Entrepreneuritis: def.

As a small business owner I must learn how to do everything myself (spending countless hours learning it sometimes) and must grab on to each new idea that comes my way or through my inbox, learn it and move on to the next thing. As a result most likely have a list of unfinished project on paper, in idea journal or on the computer.

Sound familiar? I call it a wonderful curse. Wonderful because it keeps me curious, motivated to keep learning and is one of the reasons I wanted to be a virtual assistant. The chance to learn new technology, new marketing ideas etc. On the flip side, it is also a curse.  At times it is hard for me to focus, follow through and finish a business development project. With so many half finished projects and ideas it easily leads to a sense of overwhelm, stress and “I’m not sure what the next step should be” syndrome.

2009 is the year I am getting it all together and by learning new organizational techniques I finally feel like I am taking back control and developing a plan of action and even a plan of attack.

I have gotten a lot better at examining my to-do-list, dropping the unnecessary, the time wasters and start focusing on just one project at a time. Novel idea huh?!  By doing this projects are actually being crossed of my to-do-list!  This has produced such an incredible sense of accomplishment and a feeling of okay, I can do this.

In continuing with the theme that has shoved its way into my life this year. I am working on simplifying my focus and mindset so that it is not so cluttered. When you simplify it is so much easier to create  time to focus on you business, clarify goals and actually create future plans instead of just reacting to the moment.

Entrepreneuritis is a wonderful thing, if used and focused correctly. Curiosity is what leads you to the next big thing for you and your business. It does however, need to be monitored and reigned in at times to keep it from becoming an obstacle on your journey.

Do you have entrpreneuritis? How do you deal with it?

My training and certification is through Practice Pay Solutions, a private label name of 1ShoppingCart.com. Through my classes and daily experience, some of the most basic tools are the tools one mus absolutely take advantage of.
List Building Tools:

• Double Optin Confirmation – protect yourself and comply with the Can Spam Act.
• List Management – manage the names and email addresses of all who sign up for your newsletter, teleclass etc.
• Send newsletters or broadcast emails – Quickly and easily send out your newsletter or special announcement to a select group of people or to everyone, you choice.

A shopping cart is a tool that can help you reclaim your time and simplify your day. If you would like help setting up or maintaining your cart, just let me know.

Here are some simple, quick and easy tasks and jobs you could outsource and potentially free up hours in your day:

• Check email
• Research competitors, product ideas
• Answer customer service email
• Setting up and/or updating a shopping cart (also an automation tool that we will talk more about later)
• Update your schedule on an online calendar
• Uploading and styling blog posts
• Accounting
• Setting up your next webcast

These are just a handful out of ideas out of many that are probably sitting on your to-do-list right now or weighing on your mind that you know need to get done along with the 100 other things on your list. Lots of little jobs add up and take all the time out of your day and leaving you feeling like nothing was accomplished.

Here is a quick tip:

Make a journal of your day and track how much time you spent on each task such:

• Email
• Blog posts
• Updating your cart updates
• Customer service email
• Making appointments
• Internet research

At the end of the day, take a few moments and look over your list. Spend a few moments to think about each item and ask yourself if you Love It, Hate It or find it is a Time Waster and most importantly

..what took up the most time for very little $$ return for the time spent.

You have just made your first list of items you could outsource, a list of things you could easily have someone else take care of for you.

Click here to download a journal worksheet that will help you track your day and see how you really do spend your time. The numbers at the end, might surprise you.

Remember, this is the year to simplify, get back to basics, find time to enjoy your life and revitalize your business.