Finding Motivation to Make the Most Out of Every Day

The misconceptions that are associated with being an entrepreneur shock me sometimes. Whenever someone asks me the question "so what do you do?" And when I answer with "I run and operate my own business," the most common response I hear is, "Wow...you must be really busy", which I've learned really translates into: "Wow...you must have no life."

Yes, I can say from firsthand experience that being an entrepreneur comes with a certain territory, a certain level of expectations, and definitely a certain personality to be successful...and unfortunately, one of those expectations is making personal sacrifices. My personal secret? I have excellent time management ability...and I'm highly motivated. I do believe that one of the crucial personality characteristics to be a successful entrepreneur is motivation. If you aren't motivated or disciplined, then you will find it difficult to reach your goals.

It is true that some believe entrepreneurial skills can be taught, that they can be learned through experience and education. And a big part of this is true. But some also believe what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur lies within inborn personality characteristics, and in both strengths and weaknesses. What do you think?

 Furthermore, each personality trait (positive and negative) plays a part in our behavior. It affects how we work, what motivates us, and how we succeed as entrepreneurs. For example, some are motivated by rewards or incentives, some are motivated by advanced opportunities, and others are motivated by social acceptance and personal feelings.

All in all, regardless of who you are, what you do, or how you learn and work, there is one thing in common: Being an entrepreneur means making the most out of every day. But we get it. Everyone has those “slump” days (or even weeks...) when it's tough to get anything done. You don't feel like making that phone call, or running that errand or going to that appointment, sitting in that meeting, or spending another waking minute staring blankly at your laptop or tablet screen. Everyone has days like this. But, at the end of that day, we still have to conduct business...or we don't eat. So how can you ensure that you get the most out of every day?

 Start the day off right. It’s true that starting the day off right can make all the difference. It sets the tone for the day. But how you choose to start your day can vary from person to person, because ultimately we are talking about different personalities here. This could mean getting up early, taking the dog for a walk, or having a good breakfast for one, and exercising, checking email, and mentally preparing for the day for another. Whatever gets you going in the morning, focus on that and make it your goal to start off every day that way.

If you struggle to get up early each morning, then find out what motivates you to get out of bed. Maybe you have a pet that makes sure you are out of bed at a certain hour. Maybe it’s setting the alarm on your phone to your favorite song, or the post-it notes you leave on your nightstand the night before. Maybe it’s the sound or smell of freshly brewing coffee. Whatever motivates you to get out of bed, make it happen.

 Get organized, and get going. A little organization can go a long way. If this is what gets you going, then spend each morning over coffee or breakfast getting organized and planning your day. Some entrepreneurs claim they can’t focus until they feel organized, whether that is mentally or physically. Maybe this means organizing your work space, or cleaning up your cluttered email inbox. Even just spending a few minutes getting organized each morning will give you that little boost of accomplishment to set the tone for the rest of the day.

Some successful entrepreneurs claim they spend the first two hours of every day "IN" their business. This doesn't mean answering email, listening to or responding to messages, or anything administrative, this means actually thinking, brainstorming, and working on your VISION.

 Live for the Night... If you are more of an evening entrepreneur than a morning entrepreneur, why not spend the evening before planning for the next day? This may mean leaving a to-do list before you leave the office, organize your work space for the next morning, or focusing on something that motivates you before you go to bed. Studies have actually shown that the information or activities you complete the evening before can actually stay in your mind, even convert to knowledge, and the output is creative ideas the next morning.

Of course, we can’t control it all…but as entrepreneurs, we would like to. However, there are always going to be obstacles, challenges, and just things that go wrong. We can’t always avoid them, but we can choose to make the best out of them and learn from them. Each and every entrepreneur has his or her own personality, working and learning style and ways they go about doing business. The key here is to find out what makes your entrepreneurial mind “tick”, and how to go about boosting that to make the most out of every day.

Image credit: © Pixelbliss - Fotolia.com

Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2012 J. H. Language Solutions 

6 Ways to Kill it at Your Next Meeting

How do you react when you receive a meeting invite? One of the first questions that comes to mind is most likely, "Why do I need to go to this?" You're not alone.

