Thursday, April 25, 2013

Accomplished Authors Share 10 Important Considerations


The Vision List

1.       Research your topic thoroughly—

2.       Understand what your audience wants to read—

3.       Establish a budget for your publishing project—

4.       Seek the expert guidance of a skilled editor—

5.       Create a detailed marketing plan—

6.       Self-promotion is critical to your success—

7.       Focus on the library market—

8.       Participate in book signings at small bookstores, not just corporate chains—

9.       Accomplish your goals—

10.   Learn from both good and not-so-good experiences—

 

Friday, April 19, 2013

Who AM I – Practice Makes Perfect


I am your constant companion. I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command. Half the   things you do you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly, correctly. I am easily managed-you might merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are failures, I have made failures. I am not a machine, though I work with all the precisions of a machine plus the intelligence of a human being. You may run me for profit or turn me for ruin-it makes no difference to me. Take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet. Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who Am I?   I am Habit

Thursday, April 11, 2013

A Short Story - Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody


This story is about four people, Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure that some body would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, and Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, when actually, Nobody blamed Anybody. The job, of course, went undone.
Irwin M. Kirby

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

4 - Meeting types for best result from team


Meeting Type
Time Required
Purpose
Keys to Success
Daily Check-in
5 Minutes
Share Daily Schedule & Activities
1.      Stand Up
2.      Keep it Administrative
3.      If someone can’t make-it continue with meeting
Weekly Tactical
45-90 Minutes
Review
Ø  Weekly Activities
Ø  Resolve Obstacles & Issues
1.      Set agenda after initial reports
2.      Postpone strategic issues
Monthly Strategic
2-4 hours
Discuss, Analyze, Brainstorm & Decide issues affecting long-term success
1.      Limit to 1 or 2 topics
2.      Prepare & Research
3.      Engage in good conflict
Quarterly Off-Site Review
1-2 days
Review
Ø  Strategy
Ø  Industry Trends
Ø  Competition
Ø  Key Personnel
Ø  Team Development
1.      Get out of office
2.      Focus on work: Limit Social Activities
3.      Avoid over structure