The Short of It With Amanda Long

Let's get productive and make it a team sport! Building a productivity culture is all about teamwork, collaboration, and working towards shared goals. So grab your teammates and let's make some magic happen!

Alright, let's get one thing straight: productivity and work are NOT the same thing. Productivity is all about efficiency - how quickly and effectively you can get stuff done. Work, on the other hand, is just the amount of time you spend on a task.

So yeah, you could be working for hours on end, but if you're not being productive, you might as well be binging Netflix.

Here's the thing though - being productive doesn't necessarily mean you have to work long hours.

Nope, it's all about getting the most bang for your buck. If you can get a task done in 15 minutes instead of 2 hours, you're being way more productive, even if it doesn't look like it on paper.

So businesses out there making sure people are putting in the "time" rather than producing work, are measuring the wrong thing. I'm looking at you WFH companies tracking your employees movements on their computers.

You need to ask yourself, do you want their time or their work product?

Whenever you're ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup – set up a time to work through it with me.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Episode #23 Transcript

Click here to listen!

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If you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

So far, I haven't met any marketers who actually think AI will take their job most seem to think it's going to help them tremendously. I have met some who are suspicious and hesitant to use it, or concerned how others (oftentimes their bosses) will use it irresponsibly. Then there are those who think of AI as only specific to writing, and these marketers tend to view AI more negatively - AI is not human so it can't create human sentiment or great writing and tend to be leading conversation about not using ChatGPT and other generative AI tools to do all the content creation.

All valid concerns and some truth to it all.

My biggest concern is non-marketing professionals dictating to marketing professionals how to use AI in their job, and non-marketing professionals viewing AI as a magic bullet and devaluing marketing services.

Not quite taking marketer's jobs but the other end of the spectrum encouraging bad use of AI tools.

It's our job as marketers to thwart that and educate non-marking professionals how AI can be used and how it cannot be - cut and paste.

AI can generate all kinds of data, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, drafts, brainstorms, lists, help you write outlines and quickly pull social posts from content.

AI is a tool, it's a copilot or assistant, as some have explained it. I like that description because that is what it feels it's been for me since I started using it.

It's not set and forget! You can't just type in a prompt and copy and paste the result - I mean unless maybe it's code. But overall you do have to oversee it that I call it a copilot or assistant.

The data produced can be repetitive, it can be boring but with a few follow up prompts you might get things right where you want. But it requires you to prompt and guide it to the right answers or perfect content tone and writing style.

Let's talk about AI and productivity. Specifically I'll share how I'm using it in my every day marketing work.

First what does that look like? - Content creation - Proofreading - Summarization tools - AI design tools - hello Canva! - Transcription tools - Video editing and creation tools

How has it looked in our lives so far. We've been using AI think chatbots (ManyChat), autoresponders, transcription services like otter.ai, GPS and navigation apps, your phone, Grammarly, spam filters, anti-virus software, Google! Siri and Alexa - all voice assistants, banking security to detect fraud, Amazon and Netflix.

ChatGPT is new and creating a huge stir because it's the first time we've seen AI like this. People are wowed because the things that ChatGPT creates based on your prompts is beyond what we all expected. And on top of that the way we can interact with AI resutls and create even better results is again beyond what we expected.

Many of us see the potential to help simplify our daily tasks and help cut down on time consuming tasks getting to the meat of the task - maybe our favorite part. Cutting out that initial staring at a blank page. Or fine tuning ideas. Opening our minds to ideas that might not have come to mind. If you can cut down the time a task or project takes by starting with an assistant wouldn't you want to take advantage of that?

Click here to listen!

Whenever you're ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup – set up a time to work through it with me.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• AI Prompts for Marketers PDF
• Episode #22 Transcript

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world of marketing, being a multidisciplinary marketing expert can give you a powerful advantage.

Today, we're talking about why being a Jill of all trades is a great thing, especially if you're a marketing manager. You might have heard the saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none," but that's not entirely true. In fact, it's a bit of a misinterpretation. The original saying was "a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." That means you have a broad range of skills and knowledge. And it was meant as a compliment!

The twist on this quote was meant as an insult implying that someone has many competencies but isn't particularly outstanding with any one of them.

And this, my friends, isn't always the case! You can have many competencies with a specialty area or niche.

And guess what, being a Jacks and Jills of all Trades is essential for success. These individuals make great leaders!

A T-shaped person is: someone who has specialized knowledge and skills in a particular area, as well as the desire and ability to make connections across different disciplines. (The top of the T is "Broad '' ability to work outside core area while the vertical line down the T is "Deep" functional area, discipline or specialty.

Think about it like this, if you are applying for an upper-level marketing role and you have solid knowledge ranging from strategic planning, campaign analysis and goals setting, social media strategy, graphic design, stellar copying writing skills and the ability to see the bigger picture you'll have the edge over someone who only does one job and is a skilled expert - say a web designer or graphic designer that only does that work. That's where being a Jill of all trades fits in perfectly in leadership roles.

That's how I built my success. I have multidisciplinary skills that I acquire while building in the real world with my 1:1 clients. The years I've spent marketing and in project management is what helps me help others.

The way I see it, whether you are a niched/skilled expert, multi-skilled with many competencies or multi-skilled with niche expertise, there is a place for each of you. We need every one of you. It's common to start with a speciality area and then become more versatile and translate those skills to other areas.

I started as a paralegal and transferred the case management skills into project management and my years of blogging into online marketing.

As a marketing manager, you must be multifaceted and have diverse skills and knowledge. And let's face it most of us are multi-faceted even as experts.

Doctors and lawyers become multifaceted - they run medical practices and law firms - they've got to be a master of all trades to run a business, manage people and practice medicine or law.

Being versatile means you can manage a team, develop a brand strategy, write compelling copy, and analyze data. This versatility is valuable because it allows you to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

It means you see the big picture while everyone else might be focused on their piece of the project.

It also means you can take on a wide range of responsibilities and can adapt to various situations, which can help you advance your career or business.

Same for freelance marketers, these skills are great because you can get by wearing many hats, so you can save time and money by not having to rely on a big team to get started.

One of the best things about being a Jill of all trades is your ability to adapt to changing situations.

Marketing is constantly evolving, and as a marketing manager, you need to pivot quickly and efficiently. Understanding the big picture enables you do just that.

You can take on new challenges and responsibilities and are better equipped to navigate changes in the competitive landscape.

Marketing is all about creativity, and as a Jill of all trades, you're able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to marketing challenges. You can brainstorm new ideas for campaigns, develop creative content, and design eye-catching graphics. This creativity is essential in marketing, where you need to stand out from the competition and capture your audience's attention.

Being a Jill of all trades requires resourcefulness. When faced with a challenge or obstacle, you can draw upon your knowledge and experience to find creative solutions. You can think outside of the box and come up with innovative ways to achieve your goals, even when there are limited time or resources.

Lastly, communication is key in marketing. As a Jill of all trades, you're able to communicate effectively with team members, clients, and stakeholders. You can articulate your ideas clearly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively. This communication is essential in marketing, where you need to work closely with others to achieve your goals.

So there you have it, folks! Being a Jill of all trades is not a curse or a negative connotation that you're inadequate, it's quite the opposite.

It's an amazing opportunity with many benefits, and it can help you excel in your career as a marketing manager. So don't be afraid to embrace your multi-talented self and become a Jill of all trades!

Let's dispel the negative connotation of being a Jill of all Trades and make big change in the marketing industry.

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.

2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me.

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom to reviews and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #21 Transcript

Stillness sounds so simple, yet peaceful and wonderful … until you try it.

It's incredibly uncomfortable.

I become hyper aware of everything around me. How uncomfortable I am, how I don't know what to do with my hands or what I should look at and what I'm supposed to focus on.

This isn't meditation you guys, it's stillness.

It's as if ADHD has suddenly popped up. I fidget and keep instinctively going to do something or try to keep myself busy.