There is good news, however: Meetings don't have to be this way. So how can entrepreneurs run better meetings to not only ensure that team members are engaged, but that they are actually getting something out of the meeting and find them valuable? ...Which can be the most frustrating part.  

1. It's not always the WHAT, it's the HOW. Regardless of what you are trying to accomplish or get across in a meeting, it's the how that’s important. Each topic you wish to go over should be tailored to each learning style attending and participating in the meeting. For example, it's a good idea to present visual aids, be them hard copies or electronic documents, and share them with the group. This approach will engage your visual learners.

Furthermore, having an open-ended conversation, Q&A session, or other lecture will appeal to your auditory learners. Remember, these are the folks that are likely going to ask a lot of questions or leave them until the very last second of the meeting. Annoying? Maybe a little...but keep in mind they aren't trying to be.

Finally, your tactile learners are going to be the fidgety bunch that won't be able to sit still. Asking them to participate in a hands-on activity will cure the "fidgety-ness". If there isn't enough time allotted for an activity, then having pens or pads of paper available on a conference room table will be enough to keep them busy. 

2. Interpersonalize. Yeah, I just made up that word right there. Interpersonal communication skills are one of the most important entrepreneurial or project management skills. Paying attention to words, emotions, and body language can have a huge impact on how you direct your message to your team, as well as each individual member. Not only is important to pay attention to your team member's communication style and behavior when he or she asks you a question, but it's also important to keep in mind how YOU react to them, with your own communication style and behavior. This can also help you when resolving conflict or having a difficult conversation with a team member. Again, same as above applies here: "It's not always about WHAT you say, it's HOW you say it."

3. Set an agenda...and stick to it. One of the most annoying things we encounter in a meeting is when conversations veer off course and even open up into other topics. Then, suddenly we are out of time, and not only did we not address what we called the meeting for, but team members leave or get off the phone thinking: "Well THAT was pointless", or worse, with the same unanswered questions as before. Avoid this viral spiral by allotting a time limit for each topic you would like to cover. If more time is needed on a certain topic, then schedule a follow up session for later on or leave room for some flexibility in your schedule or agenda for an open-ended or informal discussion. 

4. Lights, Camera...Action! So how do you know if anyone really got anything out of a meeting? Assign tasks for each member before closing. And, no, this isn't micromanaging...as long as you keep that in check. The key here is motivation, not micromanagement.

Be sure to also assign yourself your own action items. This will make team members feel like you are on the same playing field with them and that you are a true leader. Each team member should be fully aware and have a clear understanding of their tasks and responsibilities before the next meeting. 

5. What have I worked on since the last meeting? Prior to meeting again, whether that is in a few days or a week depending on the project or availability, each team member should discuss with the team what they worked on since the last meeting or what they accomplished. This will help keep goals and tasks focused and centered, and will also avoid veering off topic and running out of time...indubitably everyone's favorite thing. It will also keep the air positive throughout the meeting.

6. Informal Communication is REALLY Okay... Many entrepreneurs or project managers are worried about keeping their communication style professional. While this is a great course of measure, sometimes keeping things formal ALL the time can do more harm than good. Allowing informal communication among your team is okay too. This will allow you to be approachable, trustworthy, and dependable to your team. You want team members to be open with you, talk to you about concerns, and feel comfortable opening up to you. Team members stick around, feel productive and happy, and sometimes even enjoy work if they have a manager they are comfortable with and can trust.

So that wasn't so bad, was it? The moral of the story here is that with a little planning, organization, time management, communication, and a little extra emphasis on appealing to the various learning styles, a meeting doesn't have to be a horrible experience.


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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2012 J. H. Language Solutions  

The Morning Routine You'll Learn to Love

We all have our own morning routines. Some include walking the dog, having coffee, watching the news, getting up before the sun, exercising, having breakfast, or even hitting snooze. Regardless of what your morning routine consists of, no one likes to think about it...especially on a Monday morning. But if you are an entrepreneur, your morning routine is the most important part of your day.

