Focus Is The Name Of The Game

I've been thinking a lot lately about focus.  For example, focusing on my target market, the boomerpreneur.  I've gotten sidetracked a bit lately.  And focusing on larger projects to get them completed, such as my book.  It took forever to get it finished - until I put everything else aside and focused on just getting it written. 

I've discovered during conversations with other business women that I am not the only one that struggles with this.  In fact, one of the major problems many of them have is the inability to focus.

What exactly is "focus?"  Focus is paying close attention to something.  It can be a particular market niche or group such as baby boomers.  It can be on a particular project such as writing a book.  But whatever it is, you are paying CLOSE attention to it.  That means you are not allowing yourself to be distracted or preoccupied with other matters.

I was so grateful for our recent vacation.  I was exhausted and stressed.  There never seemed to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that I wanted to accomplish.  I was irritable and short-tempered.  Then my husband asked me why I was working so many hours every day.  What was so important that it was taking all of my time?  After all, wasn't being in charge of my schedule one of the benefits of being self-employed?  That's when I realized that my problem was simple - I had stopped focusing on what was important and key to my business and allowed myself to be distracted by several "bright, shiny objects."

Without learning to focus on what is urgent and important, your can easily get distracted by the latest trend or the newest system or great new market.  Before you know it, your business has you running in 20 different directions at once.  And when that happens you burn out - fast!  And when you burn out, it's only a matter of time before your business does too.

If this sounds like you, take some advice from me.  Sit down and reevaluate your business.  What is your target market?  What is your core product or service?  What are your goals?  Where is your business headed?  Then make a list of the steps you need to take to get back on track.  Write down what is truly important and urgent to your core business.  Then make a vow that you will work on these steps ONLY.  Now I know that some of your current activities won't make your new list.  Some things will not get done.  But that's okay.  If they aren't on the list it's because they are not important to your business.  Which means you shouldn't be doing them.  It's that simple.

And I know there are some of you, who, like me, will be reluctant to give up a bright new shiny project.  Why it could be the next big thing!  But that's one of the reasons your business isn't growing.  Your too scattered and worrying too much about unimportant stuff and not focusing on what is important to your core business.

Over the next few days, I'll be sharing more about FOCUS.  Because when it comes to building your business, focus is the name of the game. 

Thank You!

I want you to know I appreciate you greatly. You have a busy schedule and many things vying for your attention and you're reading this right now.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. That has been my goal since I started my business 14 years ago.

Here's an interesting quote I read recently from Albert Schweitzer:
"One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Aim to be a 'generational success'. Desire to become a role model for generations in your family you'll never meet. Who we are, our good and bad, gets passed forward generationally. Pass the GREATEST you forward.

Stand up for your values and beliefs.  If you see something you don't agree with, don't be afraid to stand up and say something.

Be yourself.  If you want to be a role model, you cannot be phony.  Some people think role models have to be famous or amazing.  But you don't have to be spectacular to become a role model. By being respectful, helpful, kind and most importantly, yourself, you will set the example for generations to come.

Work hard in everything that you do, not just your business.  Role models aren't admired because of their greatness, but rather the determination it took to get there.
 

It may seem like a great deal of pressure to be a positive role model. But no one is expecting you to be perfect. You can only do your best. And, if you mess up today, you can always try again tomorrow. Good role models know they can do anything if they simply put their mind to it.

Business Costs

Business costs are often the deterrent when it comes to starting a small business.  Unless you wish to borrow the money, which I discourage, sometimes financing a business start up can be out of reach for the average boomerpreneur.  Or so you may think.  But that is not necessarily the case.  Much depends on the type of business you want to start.

What does it cost to start a small business?  Surprisingly less than you might think. If you wish to start the type of business that will require an actual physical location, or special equipment, or inventory, then yes, it can be expensive.  But thanks to the internet, it is now extremely inexpensive to start a business of your own right from the comfort of your own home.

Your business costs will fall into two categories:  one time start up expenses and ongoing regular expenses.  A new computer, business license, and permits are examples of one time expenses.  Ongoing expenses could include your internet connection, website hosting, and advertising.

Still not convinced?  Let's take a look at just what it costs to get started! We'll start with one time expenses.

Since you are starting an online business, you already have a location.  So you don't have the cost of purchasing or renting a building or office space.  Nor will you need to purchase office furniture.  All you will need to start is a place in your home that can serve as your workspace.  I started in a corner of my bedroom.  We are going to assume you already own a computer.  But if not, you can purchase one that will be sufficient for your needs for a few hundred dollars.  I have a laptop, an iMac, and a tablet.  I do most of my business work on my laptop which cost me less than $500. 

