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Take Ownership Of Your Online Business

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

 

Do you own your own businessThis is Part 3 in my series “Do You Own Your Own Business Or Does Your Business Own YOU?”

So once again I ask: do you own your online business, or does it own you?

Here’s a few ways in which you can assert your ownership, while overcoming some common obstacles to maintaining it.

 

 

Shiny Objects

Put your blinders on!

Your business will not grow if you are distracted with the many shiny objects offered to you every day.  Even if your best buddy shows you the greatest thing since ice cream, just say no, not at this time.

 

Your business can easily get beyond your control if you don’t learn to stay focused and leave the shiny new objects of the moment to others.

 

Text and Talk

Carrying around your phone every where you go?

If you are doing that, and answering business calls or checking your messages you might have lost control of the processes you need to have in place to properly grow “your business”.  Imagine you are out to dinner with your family and are hacking away.  What good is it if you are not enjoying your free time.  Do you own you business, or does it own you?

 

Positioning Yourself

You are the owner of your business.  If you are available each and every time someone calls, skypes, texts Facebook messages or emails you… then you will seem to be desperate.  You will appear to have lost control of your business.

Set up times that you receive calls.  Have those times reasserted on your voice mail message or answering service response.  

Better yet, to position yourself wisely, do the buddy-system.  

Have calls scheduled for certain times.  Have a buddy answer your calls and take information and you do the same for them in return.  This method works
great, psychologically.  It will assure that the person calling you perceives you to be “important”… too important to be answering your own calls.  And they will perceive you as having tight control of your business, and not allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by it.  

Of course, best of all, hire an answering service if you can.

Whatever method you choose, position yourself as a leader, and The Owner of your business.

If you were to call a major corporation, would you expect the CEO of the company to answer the phone?  Of course not.

So position yourself similarly.

You can even enhance your role further by becoming the “leader” and “expert” in your business.  

For example, rather than return calls or emails from individuals, set a time that you off to meet a group of those callers on a Google+ hangout or Skype call.  
Answer their questions via a group format like that and you position yourself as a leader, while controlling the time and effort you must expend to address their collective concerns.

Step Up To The Soapbox

You may have been taught to get 5 people a day into your business.  Well, think of the law of averages….  How can you get 5?  It will take you all day to do that.  Your business own you before you even get started.

Instead, use your business savvy and take ownership of the process.  Create a Webinar, An Event…anything where you can present your business, product or service to a group of people.  You could even go the extra mile with a “free giveaway.”  It can be a short ebook you can put together for attendees.  Anything of value that people can walk away with and be reminded of your leadership and expertise.

You can now talk to 5, 25 or 55 people a day quite easily.  Because, in fact, you are only making ONE presentation no matter how many people are attending your “soapbox” event.

You have just taken control of your business in a very powerful way.

These are just a few methods you can employ to get control or maintain control of your business.

Find what works for you best, and implement the process.

The choice is yours.

Remember YOU OWN YOUR BUSINESS, IT DOES NOT OWN YOU.

You may like to read the other articles in this series.  The links are below:

Part 1: Do You Own Your Business or Does It Own You?

Part 2: Is Your Spouse Supportive Of Online Business?

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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48 Responses to Take Ownership Of Your Online Business

  1. Steve Borgman June 11, 2013 at 8:23 am #

    Donna, great words, great advice! One thing I’m trying to do is to set aside equal amounts of time working “on” my business, versus working “in” my business. In other words, I want to devote 50% of my time to creating content. But the other 50%, I want to spend networking, building systems for my marketing funnel and blog, and tweaking other “business” aspects of my blogs.

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 15, 2013 at 12:42 pm #

      That is Awesome Steve!

      That is where I’m at too. We have both built a great foundation, now it is time to take things up a notch.

      You have been doing such great work since I’ve know you, and kudos to you my friend.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social MediaMy Profile

  2. Pearly Quah June 6, 2013 at 5:32 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I just love reading everything you mentioned in this post. What you are saying here is all about the real situation which is happening to many people. I appreciate that.