The daily routine of any small business owner or entrepreneur is jammed packed to max with calls, answering emails, going out on appointments, or working with employees. Most entrepreneurs' days begin very early and end very late. They are similar to sales reps, except entrepreneurs and small business owners have all the responsibilities of running and operating a business to worry about in addition to making sales and closing deals. This is why entrepreneurs need to begin their days off on the right foot.

Some entrepreneurs spend the evening the night before creating to-do lists, organizing their email inbox as much as possible, and checking their calendars for meetings, appointments, calls, deadlines, and tasks that are scheduled for the day. The next morning, some entrepreneurs start the day off right with some form of exercise. We all know exercise gets the blood flowing, increases energy, and boosts the body's metabolism. Studies have shown that morning exercise is when it is the most effective as it gives entrepreneurs energy to tackle the day ahead.

Of course, not all entrepreneurs and small business owners have the option to get up early, because in most cases, the time you get up depends on when you go to bed...unless you are one of those people that can function on very little sleep. So what about restaurant owners? Most restaurant owners don't go to bed until 3AM, especially during the weekends which are typically peak business times with customers. However, morning routines are all relative. For example, if an entrepreneur goes to bed at 3AM, waking up at 10AM the next morning could be equivalent to another entrepreneur's 5AM.

As an entrepreneur I can tell you that setting and sticking to a morning routine is tough. Most of you know that in addition to running my business, I also work a full time job that involves commuting a total of 90 minutes, one way, each day. I'm up at 4:15AM most mornings to get in at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise. While I exercise, I'm on my iPad going over my calendar and email, all while mentally planning and anticipating my day. I'm dressed and out the door with the morning's first cup of coffee by 6AM, to be on the train by 6:34AM. I have at least an hour-long train ride, so I use that hour to get work done. By the time I sit down in the office by 7:30AM - 7:45AM, I'm ready for my next cup of coffee, my breakfast, and to start my full time job. 

My days end between 4PM and 5PM depending on the day and the season. Again, I use the hour train ride home to get work done. I'm typically home for the evening by 6PM and 7PM. I make myself a healthy dinner, play with the cats, and then it's back to my office (or my couch some nights) with my laptop for more of my business work. On slower or quieter evenings, sometimes I'll fit in an evening work out to unwind and relieve stress and tension from the day. I'm typically in bed by 9 - 9:30PM because I'm up so early the next morning.

In any given week, I work between 80 and 90 hours per week. And that's not a made up number or an estimate. The challenge sometimes is my family and friends. They often complain to me about my schedule. Why is my schedule so important? Why can't you come out with us? Why do you schedule things so tightly? My only reply is that it's the only way I can do both.

I have personally found that once I started incorporating a rigorous morning routine that I not only became healthier, but I developed a more positive and happier outlook on the day. It allowed me to get in the right frame of mind to tackle the day. I don't tell my own story to boast, but rather explain the sacrifices that are necessary to run your own business. And if I can do it, you can. Of course, not everyone's life is the same. Some of you have families, children, taking care of sick loved ones, or even work a part time job in the evenings. Even if you take 30 minutes for yourself each day, you'd be surprised what you can accomplish and how different you will feel.

Many entrepreneurs have similar stories to tell about how they go about their days and how they start their days. It's a choice, really. How you choose to start your day or the attitude you carry with you during the day is a choice, most of the time. Sure, we all have bad days. Sure, things happen that we can't control. And, sure, some days just flat out suck no matter what you do. But at the end of the day, literally, tomorrow is a new one. So start it out right.

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Written content: © 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J.H. Language Solutions

J. H. Language Solutions: "Behind the Music"

Just like the professional musicians do at the end of a rock concert, I'd like to start this post off by thanking my fans, clients, and anyone out there who has taken the time to read through my blogs and services. I am proud to work with such a diverse clientele and workload on a regular basis. This allows me to grow and learn as business owner and entrepreneur in how better serve my clients...spoken from a true musician at heart.

Regardless of what role you play in my "audience", I want to share with you the true tale of J. H. Language Solutions and what sparked me to start my own business, the challenges I faced and currently face, and where I am now as well as my plans for the future. Here’s the story of J. H. Language Solutions.

