How to Get Ready for a Great New Year

Traveling to speak at events, consulting with clients, and general business activities keep me very busy. Now that the year is coming to a close, I'm asking myself several questions.

Which activities do I enjoy most?
Which projects provide me with the lion's share of revenue?
Which parts of business are no longer worth my time?

With a calendar in hand, I'm looking over my 2008 agenda, preparing to increase the activities that bring me prosperity and joy and decrease or get rid of the agendas that are cumbersome or make me cringe when I think about them.

Are these same types of activities on your agenda?

Here's hoping that the New Year brings you positive opportunities and outlets to make your dreams a reality.

Most Tasks are Simple, Not Difficult

One question that I'm frequently asked by individuals starting businesses is, "How do I register my business?" Most people believe the process is complex when it fact it's very easy.

This morning I traveled to my county clerk's office. That's the place, no matter where you live in the U.S., where business registration forms are kept. The clerk's assistant asked me to write the business name on paper. She researched the name to make sure it's not being used by another party. Then she asked me to complete a one-page form. That took me two minutes.

The assistant checked the form, notarized it, accepted my payment, and gave me the paperwork that shows the newly-registered business name. It was a quick, easy, and painless process.

I believe that we make things difficult in our minds before we begin the process. However, if you have a "piece of cake" attitude, you'll find that most tasks are simple to accomplish.

That's the type of thinking that gives you more time to enjoy life. I'm all for that.

Packing Tips for Business Travelers

There was once a time when I traveled by airplane with a heavy load. I'd add gift basket items in my large suitcase and place my clothes in a smaller one. I think back and still can't believe what I went through.

My load is much lighter thanks to my decision to ship items ahead of time. In addition, travel's not what it used to be. Ask any business traveler. It's a necessity more than fun.

Instead of four bags, I now carry two, and they both come onboard the plane with me so that I bypass the luggage merry-go-round and go straight to my transportation. Here's what keeps my load light for an average 3-4 day trip.

1. Two pairs of pants and tops that match each other are all that's required for most trips.

2. I bring workout clothes to exercise at hotel facilities. When rolled, the clothes fit inside of my sneakers. It's a great use of space.

3. Large-sized toiletries fit in a sleeve with pre-designated pockets which I place in an upright position in the smaller bag. The toiletries required for inspection are placed in the FAA-approved plastic bag, which is kept in an outer luggage pocket for easy reach.

4. All electronics are added to the smaller carry-on case.

5. Jewelry is placed in a pouch within the smaller bag and worn after passing through the detector. No more taking it off while trying to watch my shoes, bags, ticket, and passport.

If something doesn't fit into either piece of luggage, it stays at home or in the office.

I'll put my rules to the test as I travel to speaking engagements in Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Walk First, Then Run

Many new business owners wish to go from zero to 60 in one day. Their plan is to start a business in the morning and make a wad of cash by day's end.

Wouldn't it be grand if this actually happened? But just think: if that were the norm, there would be so many barriers to entering your chosen business that you'd never get started.

It's wonderful to create a idea in your mind, decide what steps to take to make it a reality, and transfer the plan onto paper before moving forward. That's what smart entrepreneurs learn on the SoloBusinessMarketing.com Web site and blog. It's the blueprint I followed in 1990, and today I'm reaping the rewards of many seeds sown and lessons learned throughout the years.

Remember one thing as you start your journey: nothing turns to gold overnight. It will take perserverance and dedication to create a successful enterprise and lifestyle. Every step will be worthwhile, whether you get lucky or suffer missteps. Both will occur; there's no way around it.

Right now you're at point A, and you can see point B directly in front of you. Walk steadily towards your destination, because if you run, you'll suffer more setbacks than you'll encounter at a manageable pace. Success is waiting for you, and it's worth the effort.

Visit Solo Business Marketing and the Gift Basket Business Web site and blog for more tips on creating a successful business.

Making Gift Baskets is More Than a Hobby

Since 1990, it's been my honor to be part of the gift basket business. I've watched designers come and go, and I've also witnessed healthy growth in an industry that some consider as a hobby.

Gift baskets are a part-time venture for some, but for many, it's much more than that. When you speak to full-time business owners who earn revenues between $15,000 and $2 million and see the sparkle in their eyes as they talk about their passion, you quickly realize that making gift baskets is a calling.

Not everyone can take a collection of items and turn them into a masterpiece. That's what designers do every day.

I'll be speaking about gift baskets at trade shows throughout the U.S. You'll find the events listed on the classes page at GiftBasketBusiness.com. I hope to see you and learn how you turn your passion into a successful, income-producing lifestyle.

Refresh Your Goals by Starting Again

Earlier this year did you resolve to get something done, commit to continuing an old plan, or promise yourself to refocus on a personal or professional goal, but during the year found yourself drifting away from what you want to achieve?

It's okay. It happens to everyone. But there's a silver lining. Every day you awake, you're given a new chance to try again, to re-commit, to start over.

Just because successful people are only shown in a positive light doesn't mean they don't renew a plan or goal after a long hiatus.

This happens to me, too. It's been a while since I've updated my business mailing list to encourage individuals to return to my Web sites. It's also been four days since I've exercised. Both types of inactivity are quickly remedied, and I'll do so today.

First, I'll work on my mailing list. There are lots of people to add to it. I'll start with a small group and use a portion of each day to add more names. At the end of the week, I'll have a lot done. The same is true with exercising. I'm worth 30 minutes a day and plan to set aside that much time for me.

What do you wish to achieve, to start anew? Whatever it is, today's a wonderful day to re-commit to something that will make life easier, fulfill your goals, or make you happy. You're worth it.

Take Yourself on a Retreat

Life can be overwhelming, especially when you excel at doing your very best work personally and professionally.

I believe in giving yourself time off to refresh and re-energize. That's why I'm going south in a few weeks.

I was scheduled to speak at a business conference and had purchased my airline ticket. The conference is postponed. That caused a dilemma: should I stay in the office and keep working, losing out on the airline fee, or should I use the time as a personal retreat? I chose the latter.

This is the first time I'm going away for a dual reason: to brainstorm with myself about business, and to have fun after the morning's work. Many business owners don't take time to do this, and I can understand why. It seems as though you're cheating on yourself when, in fact, getting away is the best thing to do for you and the business's longevity.

I'll determine how to better serve gift basket designers and solo entrepreneurs working in other industries. I'll map my project schedule and get rid of plans that serve no purpose. After that, I'll have fun as I treat myself to a few days in a different atmosphere.

When I return, I'll be ready to move forward, building a better business and personal life. Consider this option for yourself. I know you won't regret it.

The Start of Something Great

So many friends and family members create wonderful spaces on the Web just like this, and now it's my turn.

I maintain other blogs, such as the Gift Basket Business blog, Solo Business Marketing blog, and Laughing Chow photography tips. Here, I plan to share ideas and inspiration to assist you in creating the successful life you envision.

I'll also tell you what's happening on my other sites and share great information that you can duplicate for fun or profit.