The worst is how addicted to my phone I realize I am.

I know I'm not selling this right now but stick with me.

I'm sharing this with you as my journey because I'm not as far into this practice as I wanted to be by now.

Some of the positive results from stillness could be:

• Less stress and anxiety (lord knows I need this)

• Better focus

• Decluttering your mind so things become more clear

• Mental breaks help our brains sift through all the incoming information and I REALLY need this.

This was something I decided to try because I'm tired of feeling like I am always on and my brain is trying to process so many thoughts that I can't remember or process any of it.

When I journal or meditate I discover the most creative ideas. And I do think daily stillness will elevate those results.

But I wanted to share a few lessons I've learned so far:

1. I'm more conditioned to grabbing for my phone than I thought.

2. The first 5 minutes are really great

3. Set a time each day and the place you will do this

4. Set a timer

5. Close your eyes if you'd like

6. Listen to the sounds, positive sensations and smells around you.

These things have all helped me steer my mind away from my conditioned responses - getting up to do something real quick, grabbing for my phone, or nervously sipping water. Things that are not stillness.

Meditation is slightly different for me, I usually lay down or sit up with my eyes closed in a quiet place and focus on breathing. Whereas stillness is just being where you are and taking in what's around you and not doing anything except being. It's simply being present.

I'll check in with you on this again and let you know what else I learn along the way.

What are your thoughts? Do you like meditation? Do you think there are benefits to stillness?

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.

2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me.

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom to reviews and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Podcast Episode #20 Transcript
• James Clear Atomic Habits

I totally get it – there's something about putting pen to paper that just feels right. But when it comes to keeping all your notes organized, things can get a little tricky.

Especially if you're trying to mix handwritten notes with your digital files. Don't worry though, I've got some tips to help you strike the perfect balance!

Let's chat about Goodnotes. If you are a digital person but still like the feel of writing on paper then I recommend an iPad and Goodnotes (links in shownotes).

I also use the paperfeel screen protector that feels like writing on paper and protects your screen from fingerprints - one of the most common annoyances of using tablets. (link in the show notes)

These are the tools I use daily.

I really love taking digital handwritten notes - Goodnotes can convert your handwriting to digital text, you can search handwritten notes just as you can in a word processing document, for meetings an iPad is just easier. When I attend events or in person meetings I bring my iPad too.

I also take handwritten notes on PDFs I download, and screenshots or when I take an online course, listen to a podcast or book, and I also journal on my iPad.

So there are many times my handwritten notes need to incorporate with my workflow. Here's what I do.

1. Import your current notes: If you have existing notes in PDF or image format, you can import them into GoodNotes. This can help you consolidate your notes in one place.

2. Use the annotation tools: GoodNotes has a variety of tools for annotating your notes, such as highlighters, pens, and text boxes. Experiment with these tools to find the ones that work best for you.

3. Create notebooks: GoodNotes allows you to create separate notebooks for different subjects or projects. This can help you stay organized and keep your notes separated.

4. Use templates: GoodNotes offers a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as planners, to-do lists, and meeting notes Cornell note format which if you don't know what this is it's a great system to use if you are a student or taking a course. The page is set up into three sections two columns the left hand column is about ⅓ of the width and the right section is ⅔ of the width of the page. Then there is a smaller row below these two that is a summary section. So you take all notes in the larger section othe right. In the left column you can call out your questions, definitions of terms or index important items to remember The button row is to write a summary of it all to help you retain the info better and quickly refer to what the notes are about. These can save you time and help you stay organized.

5. Sync your notes: GoodNotes offers cloud syncing, which means you can access your notes on multiple devices. This can be helpful if you need to access your notes on the go.

6. Backup: use Google Drive to store a backup of your Goodnotes files in case of emergency - in case your notes ever disappear, it hasn't happened to me but I backup most everything.

7. Export your notes: If you need to share your notes with others, GoodNotes allows you to export your notes in various formats, such as PDF or image files. You can even print the pages

8. Use the search function: GoodNotes has a search function that allows you to search for keywords or phrases within your notes. This can be a time-saver if you have a lot of notes to sift through.

9. When I have notes for a client file or from trainings, I'll download them as PDF and send them off to the client file in Gdrive or my computer.

Tricks I use often:

• With the apple pencil and goodnotes you can tap your index finger twice on the pencil to switch between the pen and eraser (really it switches between the pen and the last two tools you used so if you used the eraser then the highlighter it'd switch between those too. Or the Pen and the lasso tool

• Lasso tool - I use this way more than expected, you can use a lasso to circle any text in your notes and move it around on the page or copy and past it to another page.

• Handwriting to type

• Quick bullets - use the highlighter tool pick a photo and then make a dot simple and colorful!

• Quick and easy lines - draw a line and at the end of the line don't lift the pen just yet, wait a second and it will convert to a straight line! This works for a circle, square, triangle any shape, the trick is to not lift your pen and make the shape in one stroke.

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.

2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me.

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom to reviews and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #19 Transcript
• Ipad
• Goodnotes
• Paperfeel screen protector

What began as a routine to start my day ended up being a catalyst for big inspiration in my life and business.

The past two years, I've worked on establishing a routine to achieve the following goals:

1. Not jumping out of bed and starting work
2. Having a hard stop work time
3. Incorporate reading into my day

Clearly, I was working way too much and this didn't result in success, only a case of burnout.

This worked rather well so last year I changed it up and introduced journaling after reading. Surprisingly, this became one of my routine's most powerful parts. If I go a day not doing it I feel uninspired and feel "off" all day.

The other thing this power combo did for me was getting my mind in creative mode - just in time for the next part of my routine - writing (which actually came after my shower, which also helps thoughts flow). An unexpected result.

So right now daily routine is this:6am coffee, read and journal and stretch7am shower and get ready8am write 10am meetings/client work (some days this starts earlier)11am walk then eat2pm eat then 15 min stillness4pm end of day shutdown with planner and Asana5-6pm Family Dinner

Routines can help with productivity for several reasons.

One it kicks your day off on a positive and inspiring note doing something YOU choose and want to do!

It's intentional, triggering what motivates you and what aligns with your goals which sets you up for a productive day.

Because you know our habits make our success.

But there are Reasons Routines Fail let's talk about some common reasons and fixes.

You may choose routines based on what you hear and see others doing, but they aren't really what you want to do, or aren't connected to your goals. This feels more like ordering yourself around and if you are a rebel this isn't gonna fly.

Fix: You're not stuck stop routines not lighting your fire, fulfilling your goals or bringing you inspiration.

Work up to things that you want to do but are difficult to start - 20 min of meditation might not be easy but 3 min might work just fine and after a year you could reach your 20 min goal - or find a different sweet spot that brings you the fire.

You try one way of achieving a routine and when it doesn't work so you stop.

Fix: If you want to journal and sitting down to a blank page does not work for you, don't give up. Research other ways to journal - prompts, morning pages, gratitude, and keep trying until you find something that fits for you. Unless you find it's not really something you enjoy and doesn't inspire you then it might just not be a great as you anticipated.

You stop too soon.

Fix: Try something for a few weeks, build up consistency before you completely give up on it, unless you absolutely hate it. Then dump it. But if a routine just doesn't feel like it's sticking give it a little more time - habits take time to build.

Your routine starts to feel like just going through the motions.

Fix: Mix it up, is there a part of this routine you could change up? Change the type of exercise, or journaling or meditation. Take a break a few days and see how you feel. You might find that it's not the routine that is the root of this feeling. You might even find that you feel incomplete in your day without it. Revisit your why on this routine too.

So create a routine choosing things that make you feel more energized and focus.

That is what stretching does for me.

And reading and journaling gets my creative juices flowing just in time for me to jump into my daily writing routine which results in my content creation which grows my business and gets results for my clients.

Having a routine like this that flows and works together doesn't just help your mindset it prevents us from depleating our willpower and limited daily decision making abilities. In times of burnout or high stress and overwhelm, my routine has given me a sense of calm and reminds me to slow down.

The productivity and consistency that come with routine are things our minds crave. This predictability can help you feel more in control and organized, and help you hang on to a productive mindset throughout the day.

The most important thing is that this routine must be tailored to your specific needs and goals.

By doing this, you will be able to achieve your goals faster and focus your time and energy on getting there.

1. First identify the things you do daily already, this will help you identify your established routines.
2. Next think of the things that leave you feeling inspired and motivated. (It's usually not email and scrolling social videos).
3. Then, decide where in your current routine will you add this new routine and test it out!
4. Finally iterate what you need until you find what works or find that it's just not the right routine for you. But give it a chance.

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me.

All of the below is in the blog template on the website builder

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom to reviews and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Links mentioned in this episode:

- Podcast Episode #18 Transcript

Say goodbye to chaotic shared drives and hello to seamless collaboration!

Nothing is more frustrating and time-consuming to be unable to find the documents you need, when you need them.

One of the most common workplace roadblocks is quickly finding files and documents. According to a Wakefield Research survey of 1,000 US office professionals, 54% of agreed that they spend more time searching for documents and files they need than responding to emails.

Even in an organized productive environment I hate switching between apps and programs to get work done, but add in a layer of disorganization, searching and bouncing around and that level of frustration can kill my productivity and creativity.

And that's what is happening to your team too.

What if someone is out of the office or goes out for an extended leave, or (as my legal studies class professors said "if you were hit by a bus") would anyone know where you left off? And where to find things?

If you are a marketing team creating content, without shared files that are organized properly you probaby have perfectly good content (images, video, data, documents and ideas) that exist but just not finable by your team if they aren't shared and organized.

What if you were to have a lawsuit - could you easily find documents pertaining to a particular client or project?

We already have a fair amount of content overload and context switching in our daily lives, sprinkle in roadblocks to finding what you need in your workday and it frazzels a person's mind.

While programs (GDrive) tend to have good native search - it still doesn't relieve the need to "search" for something and decipher what it would be called or what another teammate may have named it. Then what?

This is where having standard processes helps free a team.

But many people hesitate or never get started because it sound overwhelming or impossible to figure out all the steps and the proper way to organize for a whole team of people with different opinions.

Make organization a top priority in your business and increase productivity, streamline communication and take control of your digital files.

So let's begin with how to get started.

We'll go over the following steps to help you create a file management system for your team.

• Setting a structure - year, event, project, or department Make it EASY
• Document it in a one-page sheet for Quick Reference
• Delete + Archive - get all the old stuff out of the way dump it in an archive folder.
• Set up one client or company folder using the system to run through the structure and setup. test it out, get a few members of the team to each try it on some of their folders.
• Organize - break up assignments - have team members responsible for their department, projects, clients reorganize their files. This is prctice and you can check in to see how everyone does and where the hangups might be.
• Document need to change anything in the QR guide? Do it and redistribute
• File Naming Conventions + Version Control (going forward)
• Maintenance - spot check and team chek-in is it working? (every quarter - have a person assigned to this task)

And remember even if your team is small or a team of one finding documents easily is important. Especially if you're looking to grow.

Whenever you're ready, here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup – set up a time to work through it with me.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Episode #17 Transcript
• File organization checklist PDF

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

Without pain the moments of pleasure would be meaningless. Why does it even matter? Why can't we just hunker down in our comfort zones? Well if the pandemic taught us anything it's that we need people and need to get out more than we all thought we probably needed. I'm an introvert and love WFH. But getting uncomfortable helps you grow and learn - if you want to become stronger, you have to challenge your muscles which is what getting out of your comfort zone does for our brain. It trains our brains to tolerate being uncomfortable. It changes our mindset on being uncomfortable so that when you feel awkward, sad, scared, or uncomfortable, you know it's our innate nature protecting us, not that we are in any actual danger. Getting uncomfortable is key to breaking through where you are now to where you want to be. And It keeps our brains young We all struggle with this because pain avoidance is built in to us. Facing new difficult situations is painful And most of the time instead of trying to take tiny steps to begin - we try to dive head first, sending us right back into our comofort holes. Especially if you have anxiety, like me. And if you do ya might sometimes equate being "uncomfortable" with "fear" - but there's a difference and we have to remind ourselves of that. Fear is usually about something dangerous happening to yourself or others, and we may sometimes mistake that feeling for being uncomfortable which then triggers fight or flight response and messes us all up when we are simply feeling discomfort. It just takes some practice. Growth and discomfort walk the same path. If you want success it requires comfort with discomfort. Comfort = complacency within our current situation which doesn't encourage growth. (here's where you have a sense of control) Uncomfortable = growth, change, risk, fun, and challenging (here's where you have little sense of control) No wonder it's so hard for us! Listen to today's episode for the steps I'm taking to bust outta my comfort zone: Know your limiting beliefs Be feeling aware Flip the script on negative thinking Identify the types of experiences you are uncomfortable Start small and do something on the list Use your habits - and habit stacking (tying new habits to your already established habits to get them going) Journal about your experience You'll have ups and downs, but keep at it and leave your ego at the door when something doesn't work and as long as we stay curious, ask questions, be a student of the world good things will come our way. I'm not there yet, I don't have all the answers, I just have my plan to share with you. I'd love your advice if you have it and happy to have your encouragement along the way. Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you: Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business to keep everything from goals to projects on track. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me. Links Mentioned in This Episode Episode #16 Transcript

What's serving you well and what isn't?

Have you looked back on all those things that happened in 2022 that elevated your life?

Each year I take inventory of what served me and use that to determine what I'm going to keep doing. Keeping the things that brought me happiness, fulfillment and success. I focus on things that helped me grow personally, things that produced results in my business and things that brought the greatest memories with my family.

Another year of abandoned goals isn't where you want to be at the end of 2023.

And I know the cliche thing right now is "not creating resolutions." The rebel part of me has always resisted resolutions but I use a different variation of resolutions - I use GOALS. They're practically the same, just a different perspective of looking at it. Goals inspire and motivates me and help me assess my progress. If a resolution motivates you - do that.

Whether you use resolutions or goals, the key is to take action. That's what we'll chat about today!

The aversion to "resolutions" steams from the insinuation that Jan 1 is a magic date that will change everything and it's not, but we need a "starting" point - a fresh start, and Jan 1 gives us that. Heck every new week, month and season gives us that. Back in September I talked about how fall is the season that gives me a "fresh start" feeling. That is when I start looking at the coming year and assessing the current year. When January 1 hits, I've already planned out my first quarter of the year and started taking action.

What I'm saying here is do what works for you.

Listen to your gut, you know yourself best, what will produce results. what's worked for you in the past. Do what works and improve on it.

Whether you set goals or make resolutions, you do have to declare what you want in the coming year and have a way to work toward it.

A vision board and some hopes and dreams all need ACTION.

Let's take a peek back on 2022 and see what worked for us. We'll:

• Reflect on the year
• Feel all the gratitude and happiness there was
• List the things that went well
• Make a goals list - or write down our resolutions

STEP 1. Reflect on the year

Pull out your planner, open your calendar, content calendars, launch planners. What did you enjoy most?

Llist all the things that you did that brought you joy and happiness.

Of those things lets identify the things that are your zone of genius - the things that you are good at and that give you butterflies, things that really light you up.

STEP 2. Feel that gratitude

What are the things that made you happy and feel grateful for? Are you working from home and happy to be able to do so? Sit in that that good feeling a moment.

Did you read amazing books this year that brought you good vibes and impacted your business or life? Soak up that good feeling for a moment.

The longer we allow ourselves to sit in our good feelings the better we feel, the more positivity our brains will look for, and we deserve to feel that way more than we probably allow!

