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Category: Business/Career

How Are Your Money Management Skills

Posted on by M Miller

     Money plays such an important role in our lives.  It can impact  our lives in every way that matters.  The need to examine and explore how are your money management skills is very important.  If you want to live a life that is one of stability you must explore your relationship with money.

Accessing Your Money Management Skills

     So how are your money management skills? Is it lacking, in need of improvement or just fine tuning your skills.  This blog post is centered on examining your money management skills and how money plays an important role in our lives and without proper money management skills one can open the door to many problems in their life.

     The first thing that I would recommend that you do would be to sit down and look at your present routine for how you handle your money.  Here are some questions you might ask yourself.

Do you have a routine for how you handle your money

Is there a weekly or monthly budget that you follow

Do you know exactly how and what you are spending your money on

Are you prone to impulse purchases or even lending friends and family money without a thought

Is money or lack of money a constant frustration in your life

Do you have a savings 

Are you drowning in credit card debt

Simple Steps Makes Can Make a Difference

     The questions above are basic questions that one could use when determining how are your money management skills.  These questions can serve as a check in with yourself and how you relate to money.  If you find that a lot of these questions apply to you in a negative way, do not despair. Like most habits we have,  there is always a way to improve or change. If you would like additional information please read my blog, Fundamentals of Budgeting 101

     There are some basic steps that I would suggest to get you started.  First sit down and formulate a plan. This plan should include your income and your expenses.  Once you have done this the next step would be to make a budget.  I would also recommend that you pay attention to you spending habits and monitor what you are spending your money on.  Make a determination as to whether these items are needs versus wants. 

     Look for small ways that you can save over time.  This might include preparing more meals at home, cutting back on those daily coffee trips or just simply splurging a little less.  Indulging can be a good thing but like most things if it is overdone it can become a problem.

Beginning a new approach to your money management skills

     While I am not, nor do I profess to be a financial planner.  If you are in need of real financial advice I suggest that you see a certified accountant or financial planner.  The information that I am giving you is merely my advice.  I have watched many people over the years with great incomes make poor financial choices and complicate their lives unnecessarily.

     It is my hope that you will read this blog post and use the information to examine how are your money management skills. If you are doing that and making the necessary adjustments then this information has served its purpose.  Until next time my readers continue to ….

Live your Dreams Out Loud

Business Goals in the Month of September

Posted on by M Miller

     Business goals in the month of September are very important.  It is the final quarter of the year and the last opportunity to reach those goals that you have set in the beginning of the year.

Revisiting Your Business Goals

At the start of the year most people who operate a business or have a side hustle should have set some clear business goals.  These goals should have mapped out a strategy for how you were going to achieve these goals that you have set for your business. 

Along the way you may have had to adjust those goals to keep up with the reality of your situation.  These last few months of the year are important because it is the last opportunity of the year to come as close to meeting or exceeding those goals that we have set for the year as possible. Positioning Your Business for Success in the 4th Quarter

Examining the Challenges and Opportunities

     If we are able to use this time to our advantage, we can see this as both a challenge and an opportunity for our business or side hustle.  I must emphasize that although I reference side hustle separately from the word business, I believe they are one in the same.  Many self-starters have successfully turned their side hustle into a full-time business.  That is what setting smart business goals is all about. 

Putting in the Work

      If you take the time to really put the work into your goal setting and then work towards making them a reality.  The end result should be success.  Again, for those who are reading this and saying but that is not me.  I say to you, YET.  We are living in a world where people publicize the highlights but fail to emphasize that the journey was not overnight.  It can leave onlookers thinking that they are doing something wrong.   I want you to be encouraged knowing that your story is not finished yet.  Keep pressing forward.

The Importance of Reviewing Business Goals in the Month of September

      Begin to review the goals that you have set at the beginning of the year.  Assess what you have achieved and what you intend to accomplish over the next few months.  Once you have done this you have what is needed to begin to brainstorm and gather the necessary information you need to put those plans in action.

