Happy 4th Birthday to Up a Notch

I am  proud to report that 4 years ago this month I officially filed my business paperwork with the Secretary of State's office and launched my website. It was an exciting and scary time.  As I look back on the last 4 years, I have learned more than I ever imagined. Most of it is good, so I thought I would share my thoughts with you today just in case you were thinking of starting your own business too.

1.  The fear of success is just as paralyzing as the fear of failure.
I cannot tell you just how many times I backed away from doing something because I didn't want to be too busy and not be able to do it all. After all, the point of starting my own business was to better manage my family life and work while my children were in school.  I know now that was just my excuse for not doing whatever it was because I was scared to do it.  At some point I realized that I should wait to address those issues when I actually had them. Guess what?  I never had those problems because I managed my business as it came. Some times of the year are busier than others, and my family survives those seasons as well as the slow ones.

TIP: Go for it! Push yourself to do something a little scary.  Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised with what you did and what it yielded, other times you will discover what you don't ever want to do again. Both are very valuable, and the latter actually helps you better define your target audience, business decisions and future plans.

2. You don't have to have a formal business plan, but you do need some sort of plan.
I was not growing an empire that needed massive funding, so I didn't have to present a formal business plan to anyone to get my business started. I did; however, need to have some sort of plan to launch my business in my little community. The thought of a giant, formal business plan is overwhelming and enough to stop some would-be entrepreneurs in their tracks. My plan just had to have enough information to give me direction.  I needed to know what I wanted to do (my goals), how I was going to do it (my service offerings) and what I was going to charge (my value). Then, I needed to know who my customer was and how I was going to reach them.  The rest just fell into place. What I didn't realize was that my goals and plan would change quickly and often. Some of that was done for me and some of it was done by me. Regardless, it happened. I think and talk about my business very differently today than I did 4 years ago.

TIP: Don't let perfection get in the way of getting started. At some point good has to be good enough to get you going. You can fix the rest on the fly. I often say, "It is perfect for today."

3. It is okay to have a small business.
When I first started I believed that since I owned my own business I was supposed to grow it to something huge. Lots of employees, many different service offerings and maybe even a real "office." That was very stressful, until I realized that I didn't want to grow an empire. My life changed the day I decided that I wanted to own a successful small business with a hand full of service offerings. I was more relaxed and comfortable with who I was and what I was doing. I was able to develop my plan around those service offerings, focus on what was important to me and do my best work.  I own a small business and am very proud of that. I don't want more employees or more work, but I would happily take more money!

TIP: Size doesn't matter! Do not compare your business to others, unless you are trying to be just like them. Create the plan that is right for you and gets you to the point of achieving your goals. Stick with it, be proud of it, and then go ROCK IT.

4. Pay for help and guidance where necessary.
I am not sure if it was a lack of money thing or a control thing, but when I first started I tried to do everything myself.  I wanted to create my own website and develop my own logo, but it was very important to me that everything I did look and feel professional. I didn't want a homemade looking website or logo. I tried, it took me forever, and then I realized that I am not qualified to do either of those things well.  I finally decided to employ others to help when and where necessary, and keep the stuff I was good at in-house.  I hired a business coach to help me sort through the should do's, must do's, and want to do's of my business.   I initially bartered my coaching services with a web-designer friend to develop my website. I came up with the concept of my logo, but turned it over to a graphic designer to actually create it.  Oh how good it felt to have those things done!

TIP: Be the expert in what you do and work with other experts on the rest.  If you can trade services, that is great. If you have to pay, it is usually money well spent. Just be sure to budget and prioritize your expenses appropriately.  There are very few jobs too small to be outsourced.

5. Be true to yourself and your customer base.
If you know your goals and have your plan, you have a roadmap. The hard part is staying true to that map when you are in a group of people with different ideas.  It can be overwhelming. I remember walking away from lunches and networking meetings and replaying many of the conversations in my mind. They went something like this:
"You should..."
"Have you thought about ...?"
"Do you have a...?"
"Have you tried contacting...?"
"Are you a member of...?"
STRESS!  All I could think about was that I had no idea what I was doing.  In reality, I did know what I was doing. Did I know it all? NO. Did I know enough to get started? YES. I would have to talk myself off the ledge and back onto my roadmap.  It works every time - if you have a roadmap.

TIP: Be open to new ideas that fit WITHIN your roadmap.  You will always have something to learn and should always be open to new approaches, ideas and ways of operating. Make your decisions based on what is best for you, your customers and your business, not your well-intentioned, all-knowing counterpart. If you decide to alter your roadmap, be sure to thank the one who gave you the idea for helping you grow your business. That is good karma!

Your summer to-do list

Summer is here!  

Some of us are excited because it is a time when we can tackle projects that we put off during the school year, others are more stressed juggling camps, sleepovers and work, and others are unplugging on a much needed vacation. Regardless of where you are on that spectrum, it is important to take advantage of this time. So, take a deep breath and focus on what matters most. Here are 3 ways to help you do that.

1. Pick an area of your life that you MUST improve, and decide to make a change. This can be anything: your health, your home or your relationships.  Only you know what needs to change and you have been putting it off, making excuses, and  justifying the current state of the matter for quite a while. Decide today to have/do/be something different tomorrow.  Create a plan to get you started. Make it as easy as possible and realistic so you can and will stick to it. No one else can make this change for you- get busy!

2. Give yourself permission to let go of something that really doesn't matter. Again, only you know what this is.  It might be a negative influence, or bad relationship, or a "must-do" that is determined by someone else. These things typically sit at the bottom of our to-do lists or in the back of our brain nagging us (also know as guilt).  If it really mattered you probably would have done it by now. Let it go, and don't look back. It feels awesome!

3. Clear your filters and refocus your perspective. Perspective changes everything, and giving yourself permission to change your outlook is critical when trying to move forward. Start everyday fresh.  My mom always said, "The difference between a good and bad day is your attitude."  So true!

Take Control. Simplify. Make it Happen.

Need help getting started?  Contact me today. 

March is the new January

Where are you with your new year's resolutions?  In early 2014 I wrote about the value of making resolutions regularly, instead of once a year.  I stand by that statement today as I am writing this entry.  I have not blogged in several months for lots of great reasons (some might say excuses), but the biggest one is that I have been busy. I am sure you have been busy too.

Now that I am partnering with The Container Store, I have been immersed in the annual elfa sale that started on December 24th and didn't end until March 2nd. Also, The Container Store's de-cluttering audience is much bigger than mine was when I was on my own, so when I partnered with them my traditional de-cluttering season business went to a whole new level of  crazy busy.  All that on top of co-chairing a school fundraiser and my training and coaching clients.

However, my new year urges to purge, clean, start fresh and re-organize were no different than yours.  I finally had to tell myself to just wait until March to address my own closet, filing system, office, etc. I wasn't going to be setting myself up for success, if I continued to put those tasks on my to-do list. I was just going to ignore them. Now that March is here, I am a little lost on where to get started. I feel a little (ok, a lot) overwhelmed. So much has stacked up in my "to-do-in-March" box/list. Where do I begin?

I had to sit down today and give myself a coaching session, take a little bit of my own advice, and most of all just get started. In case you are in the same boat as I am, or maybe you have not been as diligent as necessary to keep up with your new year's resolutions, I say March is the new January. Why not start today?  Does it really matter when you start, as long as you actually start???

Here is what I told myself.  I learned and lived this process back when I was teaching Franklin Covey courses.  I know it still works for me, maybe it will work for you too.

1. Make a master list of things you need or want to do.
This includes actual tasks, work, home improvement items, summer planning, filing, creating organizational systems, research you want to do and anything else remotely on your radar screen.
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2. Label each item with an A, B or C.
A - needs to be done today or in the immediate future
B - can wait for a few days, but need to get it on your radar pretty soon
C - no real rush, but you want to do it

3. Then you prioritize all of your A's. 1 - do first, 2 - do next, 3, do after 2, etc.

4. Schedule the A's, B's and C's on your calendar.  Obviously, the A's should come first. The B's and C's can follow as your schedule allows, even if those items are scheduled a month out. If they are that important and you don't have time to do them right now, then schedule a time to do them later. This goes for everything from paying the bills to going to yoga.  If it is important to you - give it the time.  

