Your content creator isn’t just a creative whiz, they’re a data ninja too.
They will track your posts’ performance like a hawk, analyzing clicks, comments, and shares to see what is working and what is not.
This data becomes your roadmap to social media success, guiding you towards content that truly connects with your customers.
4. Freeing Up Your Precious Time.
Remember that social media beast we mentioned?
Consider it tamed, leashed, and maybe even purring contentedly in the corner.
A social media content creator takes the reins of your online presence, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.
Running your amazing business.
More time for baking delicious cookies, crafting beautiful jewelry, or whatever magic you work!
5. A Content Dream Team.
Working with a content creator is not about handing over the keys and watching your brand drive off into the sunset.
It is all about building a partnership.
A creative content creation force field where your ideas and theirs collide and spark into something truly special.
Think of it like peanut butter and chocolate.
Two great things that come together to make something even better.
So, how can we help you, fellow small business owners?
We are more than just content creators.
We are your social media therapists.
Your engagement whisperers.
Your data-driven allies.
A social media content creator will help you tell your brand’s story, connect with your audience, and finally tame that social media beast once and for all!
Ready to ditch the chaos and embrace the calm?
Let’s chat about YOUR content creation!
We’d love to hear about your business and show you how we can help you thrive online.
And remember, a thriving social media presence is not just about likes and followers.
It is about building relationships, boosting sales, and letting your unique brand shine.
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving your business goals is distraction.
And if you’re ANYTHING like me, everything can be a distraction.
That’s why it’s so important to have your goals written down and in front of you.
Now, hopefully you’ve already set your new year’s goals, but if not, I’ve included some tips for that as well, so sit back with that cup and enjoy!
1. Define Your Business Goals
Write Specific Goals
If you want to reach the top of the mountain, you need a clear and specific goal.
Your goal should inspire and motivate you and give you direction.
Take the time to define what success means to you and make a plan to achieve it.
Set Meaningful Goals
Effective goal setting is the foundation of any successful endeavor.
By identifying your priorities and values, you can set meaningful goals that align with your vision.
Remember to break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks to maintain motivation and track your progress along the way.
Write Your Goals Down
Write your goals down and keep them somewhere visible to remind you of what you’re working towards.
I have my goals on my board next to my, along with any pictures that go with my goals.
For example, I want to work in the winter from the beach.
2. Visualize Your Success
To achieve your dreams, it’s important to have a clear vision of what success looks like for you.
By visualizing your desired outcomes, you can better understand the steps and actions needed to make your vision a reality.
Visualize Your End Goal
Imagine yourself at the finish line of your goal.
How does it feel?
What does it look like?
Put that picture up…FEEL the accomplishment!
Take Time to Reflect
Set aside time to reflect on your progress and any obstacles you’ve encountered.
Stay Positive
Focus on the positive aspects of your journey and the progress you’ve made.
Visualizing helps you to stay motivated, focused and in a positive mindset.
“If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.”
Jim Rohn
3. Create a Detailed Action Plan
Setting goals is one thing, but knowing how to get there is another.
In order to achieve your goals, you need an action plan.
By breaking your goals down into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, and identifying the resources that you need, you can create a roadmap to success.
4. Bite-Size Tasks
Identify the Goal
Identify your main goal and write it down.
This helps bring clarity and focus to your plan.
Break it Down
Divide your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks.
This makes it easier to tackle and less scary.
Set Milestones
Break your big goal into smaller milestones.
This makes it easier to track your progress and celebrate your successes.
Track Your Progress
Regularly check your progress and celebrate each milestone.
This keeps you motivated and encouraged.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Clear Your Workspace
Remove all unwanted materials from your workspace to reduce distractions.
Oh. My. Goodness.
This is a big one for me.
If my desk is mess…nothing gets accomplished.
I’m too busy looking at all the STUFF.
Take a Technology Time Out
Turn off technology notifications to avoid interruptions.
Turn it off.
Put it in another room.
Another tough one for me as I’m paranoid I’m going to miss a call or text.
Schedule Your Breaks
Schedule breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and stay focused.
Break? What is THAT?
I’m learning the hard way to do this better.
I’ve got a bum hip that reminds me to GET UP and GET MOVING!
Otherwise it is going to be a LONG night!