     Try to remember that the last quarter of the year seems to go by very quickly so do not procrastinate.  Use your time wisely and efficiently.  Relax and enjoy the season as best as you can while focusing on the task at hand.  The worst thing is to do something you enjoy but based on pressure and stress you are not enjoying it.

     Revisiting Business goals in the month of September serves as a great way to remind you of what you set out to do and gauge how far along the path you are.  It also is a great way to prepare for the upcoming holiday season and hopefully drive up revenue.  

     Until next time my readers continue…. To Live Your Dreams Out Loud

Positioning Your Business for Success in the 4th Quarter

Posted on by M Miller

 Entering the 4th Quarter

     As we enter the month of September, we want to maximize all our resources to make sure we get the most out of the final quarter of the year.  That is why positioning your business for success in the 4th quarter is very important.

How to Begin Positioning Your Business for Success in the 4th Quarter

     There are a number of ways you can do this.  First, the fact that your business is still operating and that you have not given in or given up is something to be proud of.

You can begin to look at the goals that you set in place at the beginning of the year.  Are you on target with what you set out to do this year?  Have you fallen off track?  These are just some questions you may consider as you are positioning your business for success in the 4th quarter.

Holiday Planning

     The next thing you may want to consider is the approaching busy holiday season. Is your business in a position to boost sales during this season.  This is the peak time of the year for most businesses to increase revenue for the last quarter.

Beginning the Process

     You can begin this process by outlining the specific targets for the holiday spending that you would like to focus on.  If this involves modifying or updating your current inventory now is the time to do so.  This time is the best time to position your business for success because you have just enough time to plan out the last quarter and get things lined up the way you would like to.  It also allows you enough time to work through the kinks. Every plan is not perfect and so there will be bumps along the way.

Some Things to Consider

     As you are positioning your business for success in the 4th quarter it is a good time to review your finances. Here are a few suggestions to assist in that process.

  • Are you keeping accurate records and bookkeeping
  • Are you steering clear of mixing personal and business funds
  • If you are pressed for time can you possible hire assistance for the busy season ahead
  • Are you clear on the strategy that you are following and not copying a model set by others
  • Are you managing your time  How Well are you Managing your Time
What is the Goal of Positioning Your Business for Success in the 4th Quarter

The goal of positioning your business for success in the 4th quarter should be to use everything that has been working for your business all year and push forward.  It is not meant and should not be to add undue and unnecessary pressure to yourself and others associated with your business or side hustle.  This is a learning process and with every success or failure, hopefully there is something you are learning in the process.

     As you organize the process of how you will position your business for success in the 4th quarter, remember to have fun and be as creative and adventurous as you can be.  Challenge yourself to step out just a little more and see what happens,  Until next time my readers continue to…..

Live Your Dreams Out Loud

How to Get Back on Track for the Fall

Posted on by M Miller

     Hello wonderful people! I have been on a well needed vacation, and I am back! I hope everyone is having the best summer yet.  For some school is already in session, for others school is about to begin. It seems as if it was just yesterday that we were gearing up for the spring and summer and now they are both almost in our rear-view mirror.

How to Get Back on Track for the Fall – Reset

     If you are like me, you may need to get back on track.  This blog post is all about how to get back on track for the fall.  I hope you were able to spend time with family and friends, get away for a little bit and enjoy some well needed rest and relaxation.

Changing Gears

     As we come down from the fun in the sun that the summer brings and begin to organize, we are left with the question, how to get back on track for fall.  It begins by doing just that.  I am a firm believer in making lists.  This can be done on paper or online.  If you have a planner, that is a great way to stay up to date on your many tasks.

Children and Family

     For those who have school age children.  Your list should include before and after school arrangements.  The sports that your children play and the schedule that comes with that should also be a part of your planning.  You may need to go through the clothes from last year.  Sort out what clothes fit and not fit and then budget for what you need to purchase.  I tend to love outlet shopping for back-to-school clothes.  They seem to offer the best prices and you have a variety of stores to choose from. That is if your schedule allows.  If you are on a tight schedule and cannot fit in the shopping time, online shopping can be easier and less time consuming. There are many outlets that offer online shopping as an option.  

Here are some appointment (s) that may need to be made for the children. 

Dental

Physical

Barber shop and hairdresser 

Business and Work Commitments

     Another area of focus as we look at how to get back on track for the fall is your business and work commitments.  As an entrepreneur you are able to do more when you have the available time.  As you adjust your schedule for the fall.  Try to keep in mind that you are back to a full schedule in the fall and that the need for time management is so important. How Well are you Managing your Time

Your business need not suffer because the kids are back in school, and your household needs a little more of your attention. Enlist help where you can and organize your time wisely.

How to Get Back on Track for the Fall – Your Way

     How to get back on track for the fall is up to you.  It is necessary to your success in getting things done in your personal life and business.  The need to keep everything organized is essential.  You can do this by using online tools or a simple planner.  There is no right or wrong way. It is the way that best works for you and your lifestyle.

     What is the payoff of getting back on track?  Routines are hard and the better prepared for a shift in your routine the more successful you will be. You are also able to enjoy the new season because you are not behind trying to catch up.  You did the necessary preparation for the season to kick off the fall by being on top of your game.  So go ahead and begin planning out how to get back on track for the fall.  Until next time my readers continue to …. Live Your Dreams Out Loud

Doing the Best You Can

Posted on by M Miller

     Doing the best you can.  This statement seemed to play out in my head as I listened to conversations around me recently.  It seems as if the need to compete in everything is all around us.  If we are not careful, we can measure ourselves against unreasonable expectations.

     While it is good to take in what we see around us; it is not good to compare or measure ourselves against others, it can create an unhealthy competition that exists only in your mind. It can make you feel like you are losing.

Breaking the Habit of Comparisons

     You may ask, how do I stop doing that.  Well, the answer is quite simple.  Are you doing the best you can.  If the answer is to be yes, then be happy with it.  I don’t care if your friends went on four vacations this year if the best you can do is one.  Then one it is.  Make it a memorable one and keep it moving.  

     I am not saying that you are not to strive for better or more.  I am simply saying that you are to give yourself the credit for what you are doing and simply knowing that you are doing the best you can, should be good enough for you.  No one has to live with the decisions you make but you so if you are happy with it then that is what matters.

Decision Making in the Process of Doing the Best You Can

     I was speaking to a friend recently about a business decision that they were struggling with.  It would mean more money but additional stress.  It was also something that they were good at, and the team was grateful to have them join the group. This person eventually decided that it just was not a good decision for them.  How to work with Difficult People

     Sometimes life is just that simple.  In our quest to make others happy we find that we are making decisions that don’t always make us happy.  Start today by just knowing that it is your job to make the most of your time on this journey called life.  Everything is not for everybody, and you decide what is the best decision for you.  

     Try not to allow the pressure of others to influence decisions that directly impact you.  Remember they will not have to do what they have talked you into.  Each day you are given twenty-four hours how and what you choose should always be directed by your principles not others.

Steer Clear of Unhealthy Pressure and Influence while Working towards Doing the Best You Can

    Whether you are operating your own business or working for others. Know that you are doing your best.  If you are a wife, husband, dad, mom or son or daughter, knowing that you are doing your best is an awesome feeling.  Pour that energy into your day as you go about your daily activities.  It will impact not only how you feel but your interactions with others.

     When someone comes along to compare or compete you are able to shift the conversation to one that is more beneficial knowing that you are doing your best.  You can simply reply, “I am happy for so and so…” and mean it.  It does not take away from you and your journey.   This is growth and maturity in real time.  If you are not there don’t despair.  We are all a work in progress.

     I want to leave you this week to be mindful of how you view yourself.  Know that you are doing your best.  If you believe you are slacking a little, stretch yourself to do more.  Enjoy the journey and until next time my readers continue to ………Live your Dreams out Loud

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How to work with Difficult People

Posted on by M Miller

     How to work with difficult people is something you come across all the time.  Sometimes the difficult people are unexpected.  Sometimes the difficult people are people you love personally but professionally they can be a challenge. Working with difficult people is the focus of this blog post. We will explore how to work with difficult people.

