Latest Articles
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
- Why Effective Reporting Makes You Money
Many organizations today rely heavily on their technology to get things done. This is something that will become increasingly important as we move into the future. Those who have learned to leverage the information they have can effectively market, close sales, produce their products or services quicker and save money on maintaining those customers. One way to achieve this is through effective reporting.
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Bookkeeping System
As technology progresses it is becoming increasingly important for companies and non-profits to track their information. In a previous article I discussed how to maximize your customer relationship management software. This month I am going to talk about your bookkeeping system. These two areas tend to be neglected by a new business or existing businesses using an effective system that is too difficult to maintain. Either scenario will cost you money, time and sales. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should use a bookkeeping system.
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Database from Becoming a Digital Clothes Hanger
As part of the new reality, organizations are doing more with less. This translates into reduced staff, resources and in some cases office space. This has created the necessity to examine how organizations can use technology to be more efficient. One way is to purchase Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Doing a thorough research process and testing prior to buying your system. Once purchased, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to avoid it becoming a digital clothes hanger – aka an unused treadmill. Here are some tips on how to avoid this dilemma for yourself.
Mind Mapping and Efficiency
I recently did a speaking engagement for the Orange County Youth Bureau and exposed the young adults to the concept of mind mapping. If you have never done this technique it is very useful and efficient. In a matter of less than 5 minutes, we were able to create a mind map for a paper this young man took two hours to get done. You can use software for this or just a simple piece of paper.
When I am developing a seminar it is much easier for me to mind map what I would like to discuss. I draw a circle in the center of the paper. That is the name of my seminar. Then I draw a line (leg) from the center and that is one of my main topics. I do this for all the main topics. From the main topic leg I then draw little lines with the sub-topics. If you break it down further than this it is time to add a new leg. Your mind map ends up looking like a spider. Now prioritize which topic you want to go first, second, third, etc.
This would also work with a project. If you are procrastinating there is a good chance you are doing it for a reason. The young man I described above procrastinated over an hour because he did not know what to write. When we got done mind mapping his paper he knew exactly what he should write about. He told the group it would have taken 30 minutes if he had used a mind map.
What ever the name of your project put that in the circle. Then just write down on the legs what pops into your mind that needs to happen. Do not worry about prioritizing. Just let you mind formulate a plan. Then you can expand on each of the legs the sub-tasks. Now prioritize what order to do the tasks. When you let your mind flow freely it will give you the information you need and help you get where you want to go.
If you have a more complex project you can use software. Wikipedia has a great list of mind mapping products. Complements of Criss Ittermann, Eclectic Tech - there is free mind mapping software available at freemind.sourceforge.net. Use the version that works best for you.
Let me know how you use mind mapping.
I use FreeMind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net) for projects, for website structure diagrams I can pass to clients, for organizing workshop or seminar data, and even for preliminary business plans.
I prefer software, though I could use paper, because it's easy to move items from one branch to another, and to collaborate with others since FreeMind is a cross-platform application (Windows, Mac, Linux).
Here's an example mind map courtesy of Wikipedia: