It's been a big "Paperwork" time for me this week. I know you all love paperwork, right? I don't but sometimes it is critical especially when it allows you to get paid like my paperwork did (Reviewing three inch thick grant invoices is awesome).
One thing that I have focused on this week is consistency in my running. Given that the Cleveland Marathon is only 113 days away I needed to get serious about training. Just like business I have built a plan, now I have to execute. The challenge is getting my training in given everything else that is going on in my life. I decided that this week I would make training a priority and workout every day to get myself in the habit of doing it. I needed to build consistency. It is the same for business. There will always be more than enough to do. The key to success is to determine what is most critical for the success of your business and make it a priority. Once you have done that you need to schedule that activity into your day and consistently do it. After a while you will begin to see the results and it will become much easier.
My quick tip can be found in the post "To-Do Lists Don't Work" on the Harvard Business Review. Think about using a calender to schedule to-do's not a list. I know some people love lists but often times it is difficult really get the important things done when you use a list. The calender allows you to allocate time and block out other competing priorities.
Now on to this weekend's business long run. Remember these are articles that I have come across this week that would be good to look at to improve your business. Week one of my training plan for the Cleveland Marathon concludes this weekend. I have had a pretty good running week so to go out on a high note I am going to try to get 8 miles in on Sunday and read these posts:
When to Hire a Lawyer for Business Matters (and when to Do it Yourself)! at SBA.gov by Caron Beesley ~ If you are in business you need to decide when to engage and attorney. This post helps with that decision.
How Do You Know When It's Time to Fire a Client? at Spin Sucks by Gini Dietrich ~ If you haven't run into this problem you haven't been in business long enough. It's tough to do but sometimes you have to fire a client for the good of your business and your sanity.
VC funding is not a blank cheque with no strings attached at Memeburn ~ I am always amazed when people come to me seeking investment and think they will simply get a check and go on about their business...Not so.
The One Reason Your Business Can’t Afford To Ignore Google+ on Adam Schweigert's blog ~ As much as I want Google+ to succeed (Yeah I am a Google geek) I have to be honest I can't get my arms around the value of G+. Adam has found at least one reason it is relavant.
How Long Does It Truly Take For A Business Blog To Grow Big? at the Sales Lion ~ This may be the primary question anyone that starts a business blog asks. Marcus shares his story and thoughts on building a big blog.
6 Fatal Symptoms You’re in the Wrong Niche at Pro Blogger ~ Having a the right target market or niche is critical for success. To many people ignore this and struggle. Are you one of them?
Finally, here is my weekly running partner. Not really someone I run with but rather a resource I want with me to help my business. This week my running partner recommendation is Heather Whaling. Heather is the founder and President of Geben Communication. Heather is an expert at assisting small- to mid-size businesses and nonprofits integrate traditional PR with online strategies. Heather is big on Twitter as PRtini. Heather is a past speaker at the Ohio Growth Summit where she was a huge hit. You need to check out her post and video interview (rocking a cool hat by the way) about her getting started in business at My "Built In Cbus" Story. Heather is certainly someone to know to help your business.
So get out and get your mileage in this weekend so you are ready for your business marathon.