Don’t be Surprised

     Recently I was on a business trip that I was very much looking forward to.  The group that I was to travel with I had known earlier and anticipated that it would be a pleasant experience.  I had many conversations with one of my colleagues about work style and what we believed were shared principles and ideas.  

     Well, nothing could surprise me more than to find that most of what she presented herself to be was not quite the case and that it turned out that she was not only quite disagreeable but also extremely controlling.

Getting Along when Working with Difficult People

     The other colleague was not too surprised because she has experienced this side of her and resigned herself to just comply in silence.  I have learned that you are not doing yourself any favors by going along to get along.  In business you must be able to advocate for yourself and the things that you stand for.  You cannot allow anyone to disrespect you no matter what position or title they hold.  

How do you Address the Difficult Person

     How you handle this can be tricky.  If it is a client that you can choose not to do business with then you are able to do so.  If you are in a group situation and the need to work together is a must.  Then you can choose to decide how to address the situation professionally.  

Choosing to have the Conversation

     Many people believe that in order to address a situation it is going to result in some sort of argument.  You decide, if it is worth it and how you will address it.  You may also decide to just get through the project or event and move on.

     In some cases, this may be someone you are going to work with on future assignments and so in that case it may be better to have a conversation with that person.  Try not to choose a moment where it may not be productive or when you are at your breaking point.  

The Conversation when Working with Difficult People

     The conversation should steer clear of finger pointing.  Just stick to the issue at hand and if you can add some examples to support what you are saying this may be helpful.  Remember everyone handles things differently.  If they do not receive what you are saying or simply blow you off, know that you have tried. 

     Many times, this is not the first time they are hearing these things about themselves, and they may appreciate the fact that you were brave and kind enough to have the conversation with them rather than run around and gossip about them behind their back. The Value of a Positive Attitude

The Lessons Learned when Working with Difficult People

     There is always a lesson to every challenge and how to work with difficult people can help you learn some valuable lessons.  One lesson is that it allows you to strengthen your ability to have patience and focus on the task at hand.  The second lesson is that you could be that difficult person (smile).  

     We can go through life believing that we are not the problem and that can cause many issues.  True growth allows us the freedom to be a blessing to others no matter what environment we find ourselves in.  Until next week my readers continue to …….

Live Your Dreams out Loud 

Reaching the Half-Way Mark of the Year

Posted on by M Miller

     Well, it is June already! We are reaching the half-way mark of the year.  Where did the time go?  It seems like we came into January with so much anticipation. We set goals marked for the path that we intend to follow for the year.

     It is a great reminder that time does not stand still. We are moving and shifting constantly. That brings me to the subject of this blog post.  As we are reaching the half-way mark of the year, how are you feeling?  Are you happy, sad, tired, motivated or you just don’t know.

Reviewing Progress

     Now is a great time to take inventory of your progress to date.  Is the year going in the direction that you would like it to go?  If yes, then you should feel happy about the progress you have made.  I tend to be an organized person so when I look at things, I break them down into categories.  For example, if you are a parent with school age children, you may want to look at the school year and schedule of the children, school, activities and chores. Examine how your weeks were spent.

Changing Plans

Then I would look at how things worked over the school year and begin to plan out the next year and how you can build from this year.  You can begin by discussing and setting up more effective, less stressful ways of bringing together school, chores and activities that work better for the changes ahead in the next school year.

     If you are looking at how you personally navigated the first half of the year you may want to look at the personal goals that you set back in January and check off what you have accomplished thus far.  How to Set Personal Goals If you choose, you can update your personal goals to reflect any changes in your current situation.  Remember, change is not bad, it can actually be a good thing. 

     For those who have a business or side hustle, reaching the halfway mark of the year is a great time to access your business dynamics.

Are you seeing success in your current format?

Do you need to switch gears? Are you devoting enough time and attention to your business?

These are just a few questions you can ask yourself as you examine the year so far.

     June is a great month to reflect on all of what I have mentioned in this blog post.  It is also a time to just slow down enough to be thankful for all you have navigated in six months and reflect and recharge for the the second half of the year. 