Looking back on happy times helps our brains create more happy chemicals that can hang around and do more good.

STEP 3. List what went well

When you were looking back on what made you feel grateful what were those things?

Make a list of all of those things.

STEP 4. Make a list

Take that list and decide what you want more of, and how you can add more of it into your life this year.

The key to avoid another year of dead goals is to write your list down, use it each week to remind you of what you are working toward and take action each week.

These are the things that I'm carrying into 2023

• Reading + Journaling - this is an upcoming podcast. It's been a source of inspiration for changes in my business this year, including this podcast.
• Content Process Building - another key element that has helped me create more content than ever before
• Morning Stretching - because I need to move my body more since I work at a desk all day. Stretching feels good and I've seen improvement in my lower back pain. I hope to use this goal as a gateway to more movement in 2023.

Whenever you're ready here are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Download the Asana Starter Kit this is the system I use for my clients and my own business.
2. 1:1 Strategy Session to get you unstuck. Whether you need help with the tech, strategy, systems or programs setup - setup a time to work through it with me.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Episode #15 Transcript
• Episode #1 90-Day Planning

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

I'd love to have you join us in the Biz + Life Productivity Group for the doers, implementors and magic-makers. Weekly we chat more in-depth about business, life, family and productivity.

The Power of Delegating as a Small Business Owner to get Sh*t Off Your Plate The Power of Delegating as a Small Team to get Sh*t Off Your Plate

Ever find yourself thinking it's easier to just do it yourself?

Maybe you feel bad that you're giving your work to somebody else, or you're afraid somebody else will do a better job than you?

It could be that you just can't let go of control. Maybe you are hesitant about paying someone to do it even. It could be that you just can't let go of control. After all, you are the only one who can do the job the way you would do the job.

Over the past year, I have embraced the power of delegation. Before that, I was just a lone wolf who knew I was spreading my time too thin, but I didn't have the resources to hire help.

You can bet your pants I was ready with a list when I could finally hire. I share my process for how I did that here: What to Delegate.

I have a "doer's" mindset, and while that is a massive part of my success, it's also a downfall. I find myself thinking nobody else can do it right (aka "how I'd do it").

But I knew to remain successful and step into the next level, I would have to delegate, no matter how scary.

Go easy on yourself - and your team.

Transferring the responsibility for a project, process or task to a team member doesn't mean you can't retain authority, control, and accountability. While that person does the work, you are still the person accountable.

Delegating allows you to free up your time to work ON the business (get more high-level work done) and develop your leadership skills while empowering your team.

When you delegate to your team, it increases their motivation and confidence, allows them to learn new skills, have a voice, plan work and enlist the cooperation of others.

All a recipe for team growth.

When you allow your team autonomy, they will be better engaged and have greater job satisfaction.

The Right Resources & Desired Outcomes

Before you can hand off work and allow for autonomy, You have to set out the right resources and define the ideal outcomes.

As I mentioned above, I created an outsourcing list. This list identified all the things I do that either need my time or do not, such as:

1. My zone of genius, my expertise, and areas where I do my best work
2. Tasks that do not need me to get done
3. My productivity killers or time sucks
4. Things in the business I do not enjoy doing

Then I take things from #2, #3 and #4 and start documenting those processes.

1. Document the Processes You Use

For the next week, for each task you do in #2, #3 or #4, write down all the steps as you go through and complete the tasks.

Let it be messy here. Just try to write a list of what you did from start to finish.

The following few times you do that task, use the list to help you walk step-by-step to ensure you captured all the steps a new person would need.

Some ideas to start documenting: Blogging, onboarding a client, product inventory, social media posting, answering emails or customer service support messages, and pulling reports for your review.

Once you've gone through the task a few times and have a pretty good process, you can share with a new person while you train them and get them up to speed.

Make it simple with checkboxes. Maybe clean up a few things here and there, and you're done.

Be open to making adjustments when someone else steps into the process, don't be too rigid. This process sometimes identifies areas of improvement, and that is good. It doesn't mean you were doing it wrong.

