comments

Great article, Allen.

The more we interrupt our work by checking Twitter, emails or phone messages, the more we rewire the brain to do it. We are installing a new "program", or "auto-pilot". It happens so subtly that we are often aware that we have taught ourselves a new habit. One that is non-resourceful.

Your advice to go cold turkey and surpass the 85% puts the driver back in full control.

Stop, Drop and Roll - I'm going to keep this in mind for my next networking event.

Thanks, Kelly!

I've also found the opposite to be true. When I practise heart-activated techniques, I become more mindful.

Hi Loretta,

Good reminder to be clear about payment terms.

Just like for people, the business checkup serves to provide information which can be the catalyst for change - the impetus to live a healthier life...or not.

Great advice, Andrea!

There is a dividing line between someone who genuinely wishes to help and be of service vs. those who are just trying to make a sale.

When I was in a great deal of pain pre-hip replacement, it took every bit of strength to get into the store. An over-exuberant salesperson quickly drove me out. I just didn't have the energy for Ms. Hippy Happy. I would have appreciated a friendly smile and an offer of a chair.

Teaching employees to establish rapport & reading the customer greatly improves customer relations & encourages repeat visits.

Beth,

Two commodities that are often in short supply - time and money.

You've elegantly demonstrated that with some forethought, we can make both go further.

Thank you.

Wonderful article, John. We all make mistakes - the trick is in learning from them and working to correct them. You have and are!

I think one of the grave dangers of social media is that it is the equivalent of tattling...only instead of telling teacher or our parents, we let the whole world know.

The issue is with the individual and maturity dictates that we work on resolving it with the individual.

One other point I'd like to make is that if someone asks an obvious question or something needs correcting, I always do it in a private message. We all have our "duh" moments and I know I would appreciate a quiet word.

I'm a big fan of the trust your body (& heart).

Our brain gets in the way & with a war going on, it's hard to hear that subtle voice - the one that says, "Ahhhh, just right."

Hi LaSara,

I think this article summarizes the nature of Twitter.

In a way, it is a free-for-all and people use it how they think it should be used. What happens, like in a society, if they don't follow the rules, many of which are unspoken, they get pushed to the fringes.

Twitter is a living thing and is changing. Whether that is for good or bad is yet to be determined.

I wrote an article entitled, "Does The Way You Twitter Cause You Stress?"

If anyone cares to read it, here is the link: http://www.twitip.com/does-the-way-you-twitter-cause-you-stress/

Have any of you noticed your Twitter habits changing?

Hi Brian,

This is a great intro to the newbie on Twitter. I have been on Twitter since October, and the one thing that is apparent is that it is changing.

Bigger companies are now tweeting...some have yet to get the hang of it. (You bring this up in your point #4)

Twitter is about communicating and sharing, not just advertising.

I was fortunate to have an article called, "Does The Way You Twitter Cause You Stress?" published here: http://www.twitip.com/does-the-way-you-twitter-cause-you-stress

It's been an interesting experience.

This is a great article, Berry.

I loved how you've broken this complex aspect of business management into easy-to-assess pieces.

Hi David,

I particularly like your suggestion to speak in 40 sec. bursts and the reminder of "not too much, not too little".

I'm looking forward to the sequel...

Hi Donna,

I like how you've kept the considerations down to 4...do not pass go if you can't answer these questions.

Saves a lot of time & effort on everyone's part.

Your shuffleboard anecdote reminds me of the "fishing" that someone is doing (twice now) in order to JV with me. Like your story, this has nothing to do with my market.

You bring up some great points, Shanda.

In the "don't do this at home" section, I'd love to read what you have to say about each of the bad examples. Not all are blatantly obvious.

Graphic Designer or marketing specialist? How do you see them coming together? As you've pointed out, the solo-preneur needs to wisely consider his/her budget.

Customer service = a business with a heart!

As you've mentioned, you can sense that when you walk in the door.

I noticed today when I was presenting at a conference at one of our hotels. I was well-taken care of by the conference organizers & the hotel staff! Made my life much easier & I'm sure to spread the word.

(Please send me an email if you're curious.)

Dear Marta,

You are so right in emphasizing what I like to call, T.O.T.O.M. or Theory of the Oxygen Mask. (In the unlikely occurrence of an emergency, please don your oxygen mask before attending to your children.)

Stress is a matter of perception - that means it comes from within. Learn to change our perceptions and we learn to more effectively handle our stress-inducers.

We are also able to follow-through on the systems we put in place. Often one of the ironic things is that when we're stressed we fail to do the things we know will give us relief.

When we learn to balance our nervous system through heart-directed techniques, we're able to get up and go when we need to do so and also to sleep when it's time for that.

To quote Martha, "and, that's a good thing."

It's about balance. I think you've summed it up with this, "realizing that every stakeholder is vital to the health of your business, and that if you really want to take care of the customer, you need to take care of everyone and everything that serves that customer with the same amount of care."

It also means ensuring that you, the owner, are in good mental, emotional & physical health so that you are performing at your best.

Thanks for the heads-up on this service, James.

Hi John,

I like how you've provided clear direction with your bullets.

Do you have any links to op-eds you consider effective?

Thanks.

Hi Mike,

Great suggestion re. naming the files starting with the date! Beautiful in its simplicity.

Thanks for taking the time to write this article.

Great plan, Christa!

Support, encouragement, sharing, friendship & laughter. That is my experience from my mastermind group. (Oh yeah, we also "break bread.")

If you're not in one, here is your opportunity. I urge everyone to enjoy the benefits of a mastermind group.