hear why you blog!!!!