Hacks on hacks on hacks
Hacks make the world go round. Hacks on hacks on hacks will get your business automated.
The first step to automation is finding out how to maximize the use of your time and the tools that you're using.
Second would be to figure out which tools you love.
Almost every tool has a blog. (Snooze fest..right?!?) some are better than others. The blogs are full of hacks and the best ways to use the tool and other tools that work well with it. Reading the comments are icing on the cake. Typing this, makes it sound really lame and uninteresting and it just may be. However, a 5 minute scan has the potential to change your life.
4 Faves of mine:
Quick tip: Follow the tool on twitter and look at the most favorited and (or) retweeted tweets, because usually those are of importance to all. Asana & Slack both use hashtags for tips #asanatips #slacktips
Action Jackson moment:
1. Put an event in your schedule once a week to peruse one blogs a week for four weeks, then ACTUALLY do it.
Top tools I use monthly:
- Asana
- Evernote
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Slack
- Power Editor (Facebook ads)
- Hootsuite & Edgar (if they had a baby I would adopt it and name her Elle...the two combined are awesome)
- Google Chrome (Extensions are your BFF)
Tools I passively use*:
- IFTTT
- Zapier
- Typeform
- Bit.ly
*Passively as in the automation is already set and I don’t even log in or think twice about the tool.
Over the years I've learned hacks on hacks on hacks. These same tips and tricks have automated my businesses and the likes of my favorite lady friends.
Tools are not the reason why you aren't automated.
You probably waste a lot of time in business. Time wasted on things that don't matter, networking (aka social media time suck) with the wrong people, thinking more than doing and just wasting time just doing what you want. Research shows that people waste 60% of their own time, which only leaves 40% to be at maximum productivity. However, the 40% isn’t maximized because most don’t realize that the previous 60% was even wasted.
Be very conscious about concentrating on money generating activities. When you start your day, your three must do things need to be money generating activities. Once completed, move to the supporting activities.
You define what your money generating activities are. Make a list of how you make money and the things you do to support it, then create a hierarchy of what’s most important.
Does this mean all you need to think about is money? Not at all. My thoughts are usually how can I eat cupcakes all day and maintain a healthy tummy to hip ratio. #justbeinghonest
Just be clear on what’s money generating and do those things. Take action then assess.
What are your results from the first week or month of focusing on the money generating tasks?
Your competition isn't doing this, trust me, I've seen her in action.
Truly so many do the same thing over and over and get the same results and wonder why? Hmmm...that is the definition of insanity.
Research and testing can be bleh! There’s a reason companies are paying billions of dollars on research and development...it works!
So start today with a baseline (starting point) and pay attention so you can track what’s really working and what isn’t.
Recap of what you can start doing immediately:
1.Assess your schedule to maximize your time available.
2. Determine the tools you adore.
3. Stalk the tool’s blog and twitter for hacks to improve usage of the tool.
4. Create a list of your money generating activities.
5. Create a hierarchy of your money generating activities.
6. Take action then assess [a basic excel spreadsheet or notebook will do].
Make it easy for your customers to pay you
If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.
It's not rocket science, I promise.
If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.
“If you have a product or service available to the public, make it easy for them to pay you.”
They don't need to email you for your rates, list your rates.
Have a link for them to hit purchase, buy now, or throw it in the bag. Whatever tickles your fancy but clearly is understood this is how they pay you for your amazing service or product.
List your prices on your sales page.
Again, I should not have to email you asking what the price is.
Research shows that it takes 7-9 interactions with a brand for a consumer to make their initial purchase.
7-9 times is a lot. This means that you have to make it easy on your consumer. Remember whatever your thing is, is supposed to make their life better, easier, prettier, etc.
Then we have those that list their services and will have a range for their prices.
This is a bit better, not much, but at least now you are somewhat informed.
Ranges can be tricky.
If you're a graphic designer and you list your services, yet your prices are $1500-$6000 how do I know what service matches which price point.
Graphic design services usually have a starting point per package.
So the basic package may read: starting at $1500. Mid range package starting at $3000 VIP/exclusive package starting at $6000
I now know if I can add you to my list of “considers.”
You're in business, make it easy for your consumers to consume.
If this is a hobby or a busyness (passion project that keeps you busy and does not yield income worth your efforts), where you don’t mind leaving money on the table, keep it up.
If you went to a restaurant would you want to text the chef to know the prices?
3 Chic Tips to Mastery:
1. Look over your sales page. Is it easy to pay you?
2. If not, add your rates, and let Paypal assist you with those payments.
3. Pay it forward. Do something nice for someone today.
Werk Wednesdays Series: Websites
I know this isn't rocket science, but I PROMISE I see this mistake daily. You are NOT an online business, if you don't have a website. Listen to the audio inside for the importance of owning your own website.
I know this isn't rocket science, but I PROMISE I see this mistake daily. You are NOT an online business, if you don't have a website. Listen to the audio below for the importance of owning your own website.
Let me know what tips or topics you would like to hear next week. Comment below or email me.
Werk Wednesdays Series
Working online you learn the ins and outs of online business. That and the fact that I adore online biz. I read books, articles, listen to podcasts, and attend webinars all on business. Alot of people say the same things, but with their own spin. That's the beauty of the internets-adding your own spin. However, there are some things that are just classic and must have's/must do!
Working online you learn the ins and outs of online business. That and the fact that I adore online biz. I read books, articles, listen to podcasts, and attend webinars all on business. Alot of people say the same things, but with their own spin. That's the beauty of the internets-adding your own spin. However, there are some things that are just classic and must have's/must do!
On social media I see soooo many "no's" and "hunay who told you..." So instead of shaking my head at these occurences, I am offering some advice to the new online female entrepreneur. Audio + images + blog posts all designed to teach. It will be very simple things, that it would be assumed people know. However, post after post confirms...not everyone knows.
