In the mean time I keep getting reports from my team about projects they were completing, people they are meeting with, and new ideas they are implementing...all while I was touring Memphis and eating at multiple BBQ restaurants. The trick to getting this all to happen at the same time is to power up your team with strong systems so they can do things without you. 

This week's article explains how to create systems for yourself and those who you work with. Yup, it's a system for creating a system. 

Enjoy!
Beth

Go With The Flow

By Sandye Linnetz, Systems Expert, Process Prodigy 

Today's "key to success" is to choose and use the best tool for the job. Toothbrushes are fabulous for brushing teeth... and fairly effective when cleaning the grout between ceramic top tiles, but not necessarily the proper tool of choice for washing a car. And so it is with systems design. Yes, you could use a "seat of the pants system" or an "it's all up here (point to forehead) and I won't forget" system, but my guess is that you've already tried both and neither was very good. You could make random notes on napkins, that giant desk blotter/calendar thingie or the backs of business cards; you might even get a bit more organized and write them out and keep them in a binder. How you organize those plans and where you keep them really will matter.

Once you have determined what system you are going to create (e.g. handling email) and have even a rough idea of what that system will entail, it's time to get specific and write it down.

To see a sample system drawn out, grab a copy of our complimentary systems at http://www.processprodigy.com . Yes, you could write up your system in outline form or long hand and create "systems files" or use sets of file cards which are "systematically" organized in steps... not bad ideas... but there is better.

Focus on one system at a time. That's vital. It's also vital to decide AT THE BEGINNING of creating a system, what you want the system to do for you. What is the end result you want to create? "Gee, Sandye, I want a system that will end the constant interruptions of email and allow me to handle them quickly and efficiently." "Okay," I say to you, "let's write down the necessary steps and actions that you would need to take to have that happen". This is where you grab the pads of sticky notes and write one step on each page. This is how you begin to create your step-by-step process.

The favorite tool of Process Prodigy (right after the iconic sticky note) is the workhorse of system design, the flowchart. A flowchart is a blueprint or a map, a word diagram that visually represents a process - your tool for managing that process - by showing the integral steps of the process in order and how they are related to other steps. Information, data (i.e., the steps) are written out, in various shaped boxes and brackets, and connected with lines and arrows that represent the "flow" of the process.

Definition: flow chart (also flowchart or flow diagram) noun

· a diagram of the sequence of movements or actions of people or things involved in a complex system or activity

· a graphical representation of a program in relation to its sequence of functions (as distinct from the data it processes)

Now you need to transfer those sticky note steps onto a flowchart, with each of the steps and decisions to be made going into shapes to create your visual word picture.

Use these shapes and lines:

Process Box - rectangular; identifies a single step in the process

Decision Triangle - triangular; identifies when a decision must be made (typically a yes or no question)

Predefined Process - rectangular box with an extra set of vertical lines; identifies a named process such as a subroutine or a module

Arrow - line with arrow tip; connects the shapes and indicates the direction of the flow

Flag - line and bracket; provides additional explanations, notes and/or questions that are relevant to the item it is "flagging"

Now go with the flow... 

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.     

It is Spring Cleaning Time! Now is a great time to look at what you can remove from your plate, either by eliminating it all together or delegating it to someone on your team. This week's article comes from our Systems Coach, Sandye Linnetz who shares some ways to eliminate and delegate.

Enjoy!
Beth

Next week I'm headed to Memphis for an Operations Conference. My hubby has already picked out 22 BBQ places to try. I don't think we'll make it to all 22!

Eliminate and Delegate

By Sandye Linnetz, Systems Expert, Process Prodigy

Too much to do and not enough hours to do it?

Perhaps it's time to eliminate and delegate. The most effective systems we can put into place involve the elimination of unnecessary or duplicated tasks and the delegation to others of those tasks that don't really merit our personal time and attention. So often we take the attitude that "WE" have to do it ourselves; that we have to be in every information loop. Well, time to rethink.

