This post is all about trying to build a business and how being a perfectionist can slow you down.  As much as I’m writing this for you’ll, I’m also writing this for me.

I’m not saying to slap things together, on the contrary, it’s important to provide quality work, but I do believe trying to make something perfect will completely derail your forward progress and be a road-block to your success.

Let me give you an example…

After I discovered Attraction Marketing Sales Funnels, I started to build them myself.  The only problem is that I knew I had to include video in the funnels for them to be more impactful.

The problem: I was never happy with the video.  Well let me restate that.  I was happy initially, but because the funnels would take so long to build, I would circle back around and not like the initial video I did.  So I would re-do that video, and never get back to where I left off.  The Attraction Marketing Sales Funnel would never get finished.

This became common place for me and I would never get anything done.

Starting and not finishing can become contagious if you let it.  It is an ugly desease.  :-(  One that needs to be cured quickly!

Here’s My Initial Attempt For a Cure

Recognizing that I wasn’t getting anywhere a couple of years back ,I decided that, although I needed to produce quality, I shouldn’t allow my obsession with perfection stop my forward progress.

So I established a simple goal.  Before I re-do anything, I first must complete the funnel from start to finish first before I was allowed to go back and improve upon it.  That way I would be able to create congruity with my system.

This helped but it created other issues…

As I was working to completion of the funnel, I found that I was leaving things undone… meaning instead of completing a small task at the time… since it wasn’t ready for the task to be complete, I would leave it with plans on ruturning to add that piece in.  That sounds confusing so I’ll give you an example.

This first example is one that I made all the time.

Basically, when setting up a funnel I would need to set up an autoresponder list.  Not a problem but in doing so I would only add the first message – the one that my subscriber would see right away, once they confirmed their subscription.  I would tell myself, “once I finish the funnel I will come back to this and write a number of sequenced messages so my subscribers would get follow-up emails.

Well what happened… I would get sidetracked and never get back to writing the other messages.

I know stupid right?  :-)

As crazy as that sounds, I would do this ALL THE TIME!

Here’s another example….

How about this one…

Imagine building your Attraction Marketing Sales Funnel and never finsihing it because you never spent time sending it traffic.  Many of us do this all the time.  But getting traffic is easy, even if you have a small budget for it.

If you can relate to this issue and your wondering what to do then I urge you to watch this pre-recorded webinar.  Just click here….(I need More Traffic!)

Bottom-line, my plan to finish the funnel A to Z helped me, but it presented other issues for me such as the examples below.  But I further modified my plan….

One Problem Solved But Here Comes More

I wanted to be perfect, but I realized that doing so was affecting my execution.  I solved that problem…kind of!

However I created an incomplete funnel.  I was leaving money on the table and I didn’t even know it.  And back then I couldn’t afford to leave money on the table.

I wasn’t finishing everything that needed to be finished and the sad part was that I was not finishing revenue getting functions.

My solution was simple and one I use today except I do it digitally…

As I work in my office building my funnel, I keep a notepad next to me.  I simply write down everything that was left unfinished for whatever reason and then circle back around to complete these tasks before I start driving traffic to that funnel.

Simple right?

So simple that I didn’t do it in the past and if I could kick myself I would!  :-)  Now I do it digitally.

From a Hobby To a Business…

Do you want to be successful?

Silly question, I know you do,  I heard a statement several years ago and it rings so true…

“You Will Never Be Successful If You Operate Your Business As a Hobby!”

No matter if your trying to make it online as an Internet Marketer or as an Network Marketer, you need to make sure that you complete your projects.  You need to go back and do quality control.  Test your system and make sure it gives you the customer experience that you were planning for.

I know this is not sexy but there is nothing worse than creating the perfect funnel only to find out that your customers aren’t getting the products they ordered and you’re creating a negative reputation in this industry.

If you treat your business as a hobby, you’ll make hobby income, but if you treat it as a business, you make business profits.

It took me awhile to figure this out.  I “Tinkered” on the Internet, and when I joined my first Network Marketing business, I “Tinkered” with marketing and promoting it.   Anything worthwhile doing, is not easy!  :-)

I can say this… It gets easier the more success you have.

I hope you found this post helpful.  If you did, please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.  Remember this blog has CommentLUV, so when you do leave a comment you also get to promote your latest post from your blog as well.

In addition, get loads of free training simply by joining my fan page – Click here to do that now

To your success!

PS – As a reward for reading all of this I want to give you a special resource… If you need amazing training and sales funnels already set up for you, then you have to check out this Resource! 

I took this picture very close to my home and I meant to post it to this site earlier.  I did put it on Facebook but thought that better late than never to post to this site!

Not sure who did this but I think it is awesome!  It was put together for Memorial Day.

We live in the greatest country in the world, and one of the main reasons is because of our troops. 