5. Honor your schedule. This is the hardest part. Set a schedule and stick to it.  Something is going to come up at work and you are going to be tempted to skip the yoga class, or something comes up at home and you are tempted to skip filing the box of papers or doing your taxes.  If you have to skip it, you have to reschedule it.  Then, you are honoring your schedule.  You'll get to a point where you realize it is easier to just do the task, then it is to reschedule AGAIN.  If you find that you are rescheduling the same task many times, I encourage you to ask yourself why it is on your to-do list. It obviously isn't critical, right?

 I am excited that March is here and I appreciate the white space on my calendar. I am looking forward to sprinkling in a few of my top priorities every day. How about you?

Need some help? Feel free to contact me directly to set up a Take Control Coaching session. meredith@upanotchconsulting.com

What I left off my summer to-do list.

Summer is almost over and with less than 2 weeks left of summer for my children, this is when I usually panic because I realize how much is still on my summer to-do list.  However, this year is a little different.  I actually left a few things off my summer to-do list on purpose so that I would avoid some of the end of summer stress and guilt. 

One thing I left off my to-do list this summer  was blogging. I enjoy taking the time to write, but it rarely makes it to the top of my priority list without a littlel self imposed guilt. While juggling work and my sons being home, it was nice to not even think about topics and find time to write. It is even nicer to head into the fall with a fresh mind and new ideas. 

I  spent a majority of my work time this summer with my long-term/regular coaching and training clients, while getting more accustomed to my role as an ATHOME Organizer for The Container Store. It has been a productive and busy summer focused mostly on relationship building and quality time, not administrative tasks.  My purposeful omission of this to-do item (and others) reminded me that I am the only one in control of my time and my service offerings.  When I get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, clients, marketing, and owning a business, it can be hard to pause, gain perspective, and make purposeful decisions. 

So, now I ask you... What do you need to take control of in your life? What items can you omit from your to-do list? What space do you need to purge physically and mentally?

Here is a tip. Take something off your to-do list for 2 weeks.  If you don't miss it and no one else does either, leave it off.  If the guilt starts eating anyway at you, or if someone else is asking and you both determine it to be necessary, make it a priority and schedule your time purposefully to get it done.  

Not sure where to start?  Contact me directly to see how we can work together to fill the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Take Control.  Simplify.  Make it happen. 

Other duties as assigned...

The statement "other duties as assigned" can be found at the bottom of almost every job description. It is the employer's all-inclusive way of saying "we're not completely sure what else you might be doing, but there will be more to do."

I am finding that this statement applies to all areas of my life. How about you?

As a coach and trainer, I end up doing more than coaching and training with my clients. When de-cluttering, I end up doing more than de-cluttering spaces, including installing toilet seats. As a mother, wife, daughter and friend, I often end up doing more than I planned on doing on a regular basis.  In my world, doing more is not "other duties as assigned," it is "going with the flow."

So why in the workplace does this statement need to be included on job descriptions?  I believe it boils down to the small percentage of employees who struggle to go with the flow. There is always someone who says be grudgingly, "that's not my job!" (As they roll their eyes and throw their arms up.) Is that you?

As the economy shifts and  jobs change, your ability to do the same is the key to your own success. Employers, families, and friends appreciate those who can go with the flow, change on a dime and keep the complaining to a minimum.  Do we all experience curve balls? Sure.  Do we all have days where complaining is the natural (and feels like the only) reaction? Of course. The indicator of a good employee; however, is how they handle those days. 

Time for a self assessment...

1. Do you secretly roll your eyes when asked to change course or pick up a new duty?

2. Do you accept the duty happily then complain about it to your friends and co-workers?

3. Do you avoid additional responsibilities?

4. Do you give your current responsibilities less than 100%?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it is time to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. You are not doing your employer any favors by sticking around if you aren't fully invested and engaged.  It is possible to re-engage, but it usually takes a little work.  If you are not willing to do the work, it is time to look for a new job or at least start asking yourself some tough questions.

How can I help?  After a few Take Control Coaching sessions, you will have a clear idea of where you are and where you want to be. Knowing those two points is a great way to a figure out your next steps.    Contact me today for more information on Take Control Coaching. 

