June 27, 2006

A Note from the Editor

Hello to All,

Welcome to this issue of The ART of Business newsletter and a big welcome to all the new subscribers. I'd like to say 'thank you' to all of you for your patience during these past couple of weeks. Our move from Colorado was quite an adventure, to say the least (of course what move isn't?), but I'm back online now and actually relieved to get back to work.

Isn't it funny how we start to miss our everyday routines when we take some time off, even if it's for vacation or a necessary leave of absence? I usually find that spending time away from work helps me regain my perspective; recharges my batteries--and dare I say it?--makes me grateful that I'm able to work for myself! And now that Independence Day is right around the corner, I'm reminded how important it is to keep motivating myself to stay focused on my goals, to declare my independence every day.

For those of you looking for ways to declare your own independence, today's feature article, "Getting Away From It All" is just the ticket! It's actually a thread I came across in the WAHM (Work At Home Moms) forum at my Web host, that will help you discover how you can make the most of your time, and get some relaxation too, by taking a work retreat. Enjoy!

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Getting Away From It All

Well, I have an idea. It's something I did a lot in 2004, a little in 2005 and am picking back up again in 2006.

Schedule a work retreat.

Yes, you will miss your significant other and your kids, but there's nothing like 2-3 days of uninterrupted work to get yourself back on track. I found that doing so always catapulted my business to the next level.

Here's how:

Choose a weekend or 2-3 days that's relatively open (are any ever completely open?).

Let your hubby know that you'll be taking this time away to build a business that will eventually allow you MORE time with him and the kids.

Schedule your retreat at a relative's home; a friend's home; or, if you can afford it, a hotel. Make sure they have wireless Internet or at least a high-speed Internet connection for you to use.

Set up expectations: your spouse will have to handle things at home, and your friends/relatives at your retreat location (if applicable) will have to leave you alone!

Arrange details in advance to make it as easy as possible on all parties:

• freeze meals, plan menus for your family
• arrange transportation to and from any birthday parties or playdates
• plan your own meals and snacks
• make a list of all the business materials you need to bring so you won't forget anything
• make sure all your electronic equipment is in good working order

When your retreat has begun, make the following rules non-negotiable:

You are not reachable by cell phone unless it is your spouse or children calling to say "good morning" or "good night." Pre-arrange calls so you know when to expect them. Set time limits.

You can take breaks to clear your mind, but you aren't visiting, going shopping, Internet surfing or watching TV. You're working!

You will set clear goals as to what needs to be accomplished at the end of the weekend. They will be measurable, e.g. "20 pages of content," "keyword research done, domain name selected, first 5 pages built." [Editor's Note: Cate is referring to building a website, but you can set your own measurable goals according to your own business.]

You will finish what you start. You won't move to the next task until you finish the one you're currently on.

Some more helpful tips:

• Make a schedule ahead of time...when you will wake up, when you will go to bed, when you will eat. Bring an alarm clock or timer. When you work in the corporate world, don't you have set times you have to do those things? Creating a schedule frees you up to focus on work in between your scheduled breaks.
• Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, paper, pens, pencils and highlighters.
• Bring a notebook to jot down ideas. If unrelated thoughts rush into your head as you're trying to focus on a task, just quickly jot them down on the notebook at your side. Then, your brain will be free to continue working; you'll review your random thoughts later.
• Bring whatever relaxes you and helps you concentrate. Music? Candles? A fan? Your favorite blanket?
• Surround yourself with comfort. Wear your favorite lounge clothes. Bring your favorite pillow and afghan. Take along the fuzzy slippers! No makeup or hairdos or panty hose...LOL.
• Conduct a debriefing as you end your retreat, just before you leave to go back home. Note what worked for you and what didn't. What would you do differently next time? List ALL your accomplishments and successes. What did you get done? Be as specific as possible. You'll be amazed at how wonderful it feels to see what you managed to start and finish.

Special thanks go out to Cate at www.budget-and-prosper.com for giving me permission to reprint these fantastic suggestions.

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Wishing you all the best in your endeavors,

Angel Brown

www.womens-business-gallery.com

Copyright 2006 by Angel Brown. All rights reserved.

Published by the Womens Business Gallery, Woodland Park, Colorado