Self-discipline and the Easy Excuse
July 19, 2010 by Mary Ellen · Leave a Comment
Vacations provide perspective, rest and, in my case, an opportunity to unplug.
Initially, I resented turning off the smart phone and leaving my high speed connection behind. In retrospect, I’m thrilled to experience re-fueling.
For those who can’t resist the lure of the electronic, my recommendation is to go where it’s not. With no cell coverage and nothing but a dial-up, I left my usual world behind. (Kicking and screaming, I’ll admit, but behind, nevertheless.)
Even after returning to “civilization” on day six, I managed to continue my recess from the digital world. Minimal check-ins assured me that no disasters were in the making. I decompressed further.
Today (after 10 days out of touch) I’m powering through a list of deadlines and projects. Call me crazy, but that usual high shoulder computer hunch is gone.
Thanks to a vacation read of personal development expert Brian Tracy’s new book, “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline,” I am more clear about priorities and on the lookout for the easy deterrents (excuses) I typically put in my own way.
“No Excuses” is divided into three parts: 1.) self-discipline and personal success, 2.) self-discipline in business, sales and finance, and 3.) self-discipline and the good life.
For those who like their personal development information in small, bite-size pieces, this book is perfect. It’s organized in an easy-to-understand style. Subheads highlight each of the 21 chapters. An action-list of questions follows, underscoring the information and reinforcing steps you can take to implement your own “no excuse” results.
I found the book quick to read, appropriately thought-provoking and persuasive enough to make me re-examine my self-discipline.
Motivational phrases such as, “If it is to be, it’s up to me,” are encouraged to promote responsibility.
All information is presented in Brian Tracy’s straight-forward, no-nonsense style through stories and examples, including some of his own experiences.
You could be disappointed if you’re looking for a quick fix. There’s none of that in No Excuses. Instead, a familiar conclusion:
“The first and best victory is to conquer yourself.” – Greek philosopher Plato (428-347 BC)
“No Excuses” from me today. How about you?
The Perfect Marketing Plan Template
July 6, 2010 by Mary Ellen · 2 Comments
We women know about things like changing your purse (or briefcase, or iPhone cover, or workout bag). It isn’t easy to find one something that perfectly presents your essence.
As a woman marketer, I have experimented with strategy templates. Capturing the essence of a plan on a page or two focuses your thinking and forces you to review the steps you will take to succeed.
Like purses, planning templates are seldom one-size-fits all. First of all, it’s not easy to get your strategy on a single page. It requires paring verbiage, thinking through opportunities and outcomes and being willing to do things differently.
In a dozen questions based loosely on the journalist’s “5 W’s and an H” marketing and leadership speaker David Meerman Scott manages to capture the essence of planning for small business owners.
Download his free marketing strategy template.
This template ensures you’re ready to address the issues – your buyer personas – and you have at least some understanding of the mechanics involved. Scott translates the three-letter question “Why?” into serious consideration by asking “How are you remarkable? What value do you bring?” In typical Scott fashion, he prompts your brain with the twist from “Why?” to “How?”
To complete the questions, you must move beyond “biggest,” “most qualified,” and the other blah, blah, blahs, and communicate with your buyer.
Page Two, Strategy, is brilliant, forcing the owner to walk through how he/she communicates with the customer and to what purpose.
The path from Back Links to Outcomes includes a visual to incorporate social media and offers four choices: Enquire, purchase, download, and participate.
An action list at the bottom offers an opportunity to refocus, an absolute necessity in a dynamic industry.
The template can work for any size business. It’s licensed under creative commons and you’re encouraged to download and share it.
The Marketing Strategy Planning Template is deceptively simple and beautifully presented in landscape format. In a perfect world, it would be in an Adobe Acrobat form so it could be filled out online.
The Marketing Strategy Planning Template is one awesome start to a BIG challenge that every entrepreneur faces: the PLAN.
Disclosure: I may have tested more purses than marketing templates, but it’s a close race. I’m always looking for the perfect all-purpose template.
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