Now that you have the space to work, you should take care of the legalities.  Based on the type of business you are starting, you may need special permits or certification.  Most states also require a business license and you may need a permit to operate a business from your home.  When we formed Boomer Businesses LLC, it cost $527 for everything.  You can also try companies like LegalZoom which can handle all of the legal work for you at a very reasonable cost.

Next you will need business cards.  I am including these under one time expenses because by the time you need to reorder, you should be making enough to cover the cost.  Thanks to companies like VistaPrint, you can design and print custom business cards for as little as $20.00 a box.

That covers the one time business costs.  Now let's look at ongoing regular expenses.  You are starting an online business, so you will need internet service.  I pay $80/month for high speed internet.  There may be less expensive alternatives, but because of the location of my home, they don't always work for me.  You will also need a website.  Depending again on the type of business you wish to start, you may be able to start with nothing more than a blog, which is free.  If you need an actual website, this is still very affordable.  I pay $29.99/month for SiteBuildIt.  That includes domain name registration, hosting, email, and a host of tools for marketing and tracking.  And because it's template based, you don't have to pay for a web designer.

That's all you need to get started.  It's all I stared with.  For less than $1100 start up cost plus $109.99 a month, you can be in business. 

It is possible to spend more.  If you are getting into a network marketing business, there will be the cost of joining the company.  And you may want to have brochures or flyers made.  And as you begin to make money, you may want to invest in other equipment like a printer or a better computer.  But you can get online and get started with no more than what I have listed here.

What are you waiting for?  Let's do this!

Are You One of the Lucky Few?

Only a very small % of people are living the life they want to live.

Is it because they are smarter, luckier or more talented? No. It’s because they take action and are determined to win!  Your life is something you create each and every day with every decision you make.  Every choice, every decision, has both benefits and consequences. 

 

Are you ready to win and win big? Success boils down to 4 things:

Having a desire to win!
Making a decision to win!
Having the correct knowledge to win!
Taking action to win!...

You've heard the expression "Carpe Diem".  Seize the day!  Make the decision today to start again.  Yesterday is over and done with.  Time to move forward.  Now!  Today!  Scared to step out there?  That's okay.  You're right.  Putting yourself out there is risky.  What if you fail?  Oh...but...what if you succeed?!  There is another expression which I love.  "Life without risk isn't an adventure, it's a damn shame." 

If you want to win BIG in your business, all you have to do is realize that you CAN change for the better and that you alone are responsible for everything in your life and your business... what you do... how you feel... what you earn. Nobody else can do this for you. Nobody. Only you can bring about whatever change you want in your life.

Want to live the life you've dreamed of...then let’s go get it! You can do it!

Five Minutes Can Change Your Life!

Could five minutes change your life?   I'll let you decide after you read this message.

But first...why I sent you this message...

I was recently introduced on a conference call to two of THE top personal development trainers in the world, Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. You may have heard of them.

Well, I've just joined them in a business. This is going to be "The success story of the decade," and
I know you'll feel the same once to see what they are offering. It's amazing!

Go here and listen to their message: http://368222.teamquanta.com/

It'll just take a few minutes, but it will be the best few minutes you ever spent. Really!

I'm Bored!

It's just about 2:00 in the afternoon and I must say I'm a little bored. At least part of me is. It's not that I don't have anything to do. I've posted a few new designs in my CafePress shops. I sent my book off to my editor. I've taught a class on Effective Communication. And I spoke with a couple of coaching clients. All good stuff. But it all feels very routine to me. I'm just not having the tons of new ideas that I used to. The crazy ideas that were really fun and interesting.

Yeah, I get it. Businesses that keep jumping from one bright shiny object to another won't succeed. It's persistence and perseverence that pay off in the end. But I still find my mind wandering when I should be working. Where's the fun and excitement I used to feel?

I don't want to spend time on Facebook. Or Twitter. And I certainly don't want to spend time on Google+. I suppose I could see what cool new apps are available for my phone, but I'm not much of a Candy Crush type of person. Angry Birds was the only game I had, and I'm already bored with it.

I need something completely new and different! Something that will change the way I think! Or that will inspire a new business idea or product!

Now I don't want to be completely negative about business. It's been an amazing year so far! But I need more! Lots more! The kind of stuff that gives me stories to tell my grandchildren.

Wait - what's this email? Can I create a course on motivating and developing employees? Something that's fun and interactive and sparks ideas? Well, sure. I can probably do that.