Moving On

Be excited over the progress no matter how small.  It can be that you have learned to be more patient, you have been drinking more water or taking your vitamins on a regular basis.  There is always something that you can see as progress and as we are reaching the half-way mark of the year, take the time to pause and reflect on those things.

     After you have taken the time to pause and reflect on the first half of the year, continue moving forward enjoying the journey.  Anticipating great things for the second half of the year and as you journey through my readers remember to continue….

Living your Dreams out Loud

It’s First Qtr. Goals Check in – How Did you make Out

Posted on by M Miller

    Its first quarter goals check in. How did you make out? As the new year approached, we set personal and business goals. It’s always a good practice to review those goals at the end of each quarter.  That time has arrived.  It is goal check in time. If you missed those blog posts, I have attached the links. How to Set Personal Goals How to Make Business Goals After each quarter, I make a practice to review the goals that I set.  When you review your goals each quarter it is easier to see how you are progressing.  A good practice is to compare what your original goal was and then see if you are on track.  If you are great.  If not don’t despair, all is not lost. See where you have gotten off track and then make the necessary corrections.

     Personal Goals Check in Questions

       How is it going?

       Are you satisfied with how things are going so far??

       Are you being realistic?

       Is there anything you would like to add or delete?

     The above questions are just an example of what you can consider when examining your personal goals.  You know the goals you set and the expectations that you have for yourself and so your questions may vary. 

Business Goals Check-in

     Examining your business goals are slightly different.  Making sure your business succeeds is very important and so meeting and or exceeding your business goals have to be treated that way.  Review your objectives for your business.  Then examine whether you are on track for meeting your short- and long-term goals.

Below is a sample list of what you should consider when you check in on the progress of your business and how it is lining up with the goals that you have set.

Is your business on target for where you imagined at this time?

Are you seeing the growth you projected?

Is your income consistent or increasing?

Are you taking on too much at this time?

Do you need to adjust or change some of your goals?

     Again, these questions serve as a guide for what to look for when you are examining your business goals.

     Once, you have done a detailed breakdown for the first quarter on you personal and business goals.  You are better equipped to face the next quarter.  You know what to expect and are being realistic in how you approach your goals.  Any adjustments and changes that are needed you are able to head off before problems can arise.  It is called being proactive rather than being reactive.  

    The Status of your First Quarter Goals

     That is why knowing the status of your first quarter goals is so important. If you are not sure how you are doing.  You won’t know unless you take the time out to really examine how you are doing.  It is a great tool to stay organized and successful.

     There are those that may say it does not take all that.  I am doing great, and I don’t set goals or do a check in.  Well, that may work for them but for the rest of us, not so much.   Staying focused and on task requires us to prepare and have a pathway to our success.  That success is mapped out in the form of goal setting.

     Now that you know the status of your goals for the first quarter, use it to inspire you to continue pushing forward.  May bigger and better things be on your horizon as you move through this year.  May your business thrive, and may you prosper in all that you do. That is my desire for you. Until next week my readers continue……...Living your Dreams out Loud

The Value of a Positive Attitude

Posted on by M Miller

The Experience

     This weekend my family and I went out to a restaurant to spend some quality time together. It was a spur of the moment decision. Something we wound not normally do at that specific time of day because it was a very busy time for families dining. We decided to go with it anyway. After waiting quite a while to be seated, we then had to wait quite a while for the waiter to come to our table to take our order.  I couldn’t help but feel that maybe this was not quite a good decision to come to this restaurant.  The waiting was a bit much.

  When the waitress finally came to our table, she greeted us in the most friendly way and apologized for the wait due to the restaurant being busy.  The rest of the dining experience was still quite slow but the food and the particular waitress made all the difference.  Before leaving the restaurant, I had to let the waitress know that her kindness was very much appreciated.

Reflecting on the Experience

     On the way home, I was talking to my husband about our restaurant experience.  Usually when the restaurants are crowded and the waiters are busy, the energy and attitude is passed on to the customers.  We would then feel rushed and underserved and the whole dining experience would not be a good one, even if the food was good.  The negative energy from the environment would spoil the overall experience.