Take Control. Simplify. Make it happen.

www.upanotchconsulting.com

The power of vulnerability, and a new laundry room!

I am always thankful to my clients who are willing to let me into their home or open up during a coaching session. Neither action is easy, and both can be uncomfortable and definitely make one feel vulnerable.  As scary as it can be, being vulnerable is absolutely necessary when trying to be better tomorrow than we are today.  Revealing your inner core – the real you – can be freeing if you are willing to go with it.

Now it is my turn to be vulnerable and I am going for it.

Our house is 22 years old and has very little built in storage. We supplement with clear plastic containers and shelving units in many areas. The playroom,  laundry room, and garage are all good examples of that. As much as I want the beauty that you see in Pinterest, my priority and how I define personal satisfaction is less about how it looks and more about knowing where everything is.  

Last fall our washer broke, and we were going to get a new one. Getting a new washer forced us to unstack our washer and dryer, which changed the whole dynamic of the room laundry room. I decided that I was going to give the room a makeover in the process. Not just a little makeover, but a real one. We ripped out the built in shelves, patched the walls, painted, and went to The Container Store for new shelves, drawers and much more.
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As someone who helps organize spaces, I am putting myself in a vulnerable position by showing you the before and after pictures of my laundry room. Some of you might not have hired me if you had seen my laundry room before today! 

Here you go - don't judge! Before...

And after...

 

I love the new room. Every bit of it. I smile when I do laundry, and have every desire to keep it in perfect condition.  I am sure you noticed that the washer and dryer don't match. I was a little self conscious about that at first, but knew deep down inside that wasn't important to me.  It is very much in keeping with one of my core values, "personal satisfaction, not perfection!" 

The excitement is contagious.  We moved to the garage before the elfa sale ended. Stay turned for garage pictures.

In keeping with my goal of being better tomorrow than I am today, I am excited to announce that at the end of April, Up a Notch Consulting's de-cluttering services will be in an exclusive partnership with The Container Store. I am excited to be part of their new ATHOME program and one of their ATHOME Organizers in the Austin area. 

For those of you that need help taking control of your space, don't know where to start, or want a new storage solution, but don't want to measure and get to the store yourself, call me!  I will still be de-cluttering as usual for those of you that just need help getting your space in order. For those of you that want more - I can do that too. Either way, you will book through The Container Store and pay them directly.

As always, if I can help you with your home or office- let me know.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Take Control. Simplify. Make it Happen. - Meredith

 

My inspiration piece.

We've all heard the term "inspiration piece."  Some use a painting or a pillow as their inspiration when designing a room, and the girl in the Haverty's commercial uses her chair as the inspiration for her wedding cake. In my case, my inspiration piece was the fact that something went wrong. 

I had 2 sons playing in a baseball tournament this weekend on 2 different teams. I checked my email last night and this morning to verify jerseys for today's games. The problem was, I looked at the wrong email when telling my 12 year old what to wear. He insisted I was wrong because I had told him something different last night, and I insisted I was right. He went with what I said, and sure enough he showed up in the wrong jersey.  

Chaos followed, as we were 45 minutes from the house and he was the starting pitcher. Luckily my husband hadn't left the house yet and was able to bring the right jersey and arrive before the game started. Understandably, everyone was in panic mode and frustrated with me. 

This situation will be my inspiration for creating a system that outlines the when, where and why of the week so that I am not the keeper of all that information. Thanks to my Franklin Covey days I am opposed to keeping multiple calendars, but I need a way to communicate what is on my calendar so that everyone is informed, and ultimately responsible for their own schedules, uniforms, etc.  I will create something that doesn't require  me to duplicate efforts, and can serve as the home base for all necessary information. I am sure it will hang on the refrigerator and/or end up on everyone's phones.  There are plenty of tools available, the trick is finding one that works for my whole family. 

What system can you create today to avoid a disaster, instead of waiting for an  "inspiration?"  Unfortunately, I didn't anticipate this situation because I thought I had it under control. What about you?

If you need help creating systems and developing processes to make your life easier, let me know. Life is too short to feel like you are hanging on by the skin of your teeth. Step out of your whirlwind and look around. What can you do today to make tomorrow run smoothly?

Take Control. Simplify. Make It Happen.