Look at a process as living and flexible, meant as a guide to be fine-tuned during its journey.

2. Identify the Skills Needed for These Processes

Once you've identified the process, what special skills do you want a person to have that you don't need to coach?

For example, if you're outsourcing website work, look for someone with experience on the website platform/theme you use.

If you have product inventory and use Shopify, look for someone with some experience with that platform.

They don't have to be an expert, but some experience will help make training more manageable, and a new set of eyes may improve your processes and introduce options and features you didn't know existed

3. Hire or Delegate to a Team Member

Now you're ready - do you have a team member who can do this work and would be eager to take on a new responsibility?

Do you need to hire a freelancer or a new team member who has the skills you are looking to fill? Combine similar tasks if you have multiple to offload and find a person who can do all or most of those things. Keep it reasonable for the time allotted in their day.

Be prepared to train and support team members through this process. A new person with some skills will still be acclimating to your communication style and the business ins and out. An existing member will be adjusting to stepping into a new role with you and learning new skills.

Both require strong leadership through guidance and support. This is a chance to sharpen your leadership skills. 3.

4. Provide Support & Guidance

The first step is to clearly identify the desired outcome and its ties to your business's goals.

What does "done" look like, what is "good," what is the timeline, and how do we measure accomplishment. How should you communicate? What are the tools for getting the job done?

Here is an example:

Sara is new to the team. She was hired to take over social media posting. We have a checklist for the process of scheduling posts. Our team corresponds to a messaging platform, and we have shared files for all team members to access assets and client documents.

We create the assets and captions for social posts. Sara will copy those captions, add photos to our social scheduler, and set the publishing time.

Sara was trained on our internal processes (which are documented) around communication and where to find the documents she needs to complete her job. She had experience with the social scheduling platform, so she was familiar with it and didn't require training other than on how we use the platform.

Sara was given the written process. She and I walked through the process step-by-step, answered questions, and sat with her as she ran through the process.

Now, she is ready to work on her own without supervision. Sara runs into a question with a post. She knows to reach me via messenger, so she asks a question and gets her question answered. She's able to proceed and continues with the process.

She does a second run down the process to ensure she did everything on the list and then communicates with me again to let me know the posts are ready for my review.

Upon review, there are a few changes to be made. I do not make them. I messaged Sara with my feedback and changes and asked her to update a few items.

Here is where I can help guide her on things specific to our industry and my preferences.

She updates her work and asks for my review, it's ready for finalization, and the task is completed.

This is good work. The expectation was not perfection; it was doing the work and learning. Which is sometimes identifying things not addressed during training, which always happens. My extra review and feedback will help Sara improve quickly.

Check your judgment. It can get tricky, especially if you are not patient (like me). Focus on helpful feedback to guide behavior rather than coming across as agitated or inconvenienced.

Tips for success

• Don't make corrections yourself; send it back. This is a learning experience, not a negative criticism.
• Give a clear explanation of what was not right or explain the preference if it's not wrong – be self-aware of what is actually preference versus right or wrong.
• Ask for feedback yourself; this is not a one-way street. Ask if you provided explicit instruction, determine what you can improve upon to better delegate in the future
• Give thanks and credit. Don't be afraid to be grateful and recognize the successes even if it's not perfect. Encouragement and positivity help breeds confidence and future wins.

Did You Miss Part One?

If you miss the first part of this topic, What to Delegate? Learn how to identify the things to delegate, read it or watch the video.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Episode #14 Transcript
• Get the ASANA Starter Kit
• Asana
• Full Focus Planner

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love the Short of It with Amanda Long." If that sounds like you, please hit the subscribe button in your favorite podcast player, and if you feel like "Amanda, everyone needs to hear this" please rate my podcast click here open in Apple Podcasts, and click the stars to give us a 5-star rating and share something you loved about the episode!

I'd love to have you join us in the Biz + Life Productivity Group for the doers, implementors and magic-makers. Weekly we chat more in-depth about business, life, family and productivity.