The year 2010 was one pivotal year in my life. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it meant “change” in every area. Prior to 2010, I moved from one dead-end job to the next, of no fault of my own, endured financial strain and stress as a result, and was just trying to find my corner of life where I was meant to be. I was on the journey in search of something that made me “me”, or “finding myself”, if you will…just like everyone.

After months and even years of stress, and a period of “bad luck”, I knew I needed to start doing something different. I knew I needed to make a change, but I wasn’t sure how. Like anyone would, I started with money. I needed to make extra money to pay down my debts and ensure a healthy financial future. By taking some advice from a former supervisor, I began looking for freelance work. I signed up with oDesk, a freelance website. I immediately began bidding for jobs, but nothing fell through. After almost three straight months of bidding, I landed my first “job” proofreading an eBook.

Then, also around the same time, I headed to Boston for a full time offer as an Associate Editor with Pearson. With over an hour’s ride by train each way every day, and my newly found freelance work, I knew I had my word cut out for me. But with a very promising and aspiring career in publishing, I knew Pearson was the place to go. I would just make it work. However, Pearson is not the easiest company to get into, but even there, the chips began falling into place. I got to meet and work with some of the most amazing people and my love and interest for publishing grew and developed into a love and appreciation for project management. In 2011, I was promoted to Associate Project Manager, and in 2013 I was promoted to Senior Project Manager and became an assistant manager, and another potential promotion on the horizon.

From 2010 on, I was able to take my full time experience, as well as the experience I gained from working with different clients on a freelance basis, and tie them both together. I began applying my skills and experience in both places, and was finally lucky enough to say that my hard work was starting to pay off. Then, since my freelance workload had dramatically increased over only a period of six months, I began to see a huge demand for what the services I was currently offering, which was only proofreading, copyediting, and English/Spanish translation at the time. By the end of January 2011, I registered my DBA, J. H. Language Solutions (which stands for “Julie Anne”, my first name, and “Helen”, the first name of my last surviving grandparent) with the state of Massachusetts.

It was official. I owned my own business. I felt on top of the world. One of my lifelong dreams finally came true. One of the first things I did was buy a laptop and opened a business checking account. I spent an hour each morning on the way in on the train and the hour home doing work, getting my name out there, trying to establish a good online and social media presence. Then as time went on, the two to three hours per day wasn’t enough. I began working at home in the morning, at night, and even at a local Starbucks in downtown Boston on my lunch breaks. I established a small business office in my home, which I learned comes along with some pretty nice tax benefits. All in all, it was hard work and I was SO tired every day…but I hit the pillow every night feeling accomplished.

Over the next two years, my business work load grew to an unimaginable amount. Each year I set my own “sales goals”, and exceeded them every time. Each year I also set “business goals”, and have begun meeting and exceeding those as well. One year I developed my blog and website, one year I bought all new technology to help me keep in contact with clients since I certainly spend a lot of time “on the go”. Another year I started attending seminars, networking events, and trying to meet other people in business and get my name out there.

In 2012, I went back to school for my Master’s in Project Management, which also comes with a PMP certification upon program completion. Presently I’m about halfway through the program, with an estimated completion date of spring 2015. Oh, and to date I have a 4.0.

This year, which was probably the biggest hurdle yet, I became insured. After nine long months, I am so incredibly proud to say that as of August 2013, J. H. Language Solutions is a fully insured entity. Next year will be another larger hurdle, and that is to project myself and my business intellectual property and establish legal contracts to work with all my clients.

So now here I am, at the close of 2013 pushing four full years “in business” (though it is officially three under my DBA), and I think about how much I have grown, both my business and as an entrepreneur. I have grown from small proofreading, translation, and copyediting jobs to copywriting, managing blogs and websites, managing content strategies and marketing plans, managing social media marketing and email marketing…and it all started with $5 to open a business checking account, a girl in her mid-20s, and a dream.

So how do I do it all? Whenever people ask me that, I grin and say, “I have excellent time management skills”. And I do. I have to. Some people ask me if and when will I quit Pearson and work as my business full time. And the truthful answer to that is I don’t know. While business is doing well, I have a long way to go before I can open a separate office space and live off what my business brings in after all expenses and taxes are paid. But would I love to? Hell yes. But that is still a long way off, and also a huge risk that I’m not quite ready to take.