The all too frequent concern; that it is too expensive to delegate, is about to be wiped off the map of success. First of all, what is your goal? Is it just about making money? Or, is the money your means to an end - having the resources to live the life of your dreams?

Assuming that the goal for most - if not all of us - is to live the "good life", consider what your time and peace of mind is worth to you. How much would you pay to be stress free and actually enjoy what you are doing? Deferred-life, i.e. retirement and the good life we long for, should not be something we put off for the future - BE THERE NOW!

In his book, "The 4-Hour Work Week", Timothy Ferris writes about giving up the old rules of what he describes as SLAVE to SAVE to RETIRE. He says that you can have it all RIGHT NOW by shifting your thinking to the way the "new rich" (the NR, as he refers to them) think, and by doing what they do. It's all about elimination, delegation and outsourcing your business and your life. He actually gives us a "blue- print" with step-by-step details and sources. Amazing, truly amazing, and so possible.

Ferris recommends the "low-information" diet (to eliminate unnecessary extra "noise" and distraction) and suggests that we cultivate selective ignorance rather than selective listening. He also favors mega outsourcing - for your business and your personal life. He really got my attention with this idea. Ferris concludes that if you figure out the value of your time and factor in the freedom you gain, it is almost always better to outsource. And, he shows you how - even includes specific referrals!

Get the book
Create the system
Eliminate Delegate and RETIRE now.

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

We've officially opened the doors on the new and improved Outrageously Effective Systems club. It's a combo of key systems mixed with lots of one-on-one attention. We basically took everything our clients were telling us they wanted in the program and put it all together in an incredibly affordable package. Doors close at the end of the month so be sure to check it out while you still can. www.processprodigy.com/oes

I talk about delegation a lot because it's helped me grow my business and still have the time to do what I love. If you know you need some help, but aren't sure how to get started, you'll love this week's article.

Enjoy!
Beth

Your First Two Steps Toward Divine Delegation

By Sandye Linnetz, Systems Expert, Process Prodigy

First, let's agree that you have more than enough on your plate and you are going to delegate some tasks to others. Now you have three very important questions to address:

What will you delegate and what stays on YOUR plate?

How should the delegated task/job be handled - and by whom?

What is the desired outcome?

Step 1: Decide what you must do and what you will delegate. What are your strengths? What do you enjoy doing - and do well? What are you currently and directly contributing to your business that has or is making it successful? Keep those jobs and tasks. Now decide which tasks are beyond your area of expertise, are overly stressful or unpleasant for you, constitute busy work that might be easily handed over to another, or are currently just not being handled or handled well? What do you already have on your "need help" list? Start there. Those should be the first things you give away.

Make a list of everything you do on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. This is the basis for your job description. Look over your list and decide which tasks are essential for you to keep and which can be given away. Create a potential delegation list.

Step 2: Create a plan. Okay, it would be fabulous if you could just make a wish and be able to do anything and everything without either a learning curve or confusion. Unfortunately life seldom works out that way. So... plan your work and work your plan. Determine exactly what needs to be accomplished and how you want it to be done. Design a visual blueprint of your process that includes every detail from file names to faxing instructions. Put it all in writing! Document the details and create a flow chart that defines the step-by-step process that will take whomever follows it from where you are to where you want to be. (Remember: It's much easier to get "there" if you know where "there" is and have a detailed road map.)

Your plans, your written process, is the most valuable tool any employee could ask for; it virtually assures their success at work. By handing someone the flowcharts, files, forms and checklists you have designed around a particular task or job, you eliminate headaches, stress, the learning curve, most questions AND, if that employee decides to move on, any replacement could just step in and take over. In order for any delegation effort to be effective you must be able to share with somebody exactly what it is that you want them to do. Maybe no one does it as well as you because up until now no one has truly understood what it is that you want done!

