According to Wikipedia, a standard operating procedure is “a set of instructions having the force of a directive, covering those features of operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized procedure without loss of effectiveness.” Exciting stuff, eh? Maybe not, but it’s something we need to know about. It’s been two years since I…
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Category Archives: Success Strategies
Benefit from the Experience of Others
At one of the first small business networking events I ever attended, the group leader gave an excellent presentation in which she explained that no matter what you’re working on, you don’t have to learn everything the hard way. Whether it’s a marketing technique, an administrative procedure, or something specific to the services you offer,…
Unleashing Your Creativity
We generally associate creativity with producing works of art, literature, music, architecture, or other activities linked to right-brain thinking, and left-brained people like myself don’t generally consider ourselves as creative. However, I attended a workshop several years ago on Creativity and Personality Type, which was quite eye-opening. The workshop facilitator, Marci Segal, believes that we…
The Power of Partnership
As I mentioned last week, I’ve signed up for Darren Rowse’s 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (31DBBB) project, which consists of a series of daily challenges over the period of one month. That’s quite a commitment, but I figured that even if I only did some of the assignments, I’d be further ahead…
Who Wants to Take a Vacation?
This is one of the hardest times of the year here in Ontario. In January, you know it’s going to be very cold, and probably very snowy, and though you probably don’t like it, you’re prepared for it. By now, it feels like it’s been winter forever, and warm days can easily be followed by yet…
Perfectionism: Virtue or Vice?
When speaking with a potential client, have you ever described yourself as a perfectionist? If so, you’re probably hoping to portray yourself as someone who takes great pride in your work and committed to providing quality service. Those are great traits to have, but be aware that perfectionism isn’t always viewed in a positive light….
Are You Living Your Passion?
People become self-employed for many different reasons. Sometimes it’s by choice, because they want a more flexible schedule, for example. Sometimes it’s out of necessity, because they’re out of work and unable to land a job. None of these reasons are right or wrong, as long as the decision is well thought out. The types…
Plant the Seeds of Greatness
February been has named Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month, a time to make a change for the positive and maximize your effectiveness. What an awesome idea! Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, where you promise to change your life at one specific moment, you devote 28 consecutive days to help make the world a…
Do You Need a Coach?
There was a day when coaching was just for athletes or performers, but now there are coaches for everything: business, career, relationships, even life. It’s no wonder; most of us have so many demands on our time and energy that it’s easy to get overwhelmed if we don’t have someone to guide us along the…
Speak Up and Succeed!
New business owners are often advised that public speaking is one of the best ways to promote their business. If you’ve been afraid to try this free form of marketing, you’re not alone – according to Chase’s Calendar of Events 2009, 97% of Americans have a fear of public speaking. This is not news! Consider…