5. Unlock Your Potential
Continuous Learning
Never stop expanding your knowledge and honing your skills.
Embrace a growth mindset and seek out opportunities for personal and professional development.
The more you learn, the more you will unleash your full potential.
I’m still going back through the videos…so much information.
Don’t waste it!
Stay Committed
Achieving your goals requires dedication and perseverance.
Stay committed to your goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
Remember that each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
Celebrate Progress
Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way.
Acknowledge and reward yourself for reaching important milestones, no matter how small.
This positive reinforcement will motivate you to keep pushing forward on your journey.
6. Embrace Change
Gauge Your Current Situation
Take a step back and evaluate where you currently stand.
Acknowledge your strengths and areas for improvement.
This self-reflection will help you identify areas in which you need to make changes to achieve your goals.
Create an Action Plan
Once you have identified the areas that you can improve on, develop an action plan outlining the steps you will need to take and make the necessary changes.
Break down your plan into manageable tasks and set deadlines to hold yourself accountable.
Adapt and Repeat
As you implement your action plan, be open to adapting and repeating along the way.
Recognize that change is not always straight up, and adjustments may be needed as you go.
Embrace the opportunity to learn from your experiences and refine your approach.
7. Persevere Through Challenges
Embrace the Climb
Just like climbing a mountain, achieving your goals requires determination and resilience.
Embrace the challenges that come your way as opportunities for growth.
Every setback is a chance to learn and come back stronger.
Navigate Obstacles
Obstacles are a natural part of any journey.
Go at them with a problem-solving mindset, seeking creative solutions and alternative paths.
Remember, every obstacle you overcome brings you one step closer to your desired goal.
Celebrate Small Wins
Even the smallest accomplishments deserve recognition.
Take the time to acknowledge and savor each little victory as you progress towards your ultimate goals.
Embrace New Experiences
Remember that the journey towards your goals is filled with opportunities for growth and discovery.
Embrace new experiences, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the excitement of the unknown.
Nurture Yourself
Self-care is an essential part of achieving long-term success.
Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being to ensure you have the energy and resilience to pursue your goals with passion.
By following these seven steps, you’ll be on your way to achieving your business goals this year.
Remember, stay focused, stay motivated, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
If you’re looking for some guidance on goal setting, drop me a message!
We are closing in on the end of 2023. Here are 7 essential steps to prepare for an amazing new year.
Now is the time to start preparing yourself and your business for the new year.
Yes, I said it.
The.
New.
Year.
In her email last month, Cindy Bidar talked about how NOW is the time to start looking towards 2024.
Why now?
Because, as Cindy says, the holidays are coming up and we tend to get ourselves wrapped up in preparation and celebrating and before you know it, BAM…it is the new year.
Cindy talks about how she is starting to plan out her 2024 now, and that is a good reminder for all of us to start preparing now.
Here are some 7 essential steps to prepare for an amazing new year to help get you moving toward 2024.
1. Reflect on the Past Year
Take some time to look back on the past year and reflect on your accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned.
Consider what worked well and what could have been improved.
It really is only by understanding where you’ve been that you can better determine where you want to go.
2. Identify Areas of Growth and Improvement
We are all constantly improving and growing.
As a business owner, it is important to identify the areas where we can continue to grow and improve, whether personally or professionally.
Professional Development
Assess your skills and knowledge in your field.
Seek opportunities for growth and improvement, such as courses, workshops, or conferences.
For example, last month I attended Tawnya Sutherland’s VAVS Summit and gained valuable tips, tricks and information from the spectacular line-up of speakers Tawnya always puts together.
Look for these opportunities in your field and invest in your own education!
Personal Growth
Reflect on your personal life and relationships.
Identify areas where you can grow, whether it’s improving communication skills or fostering better self-care habits.
Health and Well-being
Evaluate your physical and mental health.
Take steps to improve your well-being, such as adopting healthier habits or seeking support from professionals.
3. Set SMART Goals for the New Year
SMART is an acronym for how best to set your goals.
Specific
Set clear and specific goals that define what you want to achieve.
Avoid vague or general statements.
Measurable
Create goals that can be measured and tracked, so you can monitor your progress and make adjustments if needed.
Achievable
Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable, considering your resources, time, and capabilities.
