This Week's Ideas and Inspiration

There's lots to learn all over the Internet, but good things also happen offline.

Yesterday, I went to my local library and borrowed five books that will increase my knowledge about Skype, business travel, marketing, and other topics. Visit your library soon to see what's in store for you.

This week I blogged about:

Are you a teleseminar junkie? Many experts are touting their programs through telephone seminars, but don't let these events take over your calendar. I explain how to temper teleseminars with getting the work done.

Lunch is on everyone's menu. How about turning your lunch into a productive client meeting? Here's where I encourage you to invite clients to join you for a lunch and learn.

Ready to create your first brochure? It's an important marketing tool that's needed as part of your sales program. I'll start a series on brochure creation next week. Find out more about it here.

To your success,

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.