But through it all, the ups and downs in business, the challenges and the successes, I can honestly say that through the years I have developed a deep and passionate love for my business. It’s a ton of work, and it’s hard work, but I love each and every second of it. Not because of my own personal and professional success and achievements, but because of the difference I truly believe I make each day in my clients’ projects and in their lives. I am truly thankful for each and every client I work with and have worked with through the years, and I just only hope and pray that it continues. I’d be nowhere today without them. So let the show continue, because I don't want the music to stop.

How Running Business Can Be Your Heart's Desire...or Give You a Heart Attack

Do you own or operate your own business or have you ever thought about it? Sure. Most people would love to say they run their own business, but the truth is, it's fear that stops most people from jumping in with both feet. It's a big risk, especially financially. The sad fact is most start ups don't last longer than five years. However, if you've got a great idea or offer something that others need or is otherwise in high demand, now is the time to run with your business idea.

Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Of course. Who wouldn't like the extra income or surround themselves with success? We all would. But there are definite drawbacks to owning your own business. While many businesses can be started on virtually nothing, there are some start up costs that just can't be avoided. Some of the major costs may include a computer or any special software that may be required, whereas some of the minor costs may include office supplies, a permit to operate in your current city or town, or even a small amount to fund a bank account.

Taxes. Depending on how business owners handle this, taxes can either be a positive or negative experience. When owning and operating your business, especially out of your own, you are able to claim a lot. You can claim a portion of your rent or mortgage, a portion of your car, office supplies, a portion of your utilities, travel expenses, equipment, insurance, and many other things as they apply to doing business.

While there are definite benefits to this, on the flip side, business owners must also pay taxes on revenue, just like any part or full time job. Nope...Uncle Sam doesn't forget about the self-employed individuals or the sole proprietorships or corporations. In fact, the self-employment tax just increased and affected those businesses or self-employed individuals who filed business taxes for 2012. 

Time. The other factor one must consider before jumping into his or her own business is time. If you are able to dedicate to developing and growing your business full time, more power to you. In fact, your business will most likely grow faster since you have the time to dedicate to it. However, most start up business owners hold down at least a part or a full time job while working on the side. In these cases, setting aside time for business planning, speaking and setting up conference calls with clients, recording and keeping track of revenue and expenses, and doing the actual work can be extremely challenging.

Oh...and forget free time. Once you've established your business and you are getting regular work and business, you've sold your soul. The thing with your business is you take it everywhere with you, whether it's your email, iPhone, your business cards, or even having it on your head, it's always with you. This is also the test to see who your true friends and family are. Those who are annoyed with you pulling out your phone every five minutes when you feel/hear the email buzz, text, or even phone calls clearly don't get it. Is there a point when it reaches an obnoxious level? Well, yes. There obviously is a time and place to be dealing with business, and a definite line between "personal" and "business"...but when you run your own business, that line is a little more difficult to define.

Travel. Depending on the type of business you run, this may mean more travel. Travel in the sense of around the country or even the world attending seminars, trade shows, and client meetings, or travel around town for errands. 

Traveling for business can mean more time away from families, friends, or another full time job. This can be exciting and an excellent networking opportunity for those who may not have as many home obligations or who are single and living it up. Either way, love it or hate it, traveling for business is in fact tax deductible, even if it means running errands for office supplies, making trips to and from the bank, or meeting with clients in public places.

Networking. On the other hand, running and operating your own business certainly opens up a lot of networking opportunities. It gives entrepreneurs the ability to meet and work with various companies and clients from all over the world. If your business is really shaping up to be successful, then this paves the way for more exciting opportunities as an entrepreneur and even within business itself and sales.

So how does one go about beginning the networking process? The good news is it is easier than ever today with the ability to take advantage of social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ are just some social media networking sites that have proven to be huge networking assets for businesses of all different shapes and sizes.

In addition to online marketing, print advertising isn't exactly dead. Business cards still proven to be just as successful and a vital component that no business owner should be without. They are still used in trade shows, networking events, or other social gatherings.