This is a shout out to all of our troops to thank them for all that they do!

I took this about two weeks ago while driving back from playing golf with one of my buddies.  I think this is really a cool picture and didn't realize how cool it really was until I uploaded it to my Facebook page from my iPhone.

This picture turned out amazing to me, considering I was driving at the time – and was still moving!  Kids don't do as I do. 

After looking at it for a bit I realized how lucky I am.  Lucky to be alive, lucky to be able to enjoy nature and see the beauty in things.

With life so hectic, and difficult at times, I must admit that I lose perspective of how awesome life is.  I bet your life is awesome too?  Yes – you may have struggles right now and you may be in a place that feels uncomfortable, I can guarantee one thing, it will change – everything does.

Ok you may be thinking that every time "I work harder and push myself harder – life gets harder."   Seems like pushing an Elephant up the stairs!

All that means to me is that you are just getting closer to your goal.  The closer you get, the tougher it gets.  Just the way it is!  Don't stop moving forward, after all, life is a journey and not a destination. 

You achieve one goal and you should be onto the next one.  A rolling stone gathers no moss. 

… but I digress

Often times while fighting and throwing ninja kicks at life we forget to be grateful for what we have.  And I bet if you stop and think about it, you have a lot to be grateful for.  I do! 

I thank God for that…However I'm weak and often forget.  I forget to thank God and thank those close to me for being there.  I may not win every battle but I sure do keep on fighting.

I'm in no position to preach to anybody but I can say from personal experience that if you fight the good fight, you'll end of winning.

Thanks for reading this post!

How many times have you caught yourself saying that there could be no other solution to a problem – and that that problem leads to a dead end? How many times have you felt stumped knowing that the problem laying before you is one you cannot solve. No leads.  No options.  No solutions. 

Did it feel like you had exhausted all possible options and yet are still before the mountain – large, unconquerable, and impregnable? When encountering such enormous problems, you may feel like you're hammering against a steel mountain. The pressure of having to solve such a problem may be overwhelming.

But rejoice! There might be some hope yet!

With some creative problem-solving techniques you may be able to look at your problem in a different light. And that light might just be the end of the tunnel that leads to possible solutions.

First of all, in the light of creative problem-solving, you must be open-minded to the fact that there may be more than just one solution to the problem. And, you must be open to the fact that there may be solutions to problems you thought were unsolvable.

Now, with this optimistic mindset, we can try to be a little bit more creative in solving our problems.

Number one; maybe the reason we cannot solve our problems is that we have not really taken a hard look at what the problem is. Here, trying to understanding the problem and having a concrete understanding of its workings is integral solving the problem. If you know how it works, what the problem is, then you have a better foundation towards solving the problem.

Not trying to make the simple statement of what problem is. Try to identify the participating entities and what their relationships with one another are. Take note of the things you stand to gain any stand to lose from the current problem. Now you have a simple statement of what the problem is.

Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed.

Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. Solve it going from general view towards the more detailed parts of the problem. This is called the top-down approach. Write down the question, and then come up with a one-sentence solution to that from them. The solution should be a general statement of what will solve the problem. From here you can develop the solution further, and increase its complexity little by little.

Number four; although it helps to have critical thinking aboard as you solve a problem, you must also keep a creative, analytical voice at the back of your head. When someone comes up with a prospective solution, tried to think how you could make that solution work. Try to be creative. At the same time, look for chinks in the armor of that solution.

Number five; it pays to remember that there may be more than just one solution being developed at one time. Try to keep track of all the solutions and their developments. Remember, there may be more than just one solution to the problem.

Number six; remember that old adage," two heads are better than one." That one is truer than it sounds. Always be open to new ideas. You can only benefit from listening to all the ideas each person has. This is especially true when the person you're talking to has had experience solving problems similar to yours.

You don't have to be a gung-ho, solo hero to solve the problem. If you can organize collective thought on the subject, it would be much better.

Number seven; be patient. As long as you persevere, there is always a chance that a solution will present itself. Remember that no one was able to create an invention the first time around.

Creative thinking exercises can also help you in your quest be a more creative problems solver.

Here is one example.

Take a piece of paper and write any word that comes to mind at the center. Now look at that word then write the first two words that come to your mind. This can go on until you can build a tree of related words. This helps you build analogical skills, and fortify your creative processes.

So, next time you see a problem you think you can not solve, think again. The solution might just be staring you right in the face. All it takes is just a little creative thinking, some planning, and a whole lot of work.

With the depressing things happening in the economy, employees are in a slump about their lives. Some will also be depressed because of the ways things are going for them and this depression can severely affect their lives in general especially the work that they put in. Because of this,, it is important for managers to take care of their employees’ wellbeing and increase their motivation levels.

It may not be easy doing this but it can be done. It is possible to create a positive and motivated environment even at these times of economic hardships. Here are some of the things that you can do to get your people to stay motivated and on task.

1. Give them rewards.
One of the best and perhaps easiest ways to motivate people is to give then rewards for a job well done. People are basically materialistic and they want something concrete for their efforts. This is especially true now that people want resources in addition to what they are already earning. Rewards are also instant things that they can easily connect with their achievements and efforts.

You can tie up monetary rewards for instance with their performance levels. Those who have perfect attendance or those who are never late can also be given rewards for their efforts. You can reward a lot of things, not just achievement.

2. Give them words of encouragement
There are some people who do not really care about the material gains. What they mostly care about is to know that they are doing a great job. You can reward them by words instead of material things. Praising is perhaps the less expensive thing that you can do to boost the morale of your people. Besides upping the level of motivation, you will also be creating a more together and bonded atmosphere in the company. People who praise their people are better looked up to as managers as opposed to those who do not say anything or those who only have disparaging remarks.

3. Interact with them
Being a manager, people will see you as something beyond their reach. Some will even see you with awe in their eyes. Reaching out to them and talking to them will be a great treat for your employees. This is especially true if you do not do this often. The shock effect will give your employees a certain feeling of togetherness and belongingness that they need to feel good about themselves and their jobs. Besides, with the boss talking to them, they will certainly feel more confident and more able to perform on the tasks given to them. After all, who would not want to be able to talk to the boss as if he or she is just a friend.

Motivation is an important aspect in business. The level of motivation that your people have will affect the performance that they will put in for their work. Ultimately, their performance will affect the company’s production level. Having well-motivated people is something that you should not let slip by the radar. If you want to really perform well in the market especially at these times when survival is important, take a look at your employees.

They may not be as motivated as you would want them to be. By increasing their motivation levels, you will basically ensuring the survival of your company.

"Two men look out through the same bars: One sees the mud, and one sees the stars."- Frederick Langbridge, A Cluster of Quiet Thoughts

If you’ve placed second in a writing contest, will you jump for joy and push for better results the next time or will you be discouraged and find an excuse not to join again?

In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist’s view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist’s route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.

So why nurture an optimist’s point of view? And why now?

Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.

On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife’s disorder but also a teen-ager’s disorder’ as well.

Here’s how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:

Optimists expect the best

The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.

The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune—it’s the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.

Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.

They won’t say “things will never get better,” “If I failed once, it will happen again” and “If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.”

Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.

People respond positively to optimists

Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.

Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.

In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.

When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher

Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.

They persevere. They just don’t give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.

Optimists are healthier and live longer

Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.

Optimists’ health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.

So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.

Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don’t just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?

One secret to better performance and better yield in business is to keep your employees energized. This can be done by increasing your employees’ level of motivation.

Motivation plays a big role in production and in the long run the success of a company. In fact, the motivation level of the leader or the manager of a company is a crucial factor in the success of any venture, whether it is a social project or a business.

When people are motivated to do something, they are more creative. They are energized to do their jobs and are not easily frustrated. People who have high levels of motivation will be able to work on tasks non-stop and when that is finished, will be able to do other tasks immediately. These are the people that are often called workaholics because they seem to have an endless stream of energy to their jobs.

This the reason why managers often try to motivate their people through various techniques. There are some who go directly and offer monetary rewards while there are others who keep it simple and subtle by promoting employees. But there are other ways to motivate people besides the promise of more money and a higher position. Here are some of them.

1. Praise them
Words of praise especially coming from the boss are incomparable rewards that people will always treasure. Remember that people want to be respected and recognized for their work. When they are praised by the people that they consider their leaders or those that they respect, they will be able to perform better. They will also be happier and their confidence levels will go up. Confident people are more energetic and are more creative because they are more trusting of their abilities. They are not afraid to be vocal about their ideas and are not afraid to take risks.

2. Give them the time
Who does not want to speak with the boss? Giving time for a little chit chat with your employees will give them a sense of belongingness in the company. It will also make them more amenable to your decisions. You should foster an open environment in your office where people can go to you and say anything they want without fear of censure. This is actually great for small companies who are starting up and are in need of fresh ideas.

3. Involve them with the decisions
Another way to motivate your employees is to get them into the votes. This is especially true for major decisions that will involve them or which will factor in their lives. It is important that you also ask them what they think. Giving them the right to say their piece and to vote for something will give them ownership of the business and we know that people tend to perform better or do more for things that they own. Make the business your employees’. Create that feeling of belongingness and oneness. You will have smoothly operating business.

4. Let others know
Posting achievements in a bulletin board will give employees the motivation that they need to strive more. Besides the feeling of competition even if there is none can fuel the blood of some. Let others know of what other people have already achieved. It will set a great example that may be they will be following.