    It is good to set a time for people to contact us at certain given time. By doing so, we will have more quality time for our family as well as ourselves. This is importan ! 🙂

    As for opportunity, stay committed and stay focus, I used to get a lot of distraction with all the opportunities by friends and when I wasn’t really stay focus on my business, I will follow their style and start recommending opportunity to my other friends which I am now aware that it can be annoying. We do not want our friends to get annoyed with our opportunity messages, so, we should believe, commit and focus in the business we are doing and then provide necessary information. When they want your product and really like you as a friend and want to support you in business because they came to know about it from your site, then, they will look for you ! That’s my belief ! 🙂 If they don’t want to be your partner or to support you, no matter what you do, they won’t come with you 🙂

    Thank you, Donna for such an awesome post with all the great points shared by your goodself.

    Cheers
    Pearly
    Pearly Quah recently posted..Enagic® Kangen Water® Malaysia Sharing About Acidic Body ChemistryMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 15, 2013 at 12:40 pm #

      Hi Pearly,

      Thanks for your wonderful comment. It is so true. If someone wants a part in our offer they will take it, others’ won’t. I do believe in the Law of Attraction and when I have something to offer, usually people come to me.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social MediaMy Profile

  3. Darlene with BlogBoldly June 4, 2013 at 9:59 am #

    “Your business will not grow if you are distracted with the many shiny objects offered to you every day.”

    OMGosh.. I write about this one often to my peeps because it is my #1 cross to bare! The Internet is just SO much fun. LOL

    Awesome blog you have here.. Will bookmark to check back.

    ~ darlene 🙂
    Darlene with BlogBoldly recently posted..Build Your Online Business One Step at a TimeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 5, 2013 at 6:18 pm #

      Hi Darlene,

      Welcome to my blog! Oh yes, those shiny objects can get you off point all the time. We have to keep our eye on the end result while we are blogging, on social media, or just talking to folks.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  4. Raena Lynn June 2, 2013 at 11:53 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    You have outlined some great ways to prevent your business from owning you. I think using webinars or events to bring together an audience is much more efficient to building your business. I think many marketers are quite passionate about their business, so it is very easy to lose control and find themselves spending countless hours in front of their computer accomplishing little. Believe me, I’ve done it! It takes organization and understanding which tasks are “productive” and accomplishing them daily by staying focused, taking action, and being satisfied with the goals completed. In other words, set a schedule, set your goals, complete them, then call it a day!

    Setting specific business hours works great too. Treat your business as a business and don’t let it take over. Thanks Donna!

    Raena Lynn
    Raena Lynn recently posted..We have the best product ever! Great Lie #5My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 3, 2013 at 6:30 pm #

      Hi Raena,

      It feel like you and I are running neck and neck with our business strategies sometimes. We both went from focusing on so many things to getting down to focus on one…the end game!

      By that I mean putting more of our time marketing than the social playground. I’ve seen how quickly your business is thriving since last year and all I can say is whoopieee!

      I can see your growth just by your comment he he. We had that conversation of shortening our comments because we were both taking so much time writing novellas!

      All I can say is AWESOME!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  5. RobG June 2, 2013 at 3:00 pm #

    Hello Donna, some great points you covered here in this post. Having a business and keeping everything running smooth takes good judgement and if you\’re going to be taking in by everyone who approaches you a one in a life time deal you will sink quickly.Thanks so much for sharing a great read my friend
    RobG recently posted..How-To Spice Up Your Blog With vSlider WordPress Image Slider PluginMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 3, 2013 at 6:26 pm #

      Thank you Rob!

      We need good judgement running our own business. When I’m coaching some people they sometimes say they feel to harsh doing this. Trick is we need to use our heads and not emotions he he.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  6. Sonia June 2, 2013 at 11:02 am #

    I see some of myself in many of those situations. When I am out and about, I do find myself looking at my cell phone way too much. I know when to unplug, but I read to many emails when it is not necessary. When I started blogging and got serious about it, I found myself addicted to writing and couldn’t remove myself from being online.

    Now, I know when to unplug and let my mind relax, but when I leave home, my business is on my mind. You brought a lot of truths that many of us do on a daily basis without realizing it. I love what I do, but I don’t want it to own me.