Success. All in all, being an entrepreneur does mean success. Regardless of the size or mission of your business, it still spells success. If you are one of those business owners who also holds down a full time job, having your own company listed on your resume is a HUGE plus. This no doubt impresses your interviewer. Running your own business certainly speaks volumes about a particular person: their motivation, drive, and desire to succeed and make a difference.

Clearly there is good and bad to being an entrepreneur and running your own business. It certainly doesn't come without its stress, sleepless nights, and time management requirements, but like anything, if you're smart and take your business seriously, the hard work can pay off.

So what's the best advice from one business owner to another? Before starting your own business, do your homework. Ask what people think of your idea, do your market research to see if there is a demand for what you want to create or offer, and think long and hard how you will fund your business up front, if you need to, and if you are willing to sacrifice free time, hobbies, and maybe even relationships to give it the time it requires. Remember, your business is only grow as much as the time and money you put into it.





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Written content: © 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 J. H. Language Solutions

Are You Project Managing Your Own Life?

Project manager by day…and night? As a professional project manager, do you find that you project manage your own personal life, even when you aren’t at work? Are you multitasking, creating schedules, spreadsheets, or even using a database or software to track and organize your own personal tasks? If you’ve said, “yes” to any of these, you could be project managing your own life.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Keeping detailed records, schedules, and spreadsheets to track budgets, finances, kids’ sports schedules and other activities, and other daily to-dos isn’t unheard of…especially in our busy lives where most of us balance work, school, families, etc. simultaneously. With our lives on the go all the time, it’s hard not to remain in the role as project manager when you leave the office and when you step in the door at home.

What can you do to become more organized?

The work – life balance is tough. No argument there. Being organized and detail-oriented can help you stay on top of finances, work out or diet goals, sports and activities schedules, and even managing grocery lists. You may have even perfected the art of multitasking by doing multiple household chores at one time, or exercising and doing work on your smartphone at the same time, or even scheduling weekend tasks by the day, or even by the hour! It’s all about coordination.

In addition to spending your time project managing your own life, you can also put that energy towards new ideas and even spark creativity. This doesn’t even have to do with your career as a project manager, but could also pertain to your own personal life. Maybe you need to think of a creative interior decorating idea, or help your child with his or her science project, or even plan your family’s next holiday or family reunion. We know what you’re thinking: spreadsheets, Powerpoints, and maybe even Pinterest…

Not all things in life can be project managed.

Project managers find the slightest inefficiencies and make them efficient. But remember, while life can be a project, it’s not as easily managed as some of the projects that may fall across your desk or appear in your inbox. There are challenges, hardships, and unforeseen events in life that just can’t be managed with a spreadsheet. This isn’t an attack on your efficiency, experience level, or performance as a project manager, it’s just a fact. Life is just messy and we all have to learn to roll with the punches. There come points in life when we have to stop being the job and be human beings.

How do you find a happy medium?

So now that we’ve talked about how project managing your own life is a good thing, and about where the line is between career and home, how does a project manager find a happy medium? There are simple ways that project managers function on a daily basis that aren’t over the top but can still make you a better person, personally.

1.     Coordination. Coordination always takes effort, whether it be at home or work or even in your own business. However, if you learn to balance home and work and recognize where the line between the two is, when to cross it, and when not to cross it, this will help you in your coordination efforts. This will help you to remain organized and keep tasks, projects, and everything else in check and categorize them between work and play.

2.     Communication. Project managers should know it’s all about communication. This item goes beyond the office, email, and the smartphone. This can be used in all relationships, whether personal or professional. Communication among spouses, friendships, and even families is huge in life. Practicing good, effective communication will make you a better person all around.

Finally, project managers can certainly benefit from implementing their own professional tactics into their personal lives. In fact, most professionals often do! However, it’s important as human beings to remember how vital it is not to let this cross over and take over your life negatively. Project management comes with excellent knowledge and skills to utilize in both your personal and professional life.

AGENDA
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Written content: © 2010, 2011, 2012, J.H. Language Solutions

*This topic was written by J.H. Language Solutions for a third party. This article has been altered to fit this blog accordingly.  J.H. Language Solutions in no way assumes ownership of the content above.