Relevant
Make sure your goals align with your values, priorities, and aspirations.
They should be meaningful to you.
Time-bound
Set deadlines or timeframes for your goals to create a sense of urgency and help you stay focused.
If you follow this formula, you will find that your goals will be very clear and concise, making it easier for you to actually achieve them.
4. Create an Action Plan
It may sound simple, but how can you get where you are going without a plan?
I always think about taking a trip when setting my goals.
Can I get from home to where I want to go and back again without a defined route?
Yes.
However, if I have a plan, I find that it just makes it easier to find my way there and back.
Here are some steps to help you create your plan of action.
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
Clearly state what you want to achieve with each goal.
Be specific and break them down into smaller tasks.
If I want to drive from the East coast to the West, I obviously am not just going to drive that in one shot.
I am going to have to make stops along the way.
Stops along the route=smaller tasks.
Step 2: Identify Actions and Resources
List the specific actions you need to take to reach your objectives.
Identify the resources you’ll need along the way.
I might determine where the best places are to stop between East and West coasts.
Rest stops, gasoline, etc.
And some type of guidance, whether an old-fashioned map or my GPS.
Step 3: Set Priorities and Deadlines
Arrange your tasks in order of importance and establish deadlines for each one.
This will help you stay organized and focused.
Unless you have unlimited time on your hands to travel from East to West, you will need to establish how long you will be gone.
Then determine when you need to be at each location as well as your destination before starting the return journey.
These 3 steps will help you, regardless of the goal, get you to where you want to end up.
5. Establish Accountability Measures
“Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.”
– Bob Proctor
It is easy enough to set a goal.
It is not always so easy to hold yourself accountable, so you will want to find ways to track your progress and stay motivated.
Consider involving a trusted friend, mentor, or coach who can provide support, guidance, and hold you accountable to your goals.
6. Practice Self-Care
Make your well-being a priority.
Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Engage in activities that bring you joy, manage stress, and recharge your batteries.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
7. Celebrate Successes Along the Way
Take time to celebrate the milestones and successes you achieve throughout the year.
Reward yourself for your hard work and progress made.
And share your wins with others.
Invite those who have supported you on your journey to celebrate your wins together.
Their encouragement and acknowledgment will fuel your motivation!
As we head toward the holidays and the end of the year, start preparing yourself for next year with these 7 essential steps to prepare for an amazing new year.
You will find that the holidays will be much more enjoyable when you are not thinking in the back of your mind about what you need to plan for next year while you are celebrating with friends and family.
And as always, if I can be of any assistance, please just drop me a message.
Most small business owners today know that they need administrative help but are not sure whether they should hire an employee or a Freelance Admin.
Welcome back to the GinAdmin blog. My name is Gina Koran, and I will be your hostess today as we talk about the differences between hiring an employee and working with a Freelance Admin.
So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy…
You know you need help for your small business, but…
Would it be faster to do it yourself versus having to train someone to do the tasks?
Where do you even start?
And really… do you even have ENOUGH work to keep someone busy?
Most small business owners eventually get to this point – they KNOW they need help, but is it really worth it?
And how do they know whether they should hire an employee or a Freelance Admin for their small business…or even if they need either?
Employee or Freelancer Admin?
You need help, but not sure if you should hire an employee or a Freelance Admin?
One of the questions I get asked a lot is “What is the difference between hiring an employee and working with a Virtual Assistant?”
Check out these differences:
A Freelancer or Virtual Assistant already has their own equipment; you must provide equipment for an employee.
Freelance Admins have their own office space; you will need to provide the space and furniture for an employee.
Freelancers provide their own insurance and retirement; you (if you are going to provide them) will need to find and (at least partially) pay for these benefits for an employee.
You only pay a Freelance Admin for tasks completed or for the time they worked to complete your tasks; with an employee, you’re going to pay them for the fixed number of hours you hire them for.
Freelancers do not waste time as they have other clients that they are supporting; employees tend to take restroom breaks, lunch breaks, checking social media, texting…all on YOUR time.
Most Freelance Admins have specialized skills and will pay for enhancing those skills themselves; with an employee, you are going to pay for those additional trainings through either actually paying for courses and/or the time it takes the employee to go through that training.
Another benefit of having a Freelancer is that they can provide extra support during your busy times, as well as while others are out of the office, on vacation, etc.