     Many times we carry our attitude with us and it can and will affect the outcome of whatever we are trying to do.  In the example I used above about the restaurant, this one worker was able to keep her energy positive in spite of the extremely busy work environment she was in. She did not let that affect her work attitude or performance and in the end she was generously tipped (lol) and represented the company in a very positive way. This showed that being positive has many advantages. It was a win-win.

The Advantages of a Positive Attitude

      The personal advantage of a positive attitude is that by being able to control your attitude when things around you may not be the best, you are able to maintain control over yourself rather than the situation controlling you.  That is amazing and not very easy to do!

     Professionally if you work with someone who has a positive attitude, it is easier to go the extra mile and lend that support because their very energy is the fuel that pushes their staff to aim higher to do their best.

     The opposite is also true, if you are around a very negative attitude, whether it be a company or direct report, that negative energy will stifle your creativity and your ability to want to do or be your best. Eventually you will soon find yourself looking for the exit door.

A Positive Attitude in Business

     For those of us who are Entrepreneurs, we must focus on the positive.  It is what will continue to allow us to thrive and grow.  We can not afford to be negative because our brand depends on it.  Everything we see becomes a useful example.  Even a family outing to a restaurant becomes an example that can be applied to your business.  

     This week as you go about your daily activities, I challenge you to look at your attitude in the situations you encounter.  Ask yourself if it is in need of adjusting, am I being positive or am I giving off a very negative vibe.  If the answer is not a good one, don’t be hard on yourself. Just look for ways you can adjust your attitude no matter how slight, it can and will make a difference not just to you but to those around you. So until next time my readers continue to ……Live your dreams out loud 

Keeping the End in Mind

Posted on by M Miller

     Hopefully, you have enjoyed the month of January blog posts.  They have been designed to provide you with information and steps to assist in positioning you and your business for success as we begin this new year.

Revisit and Reestablish Goals

     In my opinion, the need to revisit and reestablish personal and business goals is important to having a successful year.When used correctly it serves as the navigation system for your life and business.  Use everything we have worked on for the past few weeks and tie them neatly together.

     If you need to refer to any of the steps please refer to my recent (January) blog posts.  During the course of the year we will revisit goals and determine next steps but for now get ready for the harvest!!

     You might say that was all great but now what.  Now the real work begins. 

The work of putting your plans (goals) into action. How do I do that, you may ask. You do that by organizing yourself daily and weekly.  If you need a daily to do list or set calendar reminders, please do so.  Try and use whatever methods that work best for you to keep you and your business on track.

     The benefit of setting goals is that you are in control.  The drawback is that you are in control. Which means that your dedication to achieving great results are largely based on your actions or inactions.  

     So that is why this blog is titled, Begin with the End in Mind.  It is that focus of seeing the end that will keep you going when you don’t see results.  When things don’t seem to be turning around as quickly as you like.  Keeping the end in mind provides the needed motivation to keep you anchored to your goals and determined to push through to try your best to meet them.  

Be Realistic

     Does that mean that you are guaranteed to succeed because you have set very clear personal and business goals. Absolutely not, there are always roadblocks you will encounter.  People and things will let you down.  Heck you will let yourself down but be encouraged that you have set a firm foundation for yourself and your business that you believe is in your best interest to personally and professionally lead you in the direction that you wish to go.  

     Also remember that nothing is a hard fast rule.  You set the pace and the tone.  If the goals you have set for yourself and your business seems to not be working after you have given it some time, know that you can adjust them.  Change is a necessary part of life.  So adjust when necessary. Celebrate the small victories along the way and remember to not compare your progress or journey to anyone else.  I can not over emphasize this final point. We seem to live in a time where everyone is competing with each other in an unhealthy way.  Cheer yourself on along the way and seek assistance when needed. Try and avoid the naysayers and the negativity and check in periodically on your progress.  

     It has been my great pleasure to share this information at the start of the new year with my readers and may your personal and professional goal setting journey lead you and your business to your most successful year ever.  

     Until next week my readers……Continue

Living Your Dreams out Loud