Every thriving business leader I know has one trait in particular which results in tremendously successful ventures.  Can you guess what it is?  It’s focus.  And it’s not uncommon to struggle with giving a project the focus that will bring it to completion.

Here are 10 tips to bring focus to a project:

1. Eliminate distractions.  Your workplace must be sacred.  Close your email account, and any other unnecessary windows open on your computer.  Establish a noise level that works for you. Close your door and turn off your phone to eliminate interruptions.
2. Clear your workspace of everything but the items required for the project.
3. If you work from home and find too many distractions, go to the library.
4. Spend 5 or 10 minutes with your eyes closed, visualizing the completed project.  Imagine how you’ll feel when the project is completed.  Think about the steps you will take to get it done.
5. Open your eyes and write down the steps, including as many details as possible.  Use To-do list software, or simply pen to paper, to document the appropriate steps.  This might seem tedious, but it is critical to an efficient, sequential work flow.
6. Decide how much time it will take to complete the project, and schedule your time accordingly.  Make a commitment to spend time increments, by actually scheduling it on your calendar.  Stick to your schedule.  Be sure to also schedule in a few breaks for snacks and a walk, so your brain has the proper fuel.
7. If you get stuck, take one step backward, and begin again.
8. Throughout the project, determine if your action steps are driving your ultimate goal, and make adjustments as necessary.  Sometimes we veer off our intended path.
9. Don’t let circumstances or conditions stop you from finishing a good idea.
10. When finished, praise yourself for a job well done.

It’s not unusual for entrepreneurs to have many good ideas floating around in their brains at one time.  In fact, it’s really what defines a successful entrepreneur.  The key is to focus on the idea that can be completed – the one that will have the greatest impact - first.  Random work on many projects results in a sense of disorganization, and a feeling that you’re not getting anything accomplished.

Focus on what matters, put your head down, and push through it.  There really is no other way!

Coach Charrise

I was thinking the other day how easy it is today to connect with people outside our traditional circle.  With the available technology, there is simply no reason not to reach out to people with whom you want to connect.  For example, before the emergence of the internet, the idea of picking up the telephone and calling an author we admired was pretty much unheard of.  Now, with social networking in place, authors and wannabe authors alike fill the cyberspace with profiles and ways to connect.

Our ability to connect easily with people who would normally be beyond our reach is really quite remarkable.  As consumers of products, we feel an increased sense of familiarity because of our access to the creator of the product.  If I wanted to reach out to Seth Godin, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and self proclaimed agent of change, it would be quite simple to do so via email.  He makes himself available to his audience.  10 years ago, this would not have likely been the case.

Why would we want to connect in this way?  In some cases, it stretches us beyond our comfort zone, causing us to gain confidence and exercise courage.  It is one thing to admire someone who has created something that moved us; it’s quite another to develop a dialogue with that same person.  Creating any sort of relationship with the people we admire will enrich our life.  In Seth’s case, I’m certain it is very gratifying to him to receive feedback about his writing.  This validates the experience, for both the reader and the writer.

Many, if not most authors have websites – and many of them list the links to social networking sites to which they belong.  It is not difficult to follow the links and connect with them.  Personally, I’ve gotten into the habit of seeking out those people whose products or services I’ve consumed.  I send them a note, thanking them for their contribution.  It feels good to recognize the impact someone has on my development as a human, and it also feels good to have them acknowledge the importance of my feedback.
I have a client who admires Warren Buffett.  One of his homework assignments from me was to write Warren Buffett a letter, letting him know the ways in which he is a powerful role model.  Whether or not his letter reaches Warren Buffett, he will feel good about having written it. 

The more we put ourselves on an even keel with the people we admire, the more we’ll begin to remember that we are all humans, after all.

Coach Charrise

After spending many years in a sales environment, both as a salesperson and as a sales manager, I learned one critical lesson vital to sales success.  The lesson is this; people buy from people.

What do I mean by this?  Think about the last time you purchased a big ticket item.  How important was it to you that you liked or respected the person who sold you the item?  All other things being equal, most people will choose to buy from someone they relate to on some level.  

In a crowded marketplace, it’s very important for a people to somehow stand apart.  This doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might seem.  After all, we are each unique individuals, with fully developed personalities.  We have each lived through our experiences, which are specific to us and to those people in our lives.  Just by being who we are, we offer value to those we serve.  It’s really that simple.

The challenge is to show up powerfully in a way that is authentic and genuine.  Too often, salespeople believe they must be something else – act in some particular way – in order to get the sale.  In reality, a sale is based upon like-ability factors and trust more than any other trait.  The story you tell yourself about what your clients want is simply a story.  The more real you are to them, the more they will relate on a human level.  We all seek this kind of connection, and the more effective you are at connecting with people, the more successful you will be in any endeavor.

Remember who you are.  Understand your value, and be committed to demonstrating your uniqueness in each relationship.  It’s the simplest path to success.

Coach Charrise