So, now that you know the difference, let’s take a look at how a Freelance Admin can help you and your small business.
Time
A Freelance Admin can work as many or as little hours as you need them to.
You can also “purchase” a block of a Freelancers time for the work you need done.
One key is that finding an admin that is already familiar with your industry means less training time.
Simply show them how YOU like things done, and voila…training done.
Where do small business owners find Freelance Admins?
Today, there are SO many sites you can go to to find your perfect match.
My friend and mentor, Tawnya Sutherland over at VA Networking has a truly kick-butt Job Board where you can post your opening(s).
Tawnya also recently started a board for her massive network of VAs to list their skills, allowing business owners to search for that perfect VA!
I encourage you to head to VA Networking and see if Tawnya’s network has your match!
What can small business owners delegate to a Freelancer?
When you consider whether or not you have enough to keep someone busy, I suggest a quick test.
Take a look at your day today.
How much time are you spending…
Answering emails that ask the same questions every day.
Keeping tabs on similar businesses to see how you stack up.
Researching your industry’s standards and what’s new.
Determine the tasks you can delegate when your small business hires a Freelance Admin.
Writing a blog post to keep your clients updated on what’s going on with your small business.
Figuring out what to post on Social Media…
Then creating the wording…
And finding the perfect image.
Track your time for ONE day. One day of admin tasks.
Then figure out how much money you lose every day by focusing on those admin tasks versus your true money-making tasks.
I have a small business owner that hired me, well for many things, but one was to schedule his business’ social media posts each week.
This task takes me approximately two hours every Friday – just to schedule the posts.
That doesn’t include the additional time each week that I spend looking at his competitor’s websites and social media,
Coming up with new ideas for him to get new customers,
And creating new, exciting, eye-catching and scroll-stopping images and posts.
The literal HOURS I’ve saved him every week have allowed him to focus on expanding his marketing.
As well as other money-making areas that require his attention.
It has also allowed him to take some much-needed down-time with his family.
All because he knows he can rely on me to take care of those tasks each week.
Still not sure which, if either, is the right path for your small business?
Maybe you do not actually need an assistant yet?
You may just need to adjust a few things you are already doing to make them more efficient.
Just doing this alone may assist in saving time.
I would love to help you make the decision…
I can help you decide IF your small business should hire an employee or a Freelance Admin!
The decision on whether you should hire an employee or a Freelance Admin.
Head over to my contact page and let’s see if a Freelance Admin is the right fit for you!
As always, thanks for taking time to read my coffee-induced words.
And as a personal P.S., I want to thank those of you who have reached out and kept in touch with me about the “Life Happens” events going on here.
I appreciate all of you more than you can possibly imagine!
Until next time, my friends, stay happy, healthy and safe!
If you are like me, you struggle to keep up with everything and always feel like you are running behind. I have found some super helpful time management tips for you, my fellow busy small business owners!
Welcome to, or back to the GinAdmin Blog. My name is Gina Koran and I will be your host today as I share with you some of my coffee-induced thoughts and ideas.
So grab your mug…this is a good one!
Managing your time
There are only so many hours in any given day.
You cannot store it.
You cannot borrow more for later.
And depending on where you are in your life cycle, you may have other responsibilities as well.
Family, housework, yardwork, kids’ activities…maybe you’re even still working a 9 to 5, so your time is spread thin.
The good news?
You can decide what you spend your time on.
Naturally, you want to spend your time on things that add value to your life.
But life is so busy today, how can you possibly have time for those things that matter the most to you?
Luckily, there are loads of time management techniques that are tailor-made for busy people, especially small business owners!
Ideas that will help simplify how you work, ensuring that you get tasks done more efficiently and giving you more time for whatever you choose.
Now, obviously not all of these will work for you. But I hope that at least one gives you time back in your busy schedule!
1. Organize your small business time around your energy levels.
Your productivity levels are directly related to your energy levels, so schedule your hardest tasks for when your energy levels are at their highest.
Any low-value tasks that require little energy, such as responding to emails, can be scheduled for the times when your energy levels are lower.
I know that my most productive time is first thing. Well, first thing AFTER my first cup of coffee.
So any hard task I may have for the day, I do that first (after the coffee).