Oh, and what about the idea that came up last night at dinner? Can I design a line of T-shirts with a political theme? Something with my particular brand of snarky commentary that is suitable for members of either party? Something totallly politically "incorrect?" Hmmm...let me think about that. Could be fun!

There's my phone. "Yes, I'm finally done with my book. Yes, I know we discussed writing one together. You want to start now? Sure!"

Patience and persistence do pay off. All the experts will tell you that. And they are absolutely correct. You should listen to them. Meanwhile, I'm off chasing the newewst shiny objects to fall into my lap. Which is fine because they really are all just extensions of what I am already doing. So I might as well have some fun!

We live in an age of instant gratification. Where the push of a button can put us in touch with magical worlds. Where things we only imagined a few years ago are now reality. Where change comes like a whirlwind and every achievement is monumental. It's eaay to expect to constatnly feel that level of excitement everyday. And when we don't we think something is wrong. And so we end up chasing the next bright shiny object, hoping to feel that excitement all over again. Before you invest your time in a brand new project ask yourself these questions:

1. Does this add to or complement my existing business? In my case, yes. I'm a trainer so creating a new course makes sense, especially since it is for an existing client. And I can tailor it to fit many scenarios. Lots of potential. Same with the t-shirt designs. I already have the shop. Designing them is my creative outlet. It's a politically charged year. This could be profitable! If the answer is no, cover your eyes and walk away!

2. What will you have to give up to make time for the new project? Nothing! My first book is finished, so I have time to start another. It will take a few days to create a new training course, but I can schedule training and coaching sessions around that. And designing for my CafePress shop is something I do to amuse myself instead of watching TV. So no time conflicts for me. If you can't fit the new project in your day and don't have anything you can give up to open a bit of time, turn your head because this is not for you.

3. Will it generate enough profit to make it a worthwhile investment of your time? While you cannot guarantee that a project will make money, sometimes you can make an educated guess. The training course is for an existing client who pays me well. Good investment. And although the CafePress shops started out as more of a hobby than a business, they bring me a nice little income. Already established shop and politics. Can't hardly go wrong with that. Book? Even if it doesn't sell well, it lends to my credibility. Two books in print? I must know SOMETHING! But my co-author already has a name built for herself and it's a great topic. Worth the effort.

Bored? Feeling a lack of excitement? Need to try something new? Before you succumb to the lure of a brand new project, take a look at your existing business. What can you add or upgrade that will challenge and excite you again? Do you have time to do it? Will it be a worthwhile investment of your effort? If so, go for it. Meanwhile, I'm off to start work on my latest project. Because I'm bored!

Lose Weight and Build a Business

Many of my friends and followers have been asking how my weight loss program is coming.  I had posted a short time ago how much easier it was to climb the stairs now that I was 15 pounds lighter.  Well, I am excited to say that as of today, I have lost a total of 25 pounds!

What most people don't know is that I have struggled with my weight for years.  I have tried everything - Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach.  You name it and I have been on it.  And I am sure they have been successful for many people.  But none of them worked for me.  Eventually I weighed 230 pounds!  When you are only 5'5", that's fat!

So what miracle weight loss plan did I finally discover?  Well, let me be the first to tell you that diets don't work.  In order to have real, lasting weight loss you have to change your lifestyle.  And what works for me may not work for you.  So no restrictive diets or expensive prepackaged meals for me.  I eat real food!  Today I had grilled cheese - one of my favorites!  And chocolate!  And eggs and sausage!  The trick is to learn how to eat these foods properly.

I have also discovered the most amazing supplement to help with my weight loss program!  It is all natural and homeopathic.  No stimulants. No amphetamines.  None of the harmful ingredients found in so many weight loss aids.  And it works!  So well that I joined the company myself and became part of the launch team for this fabulous product.

As a regular reader of my blog, you know that I RARELY do any promotional postings - at least for my own products.  I just don't believe this is the venue for shameless self promotion.  But this product AND this business are so amazing that I finally decided that I had to share.  A friend of mine pointed out to me that if I had something this good, I was morally responsible to tell others that could benefit.  After thinking it over I decided she was right.  And so I invite you to learn more about this product and this business.

Click here to watch our powerful presentation. 

After watching, if you are interested in the product, the business, or both, simply email me at melodieann.whiteley@boomer-business-ideas.com or call me directly at 479-790-9953.

I hope those of you who are struggling with their weight as well as those of you who are looking to supplement or replace their income will take the time to watch.  You'll be so glad that you did.