    My current boss is brilliant at my day job, but he has so much going on in his head that it is hard for him to stay focused on the end result. He tends to get sidelined and lose focus, only for his employees to bring him back to earth. Its funny, but a good reminder to not let your business rule you.
    Sonia recently posted..Blogger Spotlight Harleena Singh, Aha!Now.comMy Profile

  7. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    June 2, 2013 at 8:20 am #

    Hi Donna,
    Oh how true! Shinny objects, cells, and get 5 – oh my! I am staying with who I am. I rather have people get to know me, than run around like crazy trying to get people to do business with me. They will when they get to know me. Builds strong relationshipd and loyalty I think. I see so many people just signing-up people, and then their new memebers/customers are left flat to chase more sign-ups. Now, that’s bad for business… So I don’t do that, refuse to do that.. I am just me the radio show gal 🙂 and other things… love you much.. xxx
    Lesly Federici recently posted..Guest Kathy Morelli May 30My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2013 at 11:37 pm #

      And you are a very great radio show Gal Lesly!

      I like the way you are putting yourself out there. You are being YOU and people that are interested in what you do will come to you.

      I do business in a similar way – I cannot stand the chase. I don’t like to do the fast and furious “sign ups”

      I rather have a presence on line and people do come!

      Keep on going girl,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  8. Anne June 1, 2013 at 1:37 pm #

    Talk about shiny objects, Donna. There are so many online for bloggers these days. I receive so many of them in my inbox: the best way to earn online, how to grow your business, how to… you name it.

    I sometimes feel guilty for not replying to these emails, especially when they’re sent by my associates. You’re right that we have to take control and learn to say no. We could be spending more time and money than we have on these things if our priorities aren’t set right.
    Anne recently posted..Confidence Quotes 4My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 3, 2013 at 6:25 pm #

      Absolutely Anne!

      If we won’t take control of our time who will? I know it is difficult not to answer the many emails we get from our associates, but I think in the long run, they understand.

      Every once and a while I get around to making a project of “unsubscribing” to those emails, but first emailing them telling them why I have to.

      Those shiny objects can be the ruination of our business.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..People Should Know These Things!My Profile

  9. Temilola Globalwalyy June 1, 2013 at 7:26 am #

    Hello Donna, you have listed some awesome points there, it really s ck calling some people that called them self a business man, and there phone start ringing without no one to pick the phone, for God sake its called Mobile phone and not keep at home phone.

    OMG you didn’t even reply the message that have been sent to you for almost 5days, how he in world did you verify to be the rightful owner of your business, since its online not everyone will see you face to face every time…

    Thanks for writing this wonderful post, this deserve a share…
    Temilola Globalwalyy recently posted..List and benefits of Exercise During pregnancyMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2013 at 11:31 pm #

      Great point Temilola!

      Our mobile phones are a great way to connect to people as long as we do it in our own time.

      We have to focus on our marketing FIRST, then when people want to call we do have that choice to pick up that phone or not.

      I like scheduling appointments with people so I can be in control.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  10. Tonya Stephens May 31, 2013 at 5:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Great tips and advice for staying in control of your business. As I heard one world class marketer say once,”The internet is a temptress in a red dress!”
    Staying focused is paramount and also staying consistent…it ain’t easy if it where everybody’d be doing it….many try and many fail.
    Thanks for these great points you mentioned and also how to deal with them effectively.
    Tonya

  11. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    May 30, 2013 at 7:36 pm #

    Donna,

    I love this series you are doing. I think I missed the second part so I am going to have to go back and read it.

    I really like what you say about answering the phone. I actually have a free voice mail box that I have used off and on. When I set it up I did so to give the impressions it was actually a phone that could be answered if I choose to or was available to at that time. My thought being I would rather call someone back and talk to them on my time and then I am in control of the call. This is similar to what you are saying. I guess I should start using that voice mail box again.

    You have some really good ideas and suggestions. I love reading this type of thing as it gives me ideas on what I am doing right and wrong in this area.

    Thank you

    Dee Ann
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Blogging Friends Come To My RescueMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2013 at 12:16 pm #

      Well,

      Thank you Dee Ann

      Yes, I agree that if we don’t have control over the phone, it can consume your whole day.

      I do the same thing and call people back. I have to set up appointments with them and have my day under control.

      If not, I would NEVER get any work done!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  12. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    May 30, 2013 at 4:42 pm #

    My business owns me Donna but only because I see myself doing a few of what you mentioned here.

    Now I refuse to carry my cell around for the sole purpose of always answering every call. Oh, I would have to forward my work number to my cell which I do not do. I can’t stand people who talk on their phones when we’re out and about.

    Now I do answer all emails and calls that come in but mainly because I’m here working and I’ll stop what I’m doing if I can. I mean if I’m in the middle of something that I can’t stop because I’ll lose my flow of thought or I’m shooting a video then I won’t. But for the most part, they appreciate that I am available. They already think I’m important! I so love that.

    Okay, so I still have some work to do but I always admit being a work in progress. I know you still love me though!

    Thanks for this wake up call Donna. Great job!

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Thankful Thursday: Traffic, Facebook, Make Money, Google & Social MediaMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2013 at 12:09 pm #

      Adrienne,

      I think you own your business! You are the most organized person I know!!!

      But one thing I would say is don’t give it out for free. There is a time and place for that.

      We all appreciate that you are available. But the difference is that you are available for business. That shows me that YOU own your business.

      As for cell phones? He He…we are on the same page!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  13. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    May 29, 2013 at 5:26 pm #

    Excellent tips as always Donna. I had to chuckle when I came to the one about texting/talking on the cell phone. People who know me know I rarely text and keep my cell phone turned off entirely until the “witching” hour – my designated times of the day to check messages and return calls. I started that habit years ago and it’s served me well. Thanks for the great advice.
    marquita herald recently posted..Values: What You Do Even When Nobody’s LookingMy Profile

  14. Mayura
    Twitter:
    May 29, 2013 at 12:19 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I can see why you mentioned ’em common 😉

    I have no problem with phone calls. But emails, comments and social messages about technical issues that people having on their sites. I used to go and help whenever I get queries Donna.

    Some folks wanted me right away when I was sleeping at home 😀 lol… However they just worry about their problem.

    Anyway now I follow rules and have specific time to respond if the issues they are referring to are not critical at all. Further, if they don’t follow guidelines when contacting me, I just ignore them. I found that some folks are just wasting our time.

    You have a wonderful week there Donna 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..Manage Your Website in Google Webmaster Tools: Part 5My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 29, 2013 at 2:22 pm #

      Good for you Mayura!

      You are absolutely correct when you say that if people don’t follow your rules or guidelines when contacting you, you ignore them. Yes those are the ones that will waste your time.

      If they are respectful to your time schedule, they will be more serious.

      Lesson well learned my friend.

      Enjoy your week!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  15. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    May 28, 2013 at 9:42 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This is great advice. I am glad that I’m not someone losing time on social media or with my phone. I’m just not a phone person, so the phone has never distracted my life.

    It’s better to have a set time to be on social media, and you’re right we’d look desperate if we responded every time someone tries to chat.

    I have some crazy people who send me messages on facebook saying “wouldn’t you chat with me?” I NEVER answer those type of stupid messages because right from the get go it sounds like big time wasters.

    Thanks for those great tips!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Change Is GoodMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 29, 2013 at 2:06 pm #

      I know you Sylviane,

      And you are too busy writing than to stop and answer the phone or waste your time on Social Media. Yes, you are on it, but wisely!

      Oh those messages to chat! What it really means is Do you have time so I can sell you something? he he he

      Unless it is a good friend, I don’t answer it either.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  16. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    May 28, 2013 at 7:39 pm #

    Donna,
    So true. From reading your blog, my business definitely owns me. I have no down time and I’m always *on* some call, FB, texting, etc. I’ve got to learn not to have the business own me. Not answering every call. Google Hangouts are a great idea to answer everyone’s questions. I’ve got to better learn to position myself.

    Great advice as always,
    Thanks,
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..So Who Are You Really?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 10:46 pm #

      Oh Barbara,

      Being always “on” is a great path to burnout. Because I’ve been in my own business for 30 years now, I’ve learned not to be “on” with all my clients.

      If I was, I would never get anything done. As you know, I do consultations every day. But…I reserve time when I can do them at my own pace. Believe me, If someone needs you, they will wait.

      I have some clients on my list that have to wait for more than a week. They really don’t mind.

      Yes, I was in the fear place a long time ago and was “on” all the time too. But I found out that once you set your time, they won’t leave, instead, they do respect you for that.

      Slow down girl!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  17. Jimmie Barber May 28, 2013 at 5:32 pm #

    Nice posting Donna. I think getting started everyone thinks you should be available when contacts call immediately. Like you say, this kinda cuts down on your credibility and doesn’t seem as professional. So positioning ourselves is indeed important. Thanks Donna

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 10:35 pm #

      Hi Jimmie,

      When getting started, companies usually urge you to get out there and get 5 people a day, be on the phone all the time, etc.

      When in reality, people are more apt to see you as an authority when you make appointments with them.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  18. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    May 28, 2013 at 3:10 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks a lot for a great series! I really enjoyed reading the 3 parts.

    Reading this 3rd part of the series, I realize that I need to change a whole lot of things in the way I do my business. I need to manage my time better and put the blinders and focus on the important tasks in my business.

    I have been a victim of falling for every shiny object online. As clueless as I was when I came online, I believed all the propaganda around every offer that came my way and I didn’t realize that it was the marketing tricks they use to persuade people to buy. Oh boy, what a waste of time and money and I end up more overwhelmed than when I started.

    I loved your ideas of the buddy system and the Soapbox. I will consider it when I have more leads to call and follow up with. And the soapbox idea is a great way to reach many people in one setting with one presentation. Awesome.

    Thanks Donna for sharing these tips with us. Have a wonderful week ahead!!

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 10:30 pm #

      Hi Neamat!

      We all have been there…those shiny objects can stop our journey so quickly.

      The buddy system is great even if you don’t have enough leads, because it “positions” you to a place of authority. Even if you don’t have a buddy, you can always use a phone service (like your doctor does lol)

      Ah the Soapbox is great to round up a bunch of people at one time to save YOU time!

      Thanks so much for following this series,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  19. Corina Ramos May 28, 2013 at 2:48 pm #

    This has been a great series Donna! I’ve enjoyed reading every post :). I love the idea of creating an event and reach out to as many people at once…definitely a time saver there.

    I’ve had to slow down recently and I feel a lot better. I can start the morning more refreshed and energized. I was taking my laptop to bed and every where I was my cell phone was in my face checking stats, replying to emails and of course social media so your Text and Talk bullet definitely applies to me 🙂

    I guess you can say I took back control of my business ;)because now I pay attention to my schedule and leave my work in my home office after I officially “close” for the day.

    Thanks again for a great series. Have a great week Donna!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Friday Work from Home Jobs Round Up 05-24-13My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 10:14 pm #

      Thanks Corina!

      Thanks for reading my series. It is good to know that you have slowed down a bit and feel better. Being a slave to your laptop and phone can wear you down. It is great that you now are paying attention to your time and officially “close” for the day!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  20. Silviu May 28, 2013 at 4:13 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for the post. It fits well with the rest of the series.

    1. Shiny objects? WOW!!! So many of them and so easy to fall into temptation. It’s maybe the no.1 cause for failure in any business.
    I would like to say something about a particular type of shiny object you know all too well: emails.

    When I began online I used to follow people, opt in, read their emails etc. Let’s say about 6 months later I checked my inbox and was overwhelmed: 3 email accounts with a total of 30000 emails.
    I remember deleting all during that day. If you fall into temptation you are wasting your time.

    2. Why all these and what to do?

    Most people do not have either time management skills or time management education. They don’t know, nobody told them etc.
    What you really need is a kind of SYSTEM of managing your information. An integrated content management system (by content I mean not only posts but also emails, phone calls etc.), partially automated, partially outsourced that can help you with the tremendous amount of information that needs to be processed every day.
    This is my number one priority now. Finding a good content/information management system or creating one.
    No system? You will never be a pro, you will remain an amateur and the chances of failure are high.
    Silviu recently posted..How to get Traffic to Your Blog with TriberrMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 12:47 pm #

      Hi Silviu,

      Oh yes, those shiny objects can make your email a disaster area! Been there, done that lol.

      As for managing information, we do need a system for that. I’ve been through a VA which didn’t work well, then a Personal Assistant, which took so much time teaching her what to do, it slowed me down.

      I’m still searching too. I rather have someone come into my office as a PA, but haven’t found the right person yet. It goes beyond emails, phone calls, and all the other stuff we have to do.

      When you find a good management system, please let me know!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  21. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2013 at 4:37 pm #

    HI Donna. This is a great series and this one really hits home with me.. For the first few years online I had no idea as to what I really wanted to do.. I went after every shiny object that came across my plate. Oh Boy what a waste of time. I would buy something and then not even look at it. HUM? I guess we all have to start somewhere HUH?

