Moving Marbles

Now is the time to get serious about 2017.  Why is that??  Because in most businesses, there is a time gap between doing work and getting results from that work.  We plant seeds and then reap the benefits usually 60-120 days later. The work you are doing now will get you set for a busy and productive January.

Daily Activity

There are many things you probably do on a daily basis for your business. Each of these activities is important to the success of your business. They might include:

• Making calls to set appointments.
• Posting on your business social media accounts.
• Taking care of invoicing (we all want to get paid, right?)
• Processing orders.
• Creating promotions.
• Cold calling.
• Creating a plan for your day/week/month/year.
• Attending a networking meeting.
• Ordering product.
• Creating flyers, business cards, etc.
• Following up with clients.
• Answering emails.

Moving Marbles

And the list goes on! It’s easy to get distracted or caught up in the enormity of a never-ending task list. Sometimes, it can be so overwhelming it stops you in your tracks. One of our SEVEN members shared her tactic for staying on track – it’s called Moving Marbles. I’ve personally been doing it for 3 weeks now and it’s made a HUGE difference in my productivity. Not only is it fun, but it helps me to get my tasks done.

First, make a list of activities you should be doing daily – follow up calls, answer emails, network, post on social media, etc. Any activity that helps you move your business forward.

Next, get a small bag of marbles and find 2 small boxes – any boxes will do. You can even use 2 small cups.

Every time you do one of the activities on your list, move a marble from one box over to the next. Make a phone call – move a marble. Post on Instagram – move a marble. See what is happening? You’re doing the activities on your list without the stress of trying to fit it all in. Once all of the marbles are moved over to the other box you can call it a day and close up shop! Put your laptop away and enjoy a fun reward.

As entrepreneurs, we very often “turn off”. We seem to be always working as there is always so much to do. If you are extra productive during your business hours you will have more free time to enjoy other things in life like spending time with family and friends, exercising or enjoying a hobby!

Why not give this a try for a week and share your results with us in the comments below.