Escapism, laughter and things that make us go hmmmm ;-)

I heard on the radio this morning, movie goers are going. People aren’t buying Raisinets or the $$ popcorn maybe, but at least they’re enjoying the escapism a good flick provides. Serious times call for hunkering down, and laughing a little too. In business, we’re trudging ahead, but we want to make sure not to surround ourselves with the negative. Many of the Biznik articles are inspirational and are great reminders of things we forget and need to get back to. I like these. So here are my happy reminders. And I’ll give them catchy marketing-type names to give them greater impact. Do ‘em or just laugh at ‘em. Either is probably good.

Morning Marketing Mondays with Marshmallows on Top:

What if you started every day early like you would if you were working for the man. You’d be up, dressed and ready to head out the door by 7am instead of shuffling around all bed-head-like in the kitchen having your morning coffee at 10am. We get up early for work because we have to. It’s routine, and we don’t even think about it because it’s just something we must do. We succumb to it. “If only I would work that hard for myself,” I always think. Spend all that commuting time for my own business. Early rising is not fun for some, but can be funny and productive. I recently put a box of Total cereal into the fridge. Ha! But if only I would spend those 2 morning hours awake, with my hot chocolate and marshmallows, focused on marketing efforts. I’d be a step ahead. On Marketing Mondays with Marshmallows on Top, use 2 hours to send out business focused newsletters, updating mailing lists, morning networking walks, sending out postcards or whatever you do to market yourself. And make it a tall with extra mallows!

Turn off TV and Try Things Tuesdays:

Turn off the TV and monitor what you watch. Get a few laughs by watching 3 funny videos on YouTube that you choose. Maybe an old Air Supply or Queensryche video. That’s good for a laugh. Turn off depressing news on mainstream TV. Then hunker down and learn something new. Get out that manual and learn a few new tricks on the computer. Get started on Twitter and just see what it’s all about. Read up on something everyone is talking about that you have no idea what the heck it is; things that make you go hmmmm. Like, “what is an RSS Feed”, would be my question. 

Wipe out Whining Wednesdays:

Get with positive people. Too often we spend time with those in the same boat as us. I whine to you, you whine to me and we commiserate on how everything is going down the toilet. If possible, for 2 hours on Wednesdays, get with or talk to, or read about people who are doing great things; things that motivate you, give off good, positive energy and get you going. Hang with those in an up-beat state of mind. Nobody likes a negative Nellie. Ugh, enough of the bad news already.

Transform with Tremendous Treats Thursdays:

A big double chocolate donut can help raise endorphins. I tell myself to focus on something I need to get done that I hate, like taxes or something, and then promise myself a treat when I am all done. I do the yucky stuff for 2 hours and then the good stuff is mine. A little eating escapism is it?

Have Fun and Fraternize Fridays:

We’re gonna do it anyway. Friday’s are about escaping, relaxing, having some fun, socializing and going out with friends. Spend a few hours meeting with people, meeting new people or looking up/figuring out and calendaring in your business meet ups and events for the next week. Just materialize and plant your face out there for 2 solid hours.

Do I do this? Yes, I have, but it’s hard to stick to the schedule. I read Biznik articles for constant reminders and inspiration. Does this schedule increase business? I have found, yes. Keeping in touch with clients, asking what they are up to, and telling them about the new stuff you’re working on keeps you fresh in their minds. They call back with work and know you haven’t dropped off the face of the earth.