Plus, when you start the day off by completing your most important tasks, you will give yourself a boost of momentum and a real sense of accomplishment.
2. Prioritize tasks by days or times.
Time management tip: write down the 3-5 most important tasks you must complete tomorrow.
When every task is a priority, nothing is.
Maybe start by trying to do one task per day.
As you get more consistent and start getting that one thing done faster, you can try adding another task each day.
You can also use a calendar app like Google Calendar to track your daily activities.
I’ve talked before about my calendar – it looks like a kindergartner took their crayons to it.
All I have to do is glance at my calendar, and I know what task is next!
Make a plan for the day.
Before you go to bed, write a to-do list for the next day.
I know I’ve talked about this before as well. Before I head to bed each night, I make a list of my top 3 or 5 tasks that MUST be done tomorrow.
When you plan ahead, you are mentally preparing yourself for any challenges you may face.
This will also help to limit procrastination at the start of the day and ensure that you work faster and more efficiently.
3. Don’t try to do too much at once.
If you try to do too much, you will end up doing nothing well.
Instead, try focusing on one thing at a time.
This will help you stay organized and avoid getting overwhelmed.
What I found was that I was constantly jumping from one task to another, taking longer to accomplish anything at all.
Now, I start a task, finish a task, move on to the next.
This doesn’t always work, naturally.
There may be information I’m waiting for from a client.
Or I may have to stop for an appointment.
The point is, try to finish a task once you start it.
4. Break down your small business projects into smaller chunks.
Breaking bigger projects down into small chunks will allow you to accomplish more in less time.
It is easier to complete a task when it is broken down into smaller parts.
It also helps you to avoid overwhelm at the beginning of a project.
5. Outsource smaller business tasks.
You don’t have to complete every task yourself.
Especially those low-priority tasks.
Sometimes it is better to outsource these tasks, so you can focus your attention on the more pressing tasks.
I have a client that CAN do social media. And has done them herself since starting her business.
But as any small business owner knows, there are so many tasks that need taken care of every single day.
And they can start to take over your day.
My client who CAN do them—she looked at what she was doing and found that so much of her time was spent on social media that she was neglecting the money-making tasks that also needed done.
Today, she does some of the social media tasks – the ones that require her to personally take care of.
The rest? She’s outsourced to a Freelancer – that would be me!
Win-win for both of us. She focuses on the business she loves and I happily swim through those social media tasks each day.
6. Cut out distractions.
When you are distracted, it can take a while to get your focus back.
This can greatly limit your productivity.
Consider turning off the notifications on your phone.
Time management tip for small business owners: cut out distractions.
Invest in a pair of headphones.
I LOVE mine!
I can put them on, whether I’m listening to anything at all or not – and they block out all outside noise, allowing me to focus much better.
Because, of course I love shiny objects and am easily distracted by them!
Browsing social media is a big distraction and should really be avoided if you want to increase productivity.
For social media, I usually only check my own at the end of the day.
And even then, I set the timer on my phone. Otherwise…shiny objects!
7. Realize that things don’t need to be perfect.
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect.
However, perfectionism will slow you down and could result in deadlines being missed.
If so, absolutely focus your energy on ensuring it is right.
If not, give yourself a bit of a break. Not one single person walking the Earth today is perfect!
8. Take regular breaks throughout the day.
Time management tip for small business owners: take regular breaks.
If you work at a desk job, take frequent breaks throughout the day.
This allows your body to relax and rejuvenate.
Taking short walks during lunchtime or taking a quick nap after lunch can help too.
I go walkabout with the pupper.
He, in fact, insists on going walkabout.
Sometimes I have to remind myself that going walkabout benefits both of us – especially if I am right in the middle of a project and have been sitting far too long when I get that nudge!
So, those are my time management tips for small business owners.
Again, not ALL of these will work for you.
Maybe none will.
But I hope you will find at least one that does.
Once you find those that work best for your situation, I encourage you to use them daily.
Your productivity will increase, and you will save precious time in your busy life, giving you the time to do what matters most to you.
Do you have some time management tips for small business owners to share?
Feel free to drop them below – I’d love to hear more ideas!
And if you need to free up some time in your day, consider working with a Freelancer!
Until next time, my friends…stay happy, healthy and safe!
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