Women, Money and Time

Many of us think nothing of opening a jar of jelly, pouring a glass of water, feeding and dressing ourselves until something happens and we our a loved one are unable to perform these simple daily living tasks. Doing financial and life insurance planning in advance can help ease any negative financial impact that may arise from a unexpected life changing event. Life changing events can happen at any time, and with the majority of people living paycheck to paycheck, one financial setback can make it extremely difficult to recover from.

Studies show that 75% of caregivers are women and that women make up 65% of the elderly poor, which highlights the need for women to make financial literacy, as well as financial and life insurance planning, a priority. There is not limit to the amount of advice out there on insurance and financial planning. The key is creating a plan that is right for you and your financial situation. Don’t rely on the general information given by influencers, both big and small. Do your own research by reading books, taking classes, watching videos, talking to friends, sitting down with professionals that understand your unique circumstances so you can create a plan that for you and your loved ones.

So as you spring into cleaning your home this season, remember to also spring into financial preparedness because the sooner you take control of your finances the more prepared you will be to overcome unexpected financial and life changing events.

Inspiration

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."

– Rose Kennedy

Leadership & Business

Many people think leadership is about having a title that puts you in a position of power, but there is more to leadership than that. Good leadership skills are essential to success in both business and life. Leadership is about character, influence and making a positive impact in your life as well as the lives of others.

There are four (4) strategies that are essential to help you elevate your leadership skills:

1. Continually build confidence

2. Develop effective communications skills

3. Build trust

4. Commitment to lifelong learning

As a leader you must be confident in your abilities and decision making skills. As women our confidence is the cornerstone of that helps us build trust and respect from our team, so we must do everything we can to cultivate it. A good leader understands that communication is a two-way street, with both sides being allows everyone given the opportunity to speak and to be listened to. Effective communication allows everyone to be on the same page and work together efficiently towards a common goal.

A leader must also trust their team. By encouraging your team, assigning tasks and allowing them to take ownership, a leader empowers their team. This can boost the overall productivity of the team and the bottom-line.

Committing to personal and professional development is more important than ever in this rapidly changing business landscape. Continually staying up to date in your industry, acquiring new information and improving your skills will keep you relevant, and on the path to business success.

Remember, leadership is a continuous journey, that doesn’t stop when you reach the top, it will continue throughout your entire life if you desire to excel at the top.

The Book of The Month

“No B.S. Time Management”

As we know in this always moving world, there never seems to be enough time. However we must learn to make time for what is important instead of hoping there will be enough time to get everything done.

Prioritizing what’s important and Self-discipline are the key. Dan Kennedy’s No B.S. Time Management reminds us that we must take control of our time in order to achieve the success we desire, or other people and life events will control our time giving us an unfulfilled and unaccomplished life.

During this time of the year we do “Spring Cleaning” just like we clean our homes we need to clean our calendars. And with 75% of the year to left to go, there is no better time than now to take control of our schedules as entrepreneurs. By taking control of our schedules and learning new techniques or just implementing old techniques again, we can get off the hamster wheel and get stuff done. Although I didn’t learn anything new when rereading the book, it did remind me of the time management techniques that served me well in the past. Here are five (5) techniques that I need to start implementing to take control of my time and get back on track, and may help you too:

1. Time blocking in 2-hour increments

2. Turning off devices while completing projects

3. Selective procrastination – applying the 80/20 rule and making the 20% the priority while procrastinating on the 80%

4. Creating my own unique time management system that works for me, and adjusting for what’s going on in my life and business at that time

5. Fighting hard to link everything I do to my goals, so this year doesn’t pass without progress

No B.S. Time Management For Entrepreneurs is a good read that can help you gain or regain control of your schedule, and possibly your sanity too, while helping you get more accomplished in both life and business this year.