    Agreed, It is a whole lot easier if you have a game plan and stay focused on what needs to be done.
    As for positioing yourself, I do use the vcita form on my blog for people to set up an appointment and this is the only way I connect with people.. You do need to have a system and this is a free tool to use.. I have found this to be such a time saver..

    Thanks for putting together this series, you are doing a great job with this.. Chery 🙂
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Creating Your Online BrandMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 28, 2013 at 12:08 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      I think that when we first come on line, we all grab those shiny objects, at least most of us have….

      Then we learn to come into our own and only purchase things that will benefit our journey.

      It is good to know you have a system in place to set up an appointment. It is such a great time saver.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  22. Lisa
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2013 at 8:49 am #

    Donna, great series! I used to answer calls at all times, now I left them go into voice mail if they are later at night or on a holiday. Sometimes we can lose track of what we are doing too when we are distracted by phones and other messages that come up on our smartphones. We can do better if we focus more on the tasks at hand.
    Lisa recently posted..Twitter Cards To Add Some Zing To Your Posts On TwitterMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 27, 2013 at 4:07 pm #

      Absolutely Lisa!

      I never answer my phone unless it is something expected. I have David answer it or it goes to a service. If I did, I would be on that darn thing all day!

      We do need to keep focused on the most important tasks we are focusing on, then later for the phone calls.

      I like to make appointments instead of being a slave to my phone!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  23. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2013 at 1:17 am #

    Hi Donna

    I love this series and especially this one.

    Oh Shiny objects I think we have all been guilty of following them. I know I was warned when I came online but still got tempted every time. That feeling that we are missing out on something!

    I have made the error of taking my cell phone everywhere. We used to have a business where we marketed financial service type products. About 400 financial planners had my cell number (big mistake) and I was always on call.

    Positioning yourself is so important and everyone needs to set up their business wearing the CEO hat. Sure when we start we have to do other roles but we must think like the head of the business and act that way.
    I love your idea of the buddy system. I have missed having a full time PA since I started working from home so that is a great idea.

    And yes webinars and events are the best way to broaden your reach. We have built several businesses with live seminars but now with the internet and webinars it is so much easier.

    Great advice Donna.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Online Marketing – Do It Yourself or Done for You?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 27, 2013 at 3:53 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Love your comment. Well, you are the seasoned professional and I know that you have learned a long time ago all those do’s and don’ts when it comes to this!

      The buddy system works great! I’ve tried it myself for a while, but now I do it with David.

      We must position ourselves wisely in order to get the work done professionally.

      I have also tried a VA, but that didn’t work out too well because I am too much of a perfectionist. he he he

      Webinars are great especially when we are dealing with so many people. Who has time to talk to them one by one? Get them all on a webinar and answer all their questions.

      I cannot believe you gave your cell number out to all those people! Yikes live and learn.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

  24. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    May 27, 2013 at 12:04 am #

    Hi Donna,

    We are all enjoying your series 🙂

    Yes, the more thought we give to whether we own our businesses or do our businesses own us the more we realize the amount we need to change our way of thinking and doing things.

    It all does come down to managing your time an scheduling tasks in such a way that everything gets the required attention, though starting with those tasks that need to be done first – prioritization as they say. I wouldn’t say that we should leave other things that also need our attention, but yes, we can set up a different later time slot for those.

    More so, when we do one task, we need to concentrate just on that one and close all the others, just as you mentioned in your point about text and talk. I liked your idea of a buddy system, makes sense for those who receive a lot of calls.

    Thanks for sharing these tips with us. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..How Do You Transmit More Than Genes To Your ChildrenMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 27, 2013 at 3:31 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      Absolutely, it all comes down to having a good time schedule…and sticking to it!

      So many of us stray or get stuck on a social site or a learning curve it really can slow us down.

      There are so many tasks in one day. I once wrote down everything I did in a day from brushing my teeth in the morning to bedtime. Besides business, there were calls, house hold chores like eating lol,

      Each time I did something, I wrote it down then assessed my time. Wow! I realized I wasn’t focusing. So I went out and downloaded special hypnotherapy mp3 for Internet Marketers.

      By the time I finished my 30 days, I was so focused and still am, that I have more free time now than ever.

      The best part is – I’m not stressed!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Take Ownership Of Your Online BusinessMy Profile

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