Are you a good hearted business owner that shys away from time management? In this episode Christina directs her attention to the good hearted business owner and talks about why a time management system is better suited for you. Time management can be daunting to start if you feel as though the natural flow of operation best suites you. Christina on the other hand challenges why this may not be true. As a good hearted business owner, your main goal should always be responsibility and accountability especially for those who are your employees or independent contractors working for you. Your overall time management will reflect how those you work with treat you and handle your assigned task to them. If you are too care free with your time, that will reflect in your responsiveness and overall management, which can in turn produce team mates who are careless. If this sounds something like you, it can all be changed by simply adding a time management system to your life. This will also help you in your personal care routine, which we all know is extremely crucial in our health and well being. The more organized and caring you are towards your time, the more it will be reflected in how others work with and for you. In this episode you will learn: 1. Tactics to help the good hearted business owner create a time management system. 2. Discover why time management aids in personal care. 3. How your teammates actions reflect your overall structure and time management plan. Christina helps us by taking us back to time management and engaging on how important it is for a small business. Sometimes the authentic, natural way of doing things can cause hiccups. Those hiccups can be fixed and altered by simply adding a time management system to your business and life. https://www.christinasuter.com/

Ask Christina First

Good Hearted Business Owner and Time Management

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, we talk about client emergencies and how they affect how you run your business. Can you ever remember a time where your client made you feel frantic and out of control? Well that happens when we fall into the trap of allowing our clients emergencies to become ours. The goal is to remain in peace while you are bombarded with these issues. A key to doing this is by responding at a time that is suitable for you even if that means not right away. A clients emergency can surface at any given time and it doesn't make sense for you to disturb your business in order to immediately attend to this matter. The question you have to ask yourself is “is this okay for my business?” Determine whether or not the situation truly affects your business while also considering your feelings towards the matter. A great way for finding out how many times you’re disrupted a day is by creating a time log. For five days keep a log of how often you were hijacked. This will help you figure out how much time you need to set aside a day, week, or month to help you with emergencies and interruptions. In this episode you will learn: 1. Why your clients emergencies are not yours. 2. Proper ways to handle the situation so that you remain calm and in peace. 3. How to create a time log to help figure out the time you need to set aside for emergencies. When people are in a state of urgency they typically tend to release that energy onto everyone else. As a business owner it's your job to handle all situations in a friendly and professional way even when someone is in an emergency. www.christinasuter.com

Your Clients Emergencies Are Not Yours

In this episode of Systemic Systems Why Do I Care Part 2, Christina takes us even further with pointing out how to determine if your current systems are effective in regards to your business and overall performance. Every morsel of what you handle in and with your business is a system. From how and when you send out emails, when you market your business whether through social media or newsletters, down to when you make phone calls. All of these actions whether you think of it that way or not, has some kind of system attached to it. Set aside some time to go through each of these systems and find out your cycle and how you in particular handle each one. Sometimes an ineffective system just needs a little improvement and you may find it to be completely unnecessary, eliminating it all together could be best. A big hindrance in many businesses is not allowing others to step in to help and this can occur when you have not taken the time to write out each of your systems. Having too much pride in running a business can slow you down tremendously. A good way to begin this process is setting aside some time to track your systems. In this episode you will learn: 1. How to determine if your current system is effective or not2. Ways in which tracking your systems and creating a timeline can help3. Why having too much pride can slow you downWe all have systems regardless of how well we’ve tracked and operated in these systems. Having systems is crucial, but it can also be a drawback if you create systems that only you know how to handle. This episode is designed to bring in new light to old habits that someines need a new perspective. https://www.christinasuter.com/

Systemic Systems & Why Do I Care Pt. 2

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, she takes us on a journey through the system of the manufacturer and the distributor and how that process and relationship is a prime example of a systemic system. Successful systems require successful habits that allow for proper tracking and monitoring. A great system to monitor to determine this is your cash flow management. Your ability to manage your cash can create a space that is positive and abundant or negative and straining. In her example of explaining the relationship between manufacturer and distributor, Christina points out how the system begins to deteriorate or become what we know as distribution or the process of it. Systems engage with more systems in order to create flow. Why Christina cares is because a lack of systems implements a lack in organization, follow through, and overall management. Christina knows that systems guide your business to the next step, which we assume all businesses have as a goal. In this episode you will learn: 1. How systems make or break your business. 2. Why the distributor and manufacturer example is extremely useful. 3. Tips on how to implement good system protocols and configuration. Although systems can sound redundant, its a very crucial aspect to business and life and functionality Sometimes systems aren't necessary, but when running a business and serving, systems will bring you peace and insight.

Systemic Systems & Why Do I Care Pt. 1

In this episode of Ask Christina First, we explore how to delegate and the steps you can take to make that transition. When your small business grows, there are tasks and projects that will require outside input regardless if you are capable of doing them yourself. This can be a difficult changeover for those who have been doing everything on their own. Deciding what you want to handle and what others can do can be a daunting task for those who are attached to their business. A great way to get this moving is by creating 3 lists. The first is what are your strengths. The second is, what is your nature. And the third is what do you like to do/expert at and does it make you money. These 3 lists will help you organize the tasks that require your hand and those that can be delegated to outside sources. A good example is bookkeeping and accounting work. Sending that off for another to handle is simple and may not require too much input aside from organization and communication. Once you’ve made it to this point, create an appropriate protocol that will allow the delegation process a smooth transition. That protocol will include delegating in detail. The main focus when communicating to this new person is, what is the end result and can you do it? At the end of the day that is the main component in delegation. All you need to know is can the job be done and when. In this episode you will learn: 1. Why delegation is crucial to a growing company. 2. The 3 list that will help you make that transition. 3. What are the tasks that require your attention and what can be done by others. Delegating can be a hard task for many, especially for those who have handled most if not all of their business matters alone. Delegation is inevitable for growth, which is a great sign that you are moving forward.

Time Management: Project Delegation and Freedom & Due Date

What to Delegate & What to Keep

During our last leg of Christina’s Time Management series, we end with understanding the importance of shared systems and project delegation. When running a business, one of your greatest assets will be how well you communicate with your employees. As the owner of the company, it is your responsibility to deliver follow up and feedback so that your employees feel a sense of appreciation and inclusion. Creating shared systems will be the governