https://tinyurl.com/GettingThroughChallengingTImes

When the green light IS turned back on, many businesses could be inundated with work, such as Mechanics and general trades, Printers, Business Service Providers, Software Providers, Dentists, Osteopaths and other health and wellness providers, Hair Dressers, Restaurants and Cafes, Real Estate, Car Sales, Gyms, Martial Arts or Dance Schools, Manafacuturers, the list goes on and on.

Services and products that people need but were staying away from because they deemed it as non essential or could wait till this is all over kind of thing. Now these businesses may be plodding along servicing those that had more urgent needs or deemed it as essential or you may have closed all together but make no mistake when the lights go green your services will be well sought after, let’s see how it might play out.

So what do you need to be ready for when the green light is turned on? To keep it simple, you need user-friendly efficient systems that suit your business. Different businesses will have different priorities of what systems they need to create or tighten depending on the individual needs.

It’s my belief all problems result from a lack of the right user-friendly systems – systems for operations (the doing of your business), for leadership, for human resources, for finance for sales and marketing and so on.

Everything comes back to a system e.g.: –
• Got a problem with quality control, then you may need tighter operations systems.
• Got a problem with sales, maybe you need better marketing, sales and/or even customer satisfaction systems.
• Not got the right staff, then there could be a problem with your leadership or recruiting or staff satisfaction systems.

Depending on your business you may fall into the following categories once the green light is turned back on. I’ve given examples of what a difference it could mean if you are not systemised properly versus being systemised properly.

Jack Who Has Incomplete Systems (THE NIGHTMARE)

Meeting workload with in-complete systems

Once the green light is turned on Jack’s clients all want to book in at once. Jack’s business can’t keep up and demand outrides available booking times. Some of Jack’s clients can’t wait for a booking so they go elsewhere.

Worse than losing customers, Jack is disappointed because during this busy time: –
• Staff aren’t doing things right..
• He’s starting to make mistakes himself and he’s getting grumpy
• Fears the mistakes and inconsistencies could destroy their great reputation.
• He’s getting worn out putting out fires..

Reliance on the owner with in-complete systems

Once the green lights on Jack goes straight back into stress mode because they are flat out and once again everything bottlenecks at him. He feels if he doesn’t do things himself it doesn’t get done properly.

He’s all of a sudden back in the same old, same old: –
• Wearing too many hats and is highly stressed.
• Drowning in work and feel chained to the workplace.
• No one can help as he hasn’t set up systems so they can do things as he would.
• Finds it hard at times to switch off at home or on the weekends.
• Even when he’s not working, he’s usually thinking about work.
• Knows he’ll miss out on holidays due to being too busy and lack of cash flow.
• Is not enjoying his business anymore.
• Doesn’t want to go back to working for an employer, so feels stuck.

Efficiency and profits with in-complete systems

Because Jack doesn’t have complete user-friendly systems he’s frustrated because:
• He hasn’t looked at the efficiencies of the business.
• They are doing things the hard way, the long way causing high operation costs.
• He’s working longer hours and at the end of the day he’s not rewarded.
• Sometimes wonders why he has his own business.
• His employees earn more than him at times.
• He can’t take on new opportunities or pivot as he would like.
• He has great ideas but he’s too busy working ‘in’ the business to implement them.

John Who Has Complete Systems (THE DREAM)

Meeting workload with complete systems

John’s clients all book at once and because they have great systems in place they :

• Can take on more clients than they used to.
• Have the right staff and right systems.
• Even when at full capacity quality and consistency does not drop.
• Can hire more staff easily without a lot of stress or large amount of time needed in training because they have recruiting, on boarding and operations systems.

John’s customers are going away happy and they are gaining a lot of new customers as well, who either couldn’t wait the long wait time from their normal provider or weren’t happy with the service of their normal provider because the quality or consistency dropped.

Efficiency and profits with complete systems

John has efficient systems in place that ensure: –
• When something is done, it’s done correctly and not double handled
• Tasks are done the easiest way that still ensures the highest quality of service
• Staff are clear on what they need to do and their responsibilities
• Staff have a sense of ownership which leads to continued improvements and efficiencies

Since systemising and having more time to be the ‘business owner’, John has had the time and headspace to work ‘on’ the business with professional assistance and ensure that the right systems are in place for profit.

He also: –
• Has the time and headspace to pivot and/or take on new opportunities.
• He loves going to work and that reflects in his success.
• He loves the fact that he now can get out and about more to grow the business .

Reliance on the owner with complete systems

Now the green light is back on and their business is busier than ever, John is so thankful he took the initiative to systemise properly.

He welcomes the increase in clients knowing that they can handle it and the best news of all, it doesn’t mean he himself will have to work harder because the business can work well without him.

Because the business now doesn’t rely totally on him, he: –
• Has time to improve his leadership skills.
• Has time to plan properly and has clarity of where the business is going.
• Is relaxed when he goes home to his loved ones with peace of mind.
• Can take days off if needed.
• Can be there for special events for his children.
• Get his weekends back for family and fun.
• Can have long weekends and holidays where he can completely switch off.

Article written by Linda McMahon
Time Management and Systems Consultant
www.EssentialSystemSolutions.com.au
Linda@EssentialSystemSolutions.com.au
0418 991 636

With Compliments ‘Green Light ’ Session For Business Owners

If you are a business owner with 2 or more staff and you’d like to be like John, book in a with compliments 45 minute one on one ‘Green Light’ session with Linda McMahon over the phone or zoom – book on the link below.

(Suitable for business owners with two plus staff only) (Limited Time Only)

This session will allow you to: –
• Share personally what is going on for you and your business.
• Discover what your unique needs are for your business.
• Find out how you can maximise the time you have now.
• Learn how you can be ready to accelerate your business once the green light is turned back on.

Book here: – (Limited Places)
https://calendly.com/book-linda

© 2020 Linda McMahon All Rights Reserved www.EssentialSystemSoltutions.com.au

The post When The Green Light Is Turned On – Business Owners Are You Ready? appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

There are many things that will get you through challenging times; these five areas are what stand out for me.

1. Mindset
2. Core Needs
3. Wellness
4. Communication
5. Structure

1. Improve Your Mindset

I put this first because you often first have to have a healthy mindset before you will take on the other things that could help you survive and thrive in these crazy times.

What will help people’s mindset – this is such a broad answer and depends on the individual’s circumstance. Some things that come to mind for me are exercise and helping others, making plans, sorting out things, talking to friends, watch a funny show/movie/video/YouTube etc., listening to positive audios or audio books/YouTube’s/podcasts etc., watching less news/social media news etc., being in nature, reading a great book, listening to your favourite music, dancing, meditating, prayer, yoga, walking your dog, creating something – whatever works for you etc.

Many people are reporting that reducing time on social media/listening and watching the news and not constantly talking about the virus with others really helps.
*Still find a way to keep informed with the latest rules and goings on though.

However, if your in a real ‘funk’ – there is something universal that can help every person out there to get out of the funk which allows you then to implement the other things mentioned above that can create positive momentum.

It is

Gratitude

It’s important to take real quiet time here to fully connect with your heart first, because when connected to your heart then gratitude comes easier.

Different ways to experience expressing and feeling gratitude are: –
• Write down what you are grateful for
• Visualise what you are grateful for
• Fill in a nightly gratitude journal
• Say out loud what you are grateful for

It’s important to realise what comes through your heart and to recognise the true priorities/values in your life. This is a great opportunity to then reflect and keep these as a high priority when moving forward.

IF you are in a deep funk perhaps you can’t even bring yourself to do any of the above.

If that is the case, I suggest you go to YouTube and search ‘gratitude’ or ‘gratitude exercise’ or try this one that I love by Tony Robbins, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-1mxzHlEKI

Sit somewhere quiet and listen and implement and let gratitude do it’s magic.

If it only helps a little, do it again later or the next day. Or maybe read a great book or watch a funny movie or get a job done or help someone etc. and get your mind off things for a while and then try again.

Another thing that can help you is to do nightly gratitude before you go to sleep – see tip sheet here: – https://tinyurl.com/NightlyGratitudeTipSheet

And/or watch this Ted Talk or mentioned earlier Google gratitude and see what stands out to you to watch or listen to.

Once you are in a better space another thing that could be helpful in these challenging times is to decide or look deeper at or learn more about is what sort of mindset will you choose: –

According to Carol Dweck, a researcher and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of the book ‘Mindset’, there are two types of mindsets that people can have: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

A Fixed Mindset is one where you believe you have certain fixed qualities, traits and intelligence and so therefore think you cannot change.

Where as

A Growth Mindset is having a belief that our qualities, traits and intelligence can be improved and changed. With this mindset you would be more willing to put in effort and time to improve your situation.

A growth mindset is one where you may ask yourself ‘What could I learn from this?’ How can I make the best of this situation?

For many people in times of challenge another thing that can help is – Mindfulness  – it can be a really simple yet powerful strategy that has been found to have positive psychological outcomes in many studies.

Mindfulness can include specific practice i.e. completing a 5 minute mindfulness exercise from YouTube, or it can be incidental practice i.e. catching yourself getting caught up in worried thoughts and learning to observe these thoughts, accept and allow them to exist without getting caught up in them.

Considering the amount of anxiety some people are experiencing in these current times mindfulness, is a great strategy that helps us to stay in the present moment, cultivate gratitude and not get caught up in racing thoughts.

Google mindfulness and see what you are drawn to or get an audio book or read a book, or do an online course or explore the apps.  – there is plenty of information out there. Here is an example of body scan mindfulness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iDKF-TrAfE

2. Meet Your Core Needs In a Resourceful Way

Did you know that no matter who you are or where you come from we all require 6 core needs to be met?

Meeting core needs are not a want or a nice to have they are an absolute need for everyone. It’s not a matter of if they will be met but how, as humans we will either meet our core needs in a way that is bad/unhelpful for us or meet them in a way that is good/helpful for us.

*Many leaders speak about core needs in depth, for a really great explanation, I recommend you read the book ‘Elegantly Simple Solutions To Complex People Problems’ by a wonderful Australia coach Jaemin Frazer – available here. https://jaeminfrazer.com/merch/elegantly-simple-solutions-to-complex-people-problems

What are our top six core needs: –

1. Certainty – which gives us a feeling of control and security, a feeling of being safe or having     freedom of choice.

2. Variety – which gives us newness, adventure and prevents boredom

3. Significance – which makes us feel important, valued and worthy etc.

4. Love/Connection – gives us a sense of being loved/connected/belonging etc.

5. Contribution – makes us feel we add value and that we are giving back or a sense of legacy

6. Growth – allows us to feel we are improving and achieving

So I’d imagine with what is happening in the world today for many of us the normal way we met our core needs has been pulled out from under us.

We definitely have lost a lot of certainty, had variety reduced, we may get significance, contribution and growth through our job/business/community group etc. All of a sudden some of that perhaps has been taken from us or changed drastically and perhaps all the worry about loved ones and/or financial stress and being isolated and rights restricted and couped up with family members for too long may have an effect on our relationships and love and connection.

I’ve added some examples of how we could possibly meet our core values in a different way in a table I have created, however because certainty is such a huge one, I’ve added more ways you can meet the need for certainty here.

Things you could focus on that you could be certain about such as – this will end and when it does there will be some good things that come out of this, renewed appreciation for farmers, more vegetable patches, new relationships and more connection with neighbours and the community especially the aged, more empathy, less pollution etc.

Look for some hidden upsides like increased creativity and innovation, a heightened appreciation of what’s important, a deepened relationship with our families, learning new things, etc. etc.

Maybe right now at the time of writing this article you may not be certain how the government is looking after everyone or what the agendas are. However, I believe (especially if you are in Australia) that you will be looked after if not by the government, by friends or family or even by community members who are about to become life long friends.

This means that for some, you will have to reach out and ask for help, do that, this is not a time for pride or worrying about what others think of you. We are all in this together and we will help each any way we can.

To survive and thrive it helps to focus on what we do have and what we can do instead of what we can’t have and do. Yes some freedom and choices have been taken away from us but look at what we do have choices over and how can we make those good choices etc.

I created a table for those that are willing to look at and fill in to make it easier to keep on track with meeting your needs in a resourceful way. See the table, print it out if you wish and fill it out to suit. Or Draw up your own and fill in. Core Needs Table Link Here:

https://tinyurl.com/CoreNeedsTable2

Another thing you might like to do is for things that you want to do but can’t right at this moment due to restrictions etc. write them down on a piece of paper and put them in a jar or envelope. Especially things like visiting and hugging family and friends or sharing a meal/nature/hobby/quality time with family/friends/community etc.

*When this is all over you can enjoy looking through and actualising or pull out one at a time and implement accordingly.

3. Improve Wellness

Healthy Eating
I’m not a nutritionist, my view only (do your own due diligence) If possible eat: –
• As many whole foods as you can
• Reduce sugar
• Grow your own vegetables if in the right part of the world or buy organic where possible.
• Safely swap home grown food or excess food etc. (Where allowed)
• Google and do some research as to how you can eat as healthy as possible with what you have access to.

Again, do your own research. What I’m hearing a lot about is for flu season, vitamin c and vitamin d being highly important.
It’s my understanding however that a deficiency in magnesium may reduce your ability to convert vitamin D from sun exposure.

All vitamins and minerals are important and it’s best to get these via organic whole foods, if not possible google and do your own research as to what supplements may be of benefit to you.

Exercise
No excuses now as you have the time – however, things to consider are: –
• What is suitable for you? Always best to check with a health professional.
• Don’t think about what you equipment etc you don’t have, use what you do have.
• There are plenty of online ideas and free training courses on line and on you tube etc. or perhaps your normal trainer or gym is offering online programs.
• Don’t do too much too quick and plan to fail, plan to win – instead of aiming for long workouts 7 days a week, start with a short amount of time for few days and build up. Once built up you still may like to have some days off, not 7 days a week.
• Make if fun, play your favourite music, do it with others in your household, take walks/exercise in different areas (if allowed) mix it up so it’s not boring.
• Have a routine, certain time on certain days (e.g. first thing in the morning)
• Get dressed first thing in the morning in your exercise gear, that way you’re more likely to do it.
• Make yourself accountable to someone – e.g. share your exercise goals in a measurable way. E.g. Not – exercise each week (which is not measurable), maybe to begin with it’s – exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week for example.
• Give yourself a reward after exercise or at the end of the week if you fulfil your exercise goals.
• Be aware that exercising makes you hungry so have some healthy food ready and waiting for after.

Other things apart from good food and exercise that will keep you well and healthy:-
• Mindset (see other area)
• Good sleep
• Sunshine
• Good water
• Supplements that are right for you
• Health products that suit you such as salt therapy products and diffusers and oils and the like
• Yoga/Stretching etc.
• Meditation/Prayer etc.
• Other things that you think of that benefit you.

4. Improve Communication

When thinking about improving communication, here are some things to consider: –

With partners (If you have children do this first so you are united/on the same page BEFORE going into the family meeting)

Beforehand, some good questions to ask yourself and think about: –
1. Is connecting a priority to me?
2. Can I keep my attention on what is presently happening in this moment and not argue or bring up other issues.
3. Am I in a curious place? E.g. Am I curious as to what is going on for my partner or family?

Then when ready and willing to connect, ask each other what they need and what’s important to them during these times. Take turns in sharing your needs and don’t interrupt each other, really listen and ask questions like – why is that important to you? Find the need behind the want.

If it’s not possible for the exact ‘want’ to be met, see if there is another way of meeting their actual need (What is really behind the want and really explore how could that be met).

Consider using this unusual time to enhance your communication skills by studying and implementing something like: –

https://cnvc.org/learn-nvc/what-is-nvc

or reading books on communications from here:-
https://cnvc-bookstore.myshopify.com/collectionssuch

Or read/listen to books such as ‘The Five Love Languages’ or ‘His Needs Her Needs’ – both authored by Gary Chapman or ask friends or colleagues you respect what has helped them with their communication and relationships.

Or Google ‘effective communication resources’ or something like that and see what appeals to you. There is something out there for everyone, depending on where you are at.

Family Meeting With Children
Ask each other what they need and what’s important to them during the restricted or lockdown time. Take turns in sharing your needs and don’t interrupt each other, share why it’s important to you.

If it’s not possible for the exact ‘want’ to be met, see if there is another way of meeting their actual ‘need’. (What is really behind the want and really explore how could that be met).

Other Ideas and resources re children: –
• Google and see what ideas you come up with – here are some I found: –

• https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-how-to-help-children-through-isolation-and-lockdown-133990

• https://www.positiveparenting.com
(This site allows you to type in your issue and up pops an article (backed by physcologists) brilliant resources for the very young child to teenagers.

• For younger children consider putting good structure and rewards in place or a star chart or other on the fridge, some ideas only are: –

https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/encouraging-good-behaviour/reward-charts
or

https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-create-a-behavior-chart-1094765

With those outside your home, some communication ideas: –
• Phone calls and/or 3 way calls
• Facebook messaging and group Facebook chats
• Texting and sending funny things
• Try face timing and the like
• Zoom videoing or Skype
• For grandparents/absent parents/Aunty or Uncles etc. perhaps buy the child’s favourite book or two of the same book and send them one. Then you can read together over face time or zoom etc. or even just over the phone.
• Email
• Send videos or photos
• Send letters, cards or hand drawn pictures.
• Play musical instrument over the phone etc.
• Sing a song together
• Write them a story

5. Increase Structure and Clarity

This again will be totally different depending on the individual and who you are living with and what work load and pressures you have on you and where you live and what the restrictions are and so on and so on.

Keep in mind not to push yourself too much; this is also a time for reflection. Be kind to yourself and others and seek help when needed, we are all in this together.

*For other ideas on structure, again, try Google or facebook etc., many people have amazing ideas on different structures and routines they are setting up during lockdown/working from home/home schooling etc., choose one that suits you.

However, here are a few ideas that may help: –
• Go to bed and get up at normal times during the week days
• Work out some structure that suits the whole household
• Allow for downtime and head funk times during these unusual times where things are changing sometimes daily.
• Work on a project or something fun as a group and individually
• Include fun things and set up the environment to win
• Remember to also allow space for quiet time to reflect and don’t over schedule
• I myself have found I am on the phone a lot more, catching up or supporting others. I have earphones and now I’ve made it a habit to do jobs around the house whilst I chat.
• Love and accept yourself as you are right now and give yourself a break if you don’t keep to the structure.

For children also consider: –
• As per communication area: –
• Rewards/Star charts etc. to increase success rate.
• The need to be very flexible with the structure where needed.

Things to do: –

Again with the Internet there is so much you could do and learn online from languages to playing a musical instrument to drawing/painting, creating and fixing things to skills in personal development or business etc. It’s absolutely endless.

Here is another list I found that also maybe helpful: –

https://www.therapyinbarcelona.com/ideas-for-staying-sane-in-coronavirus-lockdown

Clarity

As mentioned in the section on core values, certainty is an important need and this is where structure and clarity can come into play.

A good way to create action steps and plans is to ask good quality questions. Questions such as: –

With what I have access to now, what can I be doing that serves myself and others in a way that is a win win?

You may automatically come up with all the things you can’t do but keep persevering because the mind is a very creative thing, keep asking the question and you will find the answers and direction and from there you can make a plan.

It’s not to say that down the track the plan may have to change, accept that’s OK too, ask the question again at that time if that is the case.

Out of challenging times comes innovation and new learnings and appreciations, it’s up to you if you take advantage of this time to find the gifts and take the appropriate action.

Remember to be kind to yourself, allow time for reflection and accept help and help others, we are all in this together.

If you liked this article and you are a business owner you may enjoy this article also by Linda McMahon ‘When The Green Light Is Turned On – Business Owners Are You Ready?’ – Link Here:-https://tinyurl.com/BusinessOwnersAreYouReady

The post 5 Practical Ways To Get You Through Challenging Times appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

Why You Need Systems To Get A Big Pay Day:-

Cold Hard Facts

*  Approximately 80% of businesses put up for sale – don’t sell.
*  20% that do sell, many sadly don’t achieve the price expectations of the seller.

•  Businesses that rely on the business owner, usually don’t sell.
• If businesses don’t have proven systems in place they rarely sell.
• There is never a ‘Right Time’ to start systemising. The best time is now.
• I believe baby boomers make up 80% of business owners in Australia, in the U.S. they equate to 9 of the 15 million businesses. So in the next 15 years many will be retiring and the next generation is not as large. = over supply of businesses for sale with less buyers = most prepared will reap the rewards.

Don’t Let Another Year Be Wasted!  Where To Start Preparing Your Business For Sale Or Exit?

• Strategically offload low-level tasks you the business owner shouldn’t be doing.
• Create user friendly and proven core work instructions for employees

Then guess what? Less tasks, less fires to put out, reduced time managing staff, more joy, higher productivity. = Time to work on/improve/create all other points below  for a business that can work without you and a big payday when you are ready to sell or exit. J

 For a Big Pay Day Do You Have These? : –

☐          User friendly and proven ‘core’ work instructions (procedures) for employees.

☐          Proven onboarding the right employees  and H.R. solution systems.

☐          A business that doesn’t rely on the business owner/s.

☐          Records of consistent sales and profit with an upward trend.
☐          Legal requirements and documents in place
☐          Industry standard and compliance in order

☐          Financial and accounting metrics

☐         A product or service in a growth (not declining) market.

☐         Great positioning within a niche or are well placed geographically.
☐           Visibility as one of the leaders in your field and/or a great reputation.

Celebrate an even bigger payday if you also have: –

☐          A Unique offering.

☐          Recurring income and/or future contracts and forward projections.

☐           Little or no immediate development investment requirements.

☐         Brand recognition.
☐         Valuable I.P. (Trademarks, patents, systems, testimonials, loyal database etc.)

☐          Valuable stock and/or ownership or long quality lease of buildings etc.

Essential System Solutions work personally with you to save time, maximise profits and give you back your headspace and sanity. Feel back in control with  your core systems FINALLY done in the easiest way possible.  This means you get time  for working ‘ON’ the business and precious time for your family, fun and holidays.

To discover how you can fast-track your systemisation the easy way that works for time-poor business owners,

contact Linda on 0418 991 636 or Linda@EssentialSystemSolutions.com.au

The post Big Pay Day Checklist appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

• When your not stressed rushing to get everything done before you go away
• When you don’t have to respond to work calls or emails (or only the odd one)
• When you don’t worry about what is going on back in the business
• When you have peace of mind and can fully switch off and enjoy
• When you return you don’t have a backlog of work

Why is it important to have ‘real’ holidays?

• To fully connect with your partner, loved one, children, friends, nature, yourself etc. so you can nurture a great relationship with loved ones and yourself J
• So you can fully re-charge and be more productive when you get back to work.
• To act as an incentive to be productive when you are working knowing you have a holiday coming up.
• Great memories with loved ones.
• Helps with stress and wellbeing

Imagine if you: –

• Look forward to regular holidays throughout the year
• Enjoy the process of preparing for your holiday without huge stress
• Be present and fully connect with your loved ones and have so much fun
• Be able to fully re-charge and really enjoy your holiday
• Have your business operate as you would like when your away
• Have peace of mind your clients are well taken care of
• Come back to your business relaxed and re-charged and excited about your business with minimum backlog.

You can have real holidays if: –

• You decided enough is enough – this isn’t why you got into business.
• You are determined to get time back, not only for your loved ones but for yourself as well.
• You value your relationships, health and well-being.
• Your willing to invest some time and resources into changing this scenario

How Do You Turn Things Around: –

• Get time back to work ‘on’ the business
• Seek help to prioritise and get you out of the whirlwind
• Create systems for the core areas of your business
• Engage staff in the mission of the business and in the mission of systemising

Next Possible Steps: –

As you can see if you value your sanity, your health and your family time then planning for great holidays is a must!

If you would like a free session to discover the fastest way you can future proof your business and plan the freedom you deserve then click the link below to make a time.

You’ll come away from the call with the clarity and direction you’ve been craving.

*All sessions are with compliments and are with Linda McMahon – Time Management and Systems Consultant from Essential System Solutions.

Click this link to make a time https://calendly.com/book-linda

The post Can Business Owners Have a ‘Real’ Holiday? appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

External interruptions

Step 1 – Advise Others Of Your Availability
Advising others of your availability. Firstly who interrupts you the most? Is it employees, colleagues, clients, friends or family? Think about when your most productive hours in the day are and choose a block of time in the period that you can reserve for you to have un-interrupted time to focus on certain projects or tasks.
Once decided upon, inform your availability to the main people that could potentially interrupt you.
Needless to say, good staff training and systems need to be strongly in place to assist employees to work independently for any length of time.

Step 2 – Turn off Emails
Now it does depend on your business and situation – however, if you can turn the pop up emails off and start to think about set times of the day to check your emails, that’s a great start. Many successful business people say checking emails a maximum of three times a day is ideal. This can be very hard to do in the beginning so maybe start with baby steps – once an hour perhaps or if you are very addicted start with once every half an hour.
If social media is also something you check regularly you may like to include this in your new schedule also. I am also currently looking into an app that you can actually set times to lock yourself out of social media and email. Once I have found the best one and tested it I will advise in further correspondence via my facebook page. You will find me on facebook as – Linda McMahon The Accountability and Time Management Chick or email me at Linda@LindaMcMahon.com.au and I can send you the information when available.

Step 3 – Turn Off Your Phone
Turn phones off and send the calls to message bank/answering service/receptionist etc. We all know we can just turn phones off or switch them to silent and check periodically for urgent messages, so why don’t we? Because we think we might miss out on something? Maybe it’s because we feel we are expected to be available all the time?
Many successful business people state that the benefits of having blocks of totally un-interrupted time far outweigh the odd time they miss something important. Again, it depends on you and your situation – however, a good way to reduce phone interruptions or to give you strength to turn off or divert your phone is to ensure you have tended to step number one – letting others know of your availability. If you have an iphone you can also use “Do Not Disturb’ in your ‘Settings’ area to mute notifications as calls and emails come through. The same for androids eg Samsungs go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Blocking mode’.

The post Limit Others Interrupting You in 3 Easy Steps appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

Internal Interruptions
These are the interruptions that are actually initiated by you! Checking emails, social media, making phone calls, making another cup of coffee, flitting from one task to another. Sound familiar? Read on to see how can we reduce this self-sabotage.

Step 1 – Clarify Your Goals
First things first – do you have goals and absolute clarity of what you would like to achieve? Spend some time getting the big picture first and ensure it is in line with your values. For without this, I’m afraid you are pushing a barrow uphill. How do you do this? Join my Four Day Weekend Fast Track Program, which has an amazing worksheet and session on values and goal setting – especially designed for women who own their own business or contact a friend or coach with experience with this. What ever you choose – Go For It!

Step 2– Set Yourself Up To Win
Now you have clarity over what you truly want, the next step would be to set yourself up to win. When is the best time to put aside blocks of time to work uninterrupted on your most important tasks that will move you forward? When are you most productive? Decide when this is and schedule it.

Step 3 – Set Five Important Tasks Weekly
Now you have reduced the chance of external interruptions, have clarity and blocks of time set aside to focus, a way to get more done in this time is to have clear measurable weekly goals. First set five things you would like to achieve during the week that will move you forward and break it down into what you will do in the blocks of time you have set aside –diarise or schedule it. Choose things that you normally don’t make the time for and have been putting off but are really important to your long-term results. You know what they are!

Please note, if you have not read the steps on reducing external interruptions, you may wish to read before continuing. Click here for article on how to Limit Others Interrupting You in 3 Easy Steps

Step 4 – Make Yourself Accountable
Now you have everything in place and five measurable goals set for the week it’s time to make yourself accountable on a weekly basis. This is so powerful and makes achieving your weekly goals so much easier. First find someone to share or swap your goals with and schedule a weekly check in time. However, be careful who you partner with, if they are not serious about moving forward with their goals they can bring you down. Please message me should you need assistance or a suitable partner for this process as I provide an accountability service that consists of ten-minute calls or an email service weekly.

Step 5 – Keep On Track
With everything set in place to win, it’s now a matter of just doing it. If you find yourself going off track a good thing to ask yourself is “What am I doing?” “What is my outcome?” and then refer back to your five set weekly goals. Also many successful people state that looking at your list of long-term goals minimum of twice a day will also assist your focus enormously.

Step 6 – Use Gratitude
Use gratitude to ensure you continue to work towards your long-term goals. When ever you can and especially every night remind yourself of what you are grateful for, say out loud or journal it. This helps sets you up for more happiness the next day. Concentrating on what we haven’t done or what we don’t have can put negativity in place and this can set us up for more of the same. Focusing on the good and what you have done and do have whenever possible seems to ensure more of that turns up.

Step 7 – Reward Yourself
Remember to reward yourself along your journey. Rewards don’t always have to cost money either. It could be a walk in nature, reading in the sunshine, a relaxing salt bath with your favourite music, popcorn and a movie or things like that. Things that cost money could be anything from a favourite magazine or a book to a new item of clothing or something else you’ve been wanting for a while.
Congratulations for taking the time to reduce your interruptions – I hope it assists you to reach the life you desire. Speaking of the life you desire I’d like to ask you this:

Would You Like To Discover the Secret to Four Day Weekends?
Are you a woman that runs your own business? Do you find yourself giving so much to your business, family and those around you that you run out of time for yourself?

If so, this webinar is for you.
In this session, you will find how to get off the treadmill, be paid more for your valuable skills and get time back for yourself – a permanent four day weekend.
Interested? Then register here: http://sn.im/4daywkdreg Discover The Secret to Four Day Weekends! – 8PM, 22nd of October 2013.

Those on the live webinar will be in the draw for a Four Day Weekend Program valued at $497.00 – hope you can join us.
Should you be reading this after the 22nd of October, then please get the replay from this link http://sn.im/4daywkdreplay

Or alternatively email me at Linda@LindaMcMahon.com.au and I will let you know how you can get this information.

The post 7 Essential Ways to Stay Focused and in Control appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

Make no mistake; we are hard wired to be drawn to the new, that’s how we evolved as human beings. This may have been helpful when we were cave men and women to know of everything that is going on around us all the time but it causes some problems in this age of technology.

This is why emails and phone calls are so magnetic, we just want the new, it’s a primitive urge. We also become addicted to finding the sweet thing, you know out of the ten new emails or phone messages there might be one that is really good news or a new sale and the like – something that will give us a feeling of pleasure.

Psychologists call it Variable Ratio Scheduling, as we never know when we’ll get rewarded, it’s unpredictable which is why it becomes addictive. It could be likened to say playing a poker machine and we keep checking to see if we have won. The thing is by distracting ourselves constantly, it actually delays our results and besides that – the message will still be there when you check it later.

Technology is here for our convenience, however if it is controlling you or causing you social, productive and financial hardships due to inappropriate use, or if it is causing you anxiety if you cannot use it, then you may have an addiction that needs some attention.

The post Why are you attracted to Emails, Phones & Social Media appeared first on Essential System Solutions.

Now some people may think, ‘Interruptions don’t bother me’ but may find, by the end of the day they’ve been busy all day, haven’t achieved what they wanted and feel drained.

Be aware though, we are hard wired to be drawn to the new, that’s how we evolved as human beings. This may have been helpful when we were cave men and women to know of everything that is going on around us all the time but it causes some problems in this age of technology.

This is why emails and phone calls are so magnetic, we just want the new, it’s a primitive urge. We also become addicted to finding the sweet thing, you know out of the ten new emails or phone messages there might be one that is really good news or a new sale and the like – something that will give us a feeling of pleasure.

Psychologists call it Variable Ratio Scheduling, as we never know when we’ll get rewarded, it’s unpredictable which is why it becomes addictive. It could be likened to say playing a poker machine and we keep checking to see if we have won. The thing is by distracting ourselves constantly, it actually delays our results and besides that – the message will still be there when you check it later.

Technology is here for our convenience, however if it is controlling you or causing you social, productive and financial hardships due to inappropriate use, or if it is causing you anxiety if you cannot use it, then you may have an addiction that needs some attention.

Being aware and acknowledging that interruptions are robbing you time and energy is the first step.

There are two types of interruptions – internal and external. Internal interruptions are where we are the ones that instigate changing tasks or focus. External interruptions can be phones, email and other people.

External interruptions

External interruptions Step 1 – Advise Others Of Your Availability
Advising others of your availability. Firstly who interrupts you the most? Is it employees, colleagues, clients, friends or family? Think about when your most productive hours in the day are and choose a block of time in the period that you can reserve for you to have un-interrupted time to focus on certain projects or tasks.
Once decided upon, inform your availability to the main people that could potentially interrupt you.

Needless to say, good staff training and systems need to be strongly in place to assist employees to work independently for any length of time.

External interruptions Step 2 – Turn off Emails
Now it does depend on your business and situation – however, if you can turn the pop up emails off and start to think about set times of the day to check your emails, that’s a great start. Many successful business people say checking emails a maximum of three times a day is ideal. This can be very hard to do in the beginning so maybe start with baby steps – once an hour perhaps or if you are very addicted start with once every half an hour.

If social media is also something you check regularly you may like to include this in your new schedule also. I am also currently looking into an app that you can actually set times to lock yourself out of social media and email. Once I have found the best one and tested it I will advise in further correspondence via my facebook page. You will find me on facebook as – Linda McMahon The Accountability and Time Management Chick or email me at Linda@LindaMcMahon.com.au and I can send you the information when available.

External interruptions Step 3 – Turn Off Your Phone
Turn phones off and send the calls to message bank/answering service/receptionist etc. We all know we can just turn phones off or switch them to silent and check periodically for urgent messages, so why don’t we? Because we think we might miss out on something? Maybe it’s because we feel we are expected to be available all the time?

Many successful business people state that the benefits of having blocks of totally un-interrupted time far outweigh the odd time they miss something important. Again, it depends on you and your situation – however, a good way to reduce phone interruptions or to give you strength to turn off or divert your phone is to ensure you have tended to step number one – letting others know of your availability. If you have an iphone you can also use “Do Not Disturb’ in your ‘Settings’ area to mute notifications as calls and emails come through. The same for androids eg Samsungs go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Blocking mode’.

Internal Interruptions
These are the interruptions that are actually initiated by you! Checking emails, social media, making phone calls, making another cup of coffee, flitting from one task to another. Sound familiar? Read on to see how can we reduce this self-sabotage.

Internal Interruptions Step 1 – Clarify Your Goals
First things first – do you have goals and absolute clarity of what you would like to achieve? Spend some time getting the big picture first and ensure it is in line with your values. For without this, I’m afraid you are pushing a barrow uphill. How do you do this? Join my Four Day Weekend Fast Track Program, which has an amazing worksheet and session on values and goal setting – especially designed for women who own their own business or contact a friend or coach with experience with this. What ever you choose – Go For It!

Internal Interruptions Step 2 – Set Yourself Up To Win
Now you have clarity over what you truly want, the next step would be to set yourself up to win. When is the best time to put aside blocks of time to work uninterrupted on your most important tasks that will move you forward? When are you most productive? Decide when this is and schedule it.

Internal Interruptions Step 3– Set Five Important Tasks Weekly
Now you have reduced the chance of external interruptions, have clarity and blocks of time set aside to focus, a way to get more done in this time is to have clear measurable weekly goals. First set five things you would like to achieve during the week that will move you forward and break it down into what you will do in the blocks of time you have set aside –diarise or schedule it. Choose things that you normally don’t make the time for and have been putting off but are really important to your long-term results. You know what they are!

Internal Interruptions Step 4 – Make Yourself Accountable
Now you have everything in place and five measurable goals set for the week it’s time to make yourself accountable on a weekly basis. This is so powerful and makes achieving your weekly goals so much easier. First find someone to share or swap your goals with and schedule a weekly check in time. However, be careful who you partner with, if they are not serious about moving forward with their goals they can bring you down. Please message me should you need assistance or a suitable partner for this process as I provide an accountability service that consists of ten-minute calls or an email service weekly. Linda@LindaMcMahon.com.au

Internal Interruptions Step 5 – Keep On Track
With everything set in place to win, it’s now a matter of just doing it. If you find yourself going off track a good thing to ask yourself is “What am I doing?” “What is my outcome?” and then refer back to your five set weekly goals. Also many successful people state that looking at your list of long-term goals minimum of twice a day will also assist your focus enormously.

Internal Interruptions Step 6 – Use Gratitude
Use gratitude to ensure you continue to work towards your long-term goals. When ever you can and especially every night remind yourself of what you are grateful for, say out loud or journal it. This helps sets you up for more happiness the next day. Concentrating on what we haven’t done or what we don’t have can put negativity in place and this can set us up for more of the same. Focusing on the good and what you have done and do have whenever possible seems to ensure more of that turns up.

Internal Interruptions Step 7 – Reward Yourself
Remember to reward yourself along your journey. Rewards don’t always have to cost money either. It could be a walk in nature, reading in the sunshine, a relaxing salt bath with your favourite music, popcorn and a movie or things like that. Things that cost money could be anything from a favourite magazine or a book to a new item of clothing or something else you’ve been wanting for a while.

Congratulations for taking the time to reduce your interruptions – I hope it assists you to reach the life you desire. Speaking of the life you desire I’d like to ask you this:

Want More Time For You?
Are you a woman that runs your own business? Do you find yourself giving so much to your business, family and those around you that you run out of time for yourself? Do you want life back on your terms? If you are serious about this then:-

Book a 30 minute Rapid Accessment Session with me today,
I guarantee you’ll come away with:-

Clarity of where you currently are at the moment and you will learn how to maximise the real power of time management and strategic planning. I will sit with you, either in person, via Skype or over the phone one on one and we’ll take a look at your unique situation and I’ll advise you on all the things you can be doing staright away to get yourself up and ready at a level where you can make the changes you need to live life back on your terms.

My time is extremely valuable so this offer is not for everybody. It isn’t for someone who says they want more time but isn’t prepared to take any action, it is for those who are serious about restoring balance back in their lives and remove overwhelm and procrastination.

To book – email your details to Linda@LindaMcMahon.com.au and I will be in contact with you within 48 hours to book in your session.

Here is to you reaching your desired personal and business goals
Kindest Regards
Linda McMahon

The post Are Interruptions Stealing Your Time and Costing You a Bucket Full of Money? appeared first on Essential System Solutions.