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

Many of you have opted in to receive a sneak peek at our revamped Outrageously Effective Systems club. The biggest change to the program is all the one-on-one interaction we are now including. Things like private monthly one-on-one meetings with our systems coach, monthly private access to our consulting team, a ticket to our next Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive and a LIVE mastermind day. You still have time to get a sneak preview at www.processprodigy.com/oes.

This is a personal favorite article of mine - I do love Angry Birds. I'm totally addicted.

Enjoy!
Beth

3 Business Lessons I Learned From Playing Angry Birds

By Beth Schneider, President & CEO, Process Prodigy

I really hate to admit this, but I am seriously addicted. Don't tell anyone, but I can't get enough of the game Angry Birds. It started innocently as an app that I downloaded onto my Andriod phone and quickly became the game that I just couldn't put down. If you aren't familiar with the game, let me catch you up.

Basically you use a virtual sling shot to shoot a variety of birds at different objects with the intention of hitting the pigs that stole their eggs. It's very intellectual. So leave it me to find business lessons in a simple game.

Lesson 1: All the birds have different strengths

In the game there are 5 different kinds of birds. Some fly fast, some explode, some crush glass, others wood. Each one has their own strength and you want to take that into account before you start shooting. It's easy to just wing wildly and let the bird go where it pleases. it's the same thing your business. I often see people picking team members and randomly assigning them things that aren't their strengths. Just like you want to be strategic about how you shoot each bird, you want to be strategic about your team. Clearly define the role and then search out people who have strengths around the needs of your role. When you do this, more often than not you'll hit the shot.

Lesson 2: Keep doing the same thing, you get the same results

In the game, it's easy to keep shooting the same birds, the same way, in the same place...and not see results. Most of the time I have found that varying where I am shooting the bird or changing the angle has led to success. The way I had been doing it didn't work so I tried something new. This is really a systems lesson. If you are doing something the same way and the results are not what you want, then you have to change something in order to be successful.

You've proved it doesn't work, so instead of continuing along that path that doesn't work, try something new.

Lesson 3: Help is available

After you fail a level, the game conveniently points you to online help. There are tons of examples of how to win the level. No, it's not cheating, it's helping. Someone else has already done the hard work. They've figured out the steps, the system, the ideal way to go. In business why would you want to work so much harder when there is someone already out there who has already found "the way"?

Don't be afraid to seek out help, whether it's online in forums, colleagues or paying for the right mentor.

And my mother always told me that video games would do nothing but rot my brain. I'm glad she was wrong.

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

I hope you all had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day! We received a lot of comments on our fun eCard. You have to check it out if you missed it - click here http://goo.gl/xtcxv. Obviously, we are a very talented team!

We've completely revamped the Outrageously Effective Systems club and we are about to blow open the doors! You can get a sneak preview at www.processprodigy.com/oes.

We have a lot of birthdays and parties coming up in our family. This week's fun article from Sandye teaches you a System for Celebrating!

Enjoy,
Beth

Knowing Your Limits

By Sandye Linnetz, Process Prodigy

I have an Outrageously Effective System for celebrating and preparing for parties for the coming year. I've successfully used it for years, so I know it works. There have been times over the past fifteen or twenty years when I have had to make minor revisions, but we'll cover some of those much needed revisions towards the end of this blog.

On to my "Celebration" System-- Let's start with an upcoming birthday party 'cuz that's the fun part. I begin with the idea that I AM THE PARTY - so I am absolutely sure that wherever I go and whatever I do will be a blast! That takes a lot of pressure off planning. It doesn't really matter where I end up, I always know that I'm going to have FUN. I also know my limits. Big, huge parties with massive numbers of strangers don't generally work for me, so I tend to go to smaller "home" celebrations. I am a little person. That means not too much alcohol is needed or suggested for optimum results. I don't drive well when I'm exhausted, so I know that I must stay close to home or have a safe way to get home. My ride is arranged in advance. I LOVE champagne - good champagne - so I bring a bottle or two with me. This eliminates the disappointment factor if my hosts like to skimp on the bubbly! Okay, perfect evening planned.

And the plan for the next year? Rather than reflect back on the past year and look to the next with a list of MUSTS and SHOULDS and HAVE TOS, I prefer to create a plan, instead. I actually write it out and post it in my office (with a minimized copy next to my bed) and refer to it throughout the year. My SYSTEM involves a list of questions which, when answered, will naturally lead me to the results I am looking to achieve throughout the new birthday year. I am then able to create individual systems for each of the areas in my plan.

Here are some of the questions I suggest that you ask yourself in preparation for creating your plan.

WHAT ARE YOUR OVERALL GOALS FOR THE YEAR? WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO ACTION?
(Getting clarity is the first BIG step to achieving desired results, and writing them down is a powerful step towards turning desires into reality.)

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE GOALS? GET FOCUSED!
(Specificity really helps.)

WHAT OBSTACLES OR CHALLENGES SHOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO HANDLE?
(Think Boy Scouts here-- Expect the best but be prepared for the worst.)

WHAT IS CURRENTLY STOPPING YOU - OR HAS STOPPED YOU IN THE PAST - FROM HAVING IT ALL?
(Consider strengthening your body and quieting your mind.)

Remember, it's not about resources-- we all have plenty of those. It's about BEING RESOURCEFUL and taking control of your future.

And what about the party I wrote about earlier? Well, folks, got to admit that your Systems Goddess has had to create a system for knowing when enough is enough! Used to be that I could party all through the night. Now? Not so much. Truth be told, I'm ready for sleep by 11:00 most nights. I can count on one hand the number of times I've actually stayed at a party past midnight in the last ten years. The system? Simple. I silently ask myself the following questions (just like designing any other system):

1. How am I feeling NOW?

2. How do I want to feel tomorrow?

3. What steps will I need to take to have that happen?

If the answer to #1 is "GREAT"-- I stay and play until the answer begins to change.

If the answer is "tired and losing control". I call a cab or get a ride home.

If I can't even remember the question--

Answering question #1 pretty much takes care of two and three. My answer to #2 has always been "awake, alive, refreshed and full of JOY". That pretty much creates the answer to #3; requires sleep and a clear head (possibly LOTS of water and a couple of Excedrin).

A system is a process for creating desired, predictable, duplicatable results. Remember to ask yourself the BIG THREE QUESTIONS:

Where are you NOW?

Where do you want to BE?

How can you get there?

And you can't help but create a system that is Outrageously Effective! Don't wait until your birthday to make this happen - do it now! Happy Birthday! Happy Everything!

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

If you had to miss the event, then you also missed the BIG announcement. We've completely revamped the Outrageously Effective Systems club and we officially opened the doors at the new event. We're about to open the doors to those of you who couldn't join us live. You can get a sneak preview at www.processprodigy.com/oes.

Spring has sprung - but sometimes it is hard to "spring" into getting work done. This week's article gives you 6 ways to get in the mood and get motivated!

Enjoy,
Beth

6 Ways To Get In The Mood And Get Motivated

By Beth Schneider

It is this time of year that makes me want to crawl in bed and read a book or watch movies. The holidays are over, it is cool and cloudy outside, and I feel lazy. It is this time of the year that I have the tendency to go into hibernation, with my biggest dilemma being which book to download and read.

Fast forward to reality! The days are actually starting to get longer and somehow even though there is MORE day light, you seem to get less done. And it's all because you can't seem to get in the mood. The key is doing the things that get you in the mood. So here are six things to get you going.

#1 Plan and take a brisk walk
There's just something about a little exercise that gets the blood pumping. So if you feel like you need a nap, grab those sneakers and head for the door.

#2 Pick up some upbeat music
Put together a CD of songs that motivate you. For example, at a speakers training I took a few years back, I had to get up on stage and sing. I chose Tom Jones', It's Not Unusual. Now every time I play that song I get a boost of energy. Pick a series of songs that remind you of something fun, a win you had, or just get you going and then play them.

#3 Start with something you don't want to do
I know this sounds crazy, but my mentor, Melissa Orr (CEO of a $25 million dollar corp.) starts with the things she knows she doesn't like to do. Why? She feels energized and accomplished by getting the tedious things out of the way first. By letting it drag on throughout the day, the thought of the one task saps her energy and the longer she waits, the more energy she looses. So instead she gets those things out of the way first and then feels motivated because it's done.

#4 See it as a challenge
Multi-Million dollar business owner Burt Linnetz says you just have to know that not every day is going to be fun, but a true entrepreneur pushes through. See your tasks as a challenge and think about that feeling of accomplishment you will get when you've finished. Kind of like the accomplishment of getting to the top of a mountain. There is nothing better than standing at the top, admiring the view. Focus on that feeling - that will get you going.

#5 Call a client
Set up an appointment with a client. A great way to force yourself to get motivated is to involve someone else. You'll have no choice but to get yourself motivated before the call and then after you can just coast on the motivation from the call. It's like a two-for-one.

#6 Tidy up a bit
A clean office is a happy office. Spend a few minutes picking things up so that you feel really good working in your space. It will make you want to be there.

The best part is, once all your work is done for the day, you can just hang out!

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

If you'd like to hang out in sunny California with me, my two systems experts, and awesome attendees like Carrie Wilkerson, Kelly O'Neil, Morgana Rae and a bunch of other movers and shakers then grab your spot.

http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

This week's article is just a small taste of the big piece of pie Process Prodigy we will be serving you next week at the live event.

Enjoy,

Beth

Are you interested in just a piece of pie, or would you like the whole thing?
The Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive
February 27 to 29 in Los Angeles
Check it out at: http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

Double The Profits - The Essential Pieces

By Beth Schneider

These days I find myself doing a lot of writing. I have a whole routine; grab a cup of coffee and close down all programs except for a word document. Since I like to scribble notes, I keep a pad and pen handy. I also like to be comfortable, so yes, I have special writing pants. Even with my routine in place, I often find myself sitting and staring at a blank screen. Tapping my finger on the pad, scratching my head and getting frustrated, which makes it hard to think, which makes it harder to write. UGGGHH!

People are always asking me how to get started with putting systems in place. It dawned on me that these same people might have their own routine. They get motivated, put on their special systems pants and then stare at a blank screen. Focusing on HOW you do something in your business is the key to squeezing 2-3 times the results from your existing team and marketing efforts, so let's make this easy to get started. No more starting at a blank screen. Oh and special system pants are not required.

There are three essential systems that every business, no matter what the size, must have. At Process Prodigy, we call these the core systems. They are:

1. A system for Overcoming Sales Objections

2. A system for Setting Up New Clients

3. A Project Management System

Overcoming Sales Objections

My friend, Sharla Jacobs of www.rejuvenateyourpractice.com calls this "dancing with concerns", which, I think, is a great way to describe this task. Take a close look at the excuses . . .er . . . I mean reasons that people give you to explain why they are not ready to buy. Then, one-by-one, create a list of things to say and do to turn those "reasons to walk away" into "reasons to buy". The biggest complaint out there is, "I don't have enough clients." Consider this an essential piece of your business because it is what brings in the clients and signs them up.

Setting Up New Clients

I bet you've been in this situation. You go into a store and the clerk follows you around, attending to your every need... well, until you hand over the cash. Once you've given up your money, you become suddenly invisible. What do you do to your clients once they've said yes? Every marketing guru in the world will tell you it's easier to sell more to an existing client than to go out and get a new client. So what are you doing from the start to make sure that your clients feel like royalty and want to stay around you? Lay out all of the new client steps ahead of time so that each and every one of those new additions feels completely taken care of and important. When your clients feel good, they buy more from you and then they tell their friends to buy from you. Result? You feel good, too.

Project Management

The dream is to be able to kick back and enjoy your life while your business runs without you. That's a scenario we'd all like to dive into, isn't it? Unfortunately, the more common scenarios I see include stressed out, overwhelmed and very "stuck" business owners. Why is like this? Well, primarily because so many business owners have "fallen out of the driver seat" and their businesses are driving them rather than vice versa. If this sounds like your situation, take a breath... You can get back into the driver's seat by laying out the pieces of your business as if it were a recurring project. For example, my client Michele takes each and every client through a series of steps and tasks. By documenting those tasks she made it easy for her team to understand exactly what she needs them to do and how to do it.

For your own situation, pick something that happens over and over, maybe coaching clients, launching products, doing teleclasses, etc. Lay out each and every step so that you can repeat those same steps instead of constantly reinventing the wheel.

Next time you sit down to figure out how to free up your time and make things easier, think about the core systems.

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© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.

Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit http://www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00.

Nope.

When it comes right down to it, all you need are systems.

Wait! I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, I've heard this before. I HAVE systems.

Okay, maybe you HAVE systems, but are they good? And are you using them? Or are they just a buzz word you use?

If they're good and you're using them, great.

If not, you may be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and burnt out despite the fact that you started your business out of a passion.

Good news: I'm here to teach you how to create systems that actually work. But I don't stop there. I'm not just giving you fish, here; I'm teaching you how to fish.

Join me: http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

Introducing the "Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive," February 27-29 in Los Angeles. During this live, 3-day workshop, my team members and I help you buckle down and create systems, based on your unique business and our experience and our own proven methods, that allow you to ... you guessed it: double your profits and double your time off.

Like I said, I'm teaching you how to fish. In other words, we share our systems AND we work side-by-side, hand-in-hand with you to create your OWN systems for marketing, client intake, production and internal operations. You get back to the office and voila! You begin using your systems. You're ready to hit the ground running.

Here's what you learn during the brand-new 3-day event:

1. How to set up your marketing so it happens consistently with little effort
2. The ONE thing you must do to make sure you get the most out of your marketing efforts ... most people miss this one thing and leave thousands of dollars on the table
3. The real scoop on contracts and money - how to set them up so you can build and enjoy solid client relationships (without working double or triple what you should on any particular project)
4. Follow-up for quality check-ins, referrals and additional business so your pipeline is always full of qualified prospects you're going to love working with
5. The beauty of project management - what it is, how to find a manager, and how much time and money it saves you
6. How to be in control without micromanaging and without having to do everything yourself - while leveraging what you have to grow your business and reach your goals without becoming exhausted and overwhelmed
7. Systems for internal communication so everyone is on the same page - without you having to speak to everyone
8. How to use the technology you already have to keep everyone up to date and everything you need on hand

Right now, you have a choice: invest in your business (and your sanity!) OR continue on as you are. If you invest, you tighten up your ship with the coaching, information, advice and systems you need, and you begin earning your investment back. If you continue on as you are, you waste time (and time is money) putting out fires, fixing miscommunications, checking and re-checking with team members to make sure everyone's on the same page. What's it going to be?

Here's that link again so you can see success stories from some of my previous clients just like you who have implemented my proven systems and streamlined their businesses for maximum efficiency and profit - PLUS, get more information about "The Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive": http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

To your success through systems,

Beth

P.S. Seating is limited for this brand-new, cutting-edge intensive, so if you want in, I suggest you grab yours, now: http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

P.P.S. You make this investment at no risk - if, after you attend the first day of "The Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive," you don't think it's worth the investment, just let me or one of my team members know, return your materials, and we'll give you a refund. No questions asked. Ready? http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

Remember that ½ price tickets to our Double Your Profits, Double Your Time Off Intensive are going away shortly. If you'd like to hang out in sunny California with me, my two systems experts, and awesome attendees like Carrie Wilkerson, Kelly O'Neil, Morgana Rae and a bunch of other movers and shakers then grab your spot. http://www.processprodigy.com/double-your-profits-intensive/

This week’s article takes me back to a kayaking trip where I learned how staying afloat in business really isn’t that different than staying afloat in the ocean.

Enjoy,
Beth

4 Business Lessons I Learned from Kayaking

By Beth Schneider

I’m not exactly what you would call an expert kayaker. But when my friends invited me to go kayaking with them I thought it would be fun to spend the day paddling through the water. About 10 minute into the trip I learned that kayaking is not as easy as it looks.

But conquering the wind and the waves was more than just fun it was rewarding. It got me thinking about my business. Why did we take on the challenge of business? For the freedom? For the money? For the reward of being successful? For me it’s all these things.

Who knew a piece of plastic and a paddle could be so inspiring!?
Here are 4 business lessons I learned from Kayaking.

Don’t wait until everything is perfect Right off the bat I made a rookie mistake. Since we weren’t going swimming, I flashed back to the only other time that I’d kayaked without swimming. It was on a lake and I wore shorts and tennis shoes. So that’s what I wore. Well let’s just say my friend took one look at me and started laughing. “Why aren’t you wearing a bathing suit?” she asked.
She was right. My shorts and tennis shoes were soaked about 4 seconds after I got in. And I didn’t even have a towel! When I realized I had the wrong clothes, wrong shoes and no towel I had a choice to make. I could change my mind, go home and miss the trip or just go anyway and make the best of it. I chose to go anyway and in the long run I had a great time. Now think about your business. How often have you held back or not done something because it wasn’t perfect or you didn’t have the exact perfect equipment? How many clients, how much money and how many fun times have you missed because you didn’t just go for it? Remember, there is no such thing as perfect.

Don’t paddle so hard While still in the harbor, we spotted a little man-made island that was covered in seals. As a huge animal lover, that was really exciting for me. I had a goal and I was determined to get to those seals there in a hurry. I started paddling really fast. I plunged the paddle deep in water and pulled with all my might and very quickly I was tired. My friend in the back said, “don’t work so hard, skim the surface of the water and that will actually work better and is a lot less work.”

I started using the proper technique and you know what – it worked. My arms didn’t hurt and we got to those seals faster than when I was working so hard. It’s the same thing with your business. Getting your business’s operations (aka your systems) in place will give you the technique you need to work less and reach your goals faster.

Track Your Progress It was easy paddling out over the waves when we were going with the current. However, when we had to paddle against the current, the road got a whole lot harder. After several minutes my friend, Alisha says to me, we keep paddling, but I don’t think we’re moving.

I couldn’t tell if we were moving or not so I picked a landmark and could then tell when we were and weren’t making progress. If we weren’t moving then I’d tell her and we’d alter what we were doing. When we were moving forward we’d do more of what worked. Are you watching your business progress? Do you know how many subscribers you have? How many sales calls convert? How much money you’ve made this year compared to prior years? When I began tracking our progress in the kayak I could tell when we were moving forward and I could tell what worked. It’s the same with your business. Track your progress so you can make strategic decisions and alter your course when need be.

Don’t Give Up Even with the right technique it was still a lot of hard work to paddle through the strong current. My arms started to ache and burn and I just had to stop and rest. When I stopped the current pushed us back. Then we had to work hard, just to get back to where we were. Finally, we were making progress again and my arms wanted, no begged me to stop for a rest. But instead of giving in, I pushed harder and we made it to our next target. I didn’t give up which pushed us forward.

What we all need to remember is that business is not perfect. There will be mistakes. There will be failures. There will be set backs. These are the crucial times when you have to push harder to get to the next target.

Ok, who’s ready to be my kayak buddy?

© 2012 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc.
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Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveal the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit www.processprodigy.com/ezine and grab your FREE systems starter kit valued at $297.00