I’ve been hosting a series of LinkedIn Live chats with other business owners; it’s been fascinating to hear about the person behind the business.
There is always so much more to a person than just their job title. The experience and variety of previous careers before choosing to set up their business has been amazing, and it’s these skills and talents, which aren’t always obvious, that enhance the way they work with their clients.
We talked about a lot of random topics, paddle boarding, raisins, Lego, our favourite creative chairs and Hong Kong Phooey to name just a few. There were also a few common themes, one which stand out was the passion for the work they do, this was so clear when chatting with everyone.
There are also some fantastic top tips and golden nuggets which everyone generously shared.
Here are just 10 :
1. What’s Working, What’s Not
Take note of what you are doing and how that’s working.
On a sheet of paper, use 3 columns , What’s Working, What’s Not Working, What could I do Differently?
This simple technique helps you to clarify where you are adding the most value and stops the scatter gun approach.
Keep the sheet visible so you can measure, review and update.
2. Saying Yes & Saying No
Every day we are bombarded with requests, from colleagues, friends, family or even ourselves. How can we get past the urgencies of everyday life so that we can focus on the things that are really important to us?
One simple strategy is to take a moment before we commit and consider when we say YES to something, what are we saying NO to?
By taking on the priorities of others are we moving away from our own priorities, are we getting out of flow?
3. Be Intentional With Your Time & Energy
It has recently been estimated that on average we check email 74 times a day and switch tasks every 10 minutes! According to scientists at the University of California
“when people are interrupted, it typically takes 23 minutes and 15 seconds to return to their work, and most people will do two intervening tasks before going back to their original project.”
In fact by switching between tasks rather than just finishing one and moving on to the next you could actually be reducing your productivity by as much as 40 percent.
Keep a log of all your activities, are you switching between activities & losing time and energy?
By noting down what you are doing through out the day, when you start, when you stop and how that makes you feel you, should quickly start to see patterns.
Focusing blocks of time on one particular frequency or energy allows you to get into the Flow of that frequency and really maximise your productivity.
You can set up your week to suit you, your business, your team just find a rhythm that works for you.
4. Be True to Yourself
Be true to yourself and your business, your business is you, it’s your passion. Don’t get lost trying to follow the crowd, putting on a front which isn’t really you.
“Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.
You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Wise words from top business guru Dr Seuss
5. What is it that gets you into flow?
Walking, swimming, drawing, listening to music, think about when you are at your very best and incorporate this into your day.
We often say “I should”, or “I ought to do more of”, the tip here is just do!
6. Do you suffer from comparisonitis?!…
We look at other businesses, how they present themselves on line, their success stories and can start to compare ourselves.
However, we aren’t comparing like with like.
They may be at a very different stage of their business, they aren’t sharing all the times when things weren’t going so well, they may have been in business for years and you may be starting out, they have different aspirations, different circumstances. Celebrate what makes your business unique, YOU! with all your quirks
7. Collaboration not competition
No one person can have all the answers but through collaboration, you can.
“You can’t do it alone. So don’t pretend you can.
Life changes for the better when we realise that we don’t have to know everything, and we don’t have to pretend we do. This is the reason for teams. It’s not simply about capacity; it’s about our diversity — diversity of ideas and diversity of strengths. As individuals, we are just ok.
But, together we are remarkable. When we work together, we can accomplish anything.” Simon Sinek
8. Tell Your Story
Tell your story, we can pass on so much wisdom and learning through story telling.
Digital communication has the power to reach thousands and thousands of people and you never really know who is reading your posts or watching your videos
There are many people who read your content and may not interact. Some may never comment or connect with you, others will, when the time is right.
If you have a positive message to share which can add value to others keep sharing, you don’t know who needs to hear your message but it will be more than you think.
9. Compassion and Kindness
We never know what is really going on in another person’s life so before we make quick judgements, take a moment to think from their perspective and how you can support and serve them. If we all come from a space of compassion, kindness & tolerance, our world and the world would be a better place.
10. Busy Lives, Busy Minds
Slow down to become more effective.
When you notice your thoughts racing, take a moment and consider these 3 steps.
· Calm yourself to see things more clearly
· From clarity you gain insight
· Insight inspires transformation
There were so many top tips and insights from the chats, I can’t share them all here but you can listen to the chats in full and there will be many more to come.
If there are any topics you would like covered or if you’d like to be a guest and share your story, please drop me a message.
Thank you again to everyone who has been involved, for your time, your enthusiasm and energy and for being fantastic people to collaborate with.
Alex Rosborough- Alex Rosborough, Digital Marketing Expert
Collaboration not competition in the digital world
Katie Sheen – Mindfulness Speaker and Teacher
Creating Flow with Mindfulness
Michelle Nolting – Magical Business Mechanic & Partnerships Manager at the Entrepreneurs’ Institute
Getting into flow with balance and purpose
Amanda Tonna – Creative Impact Agent.
Creating Flow through Creativity
Anat Shabi– Facilitator and Executive Coach
How to instil flow into life and business
Kate Fox – Graphic Designer & Art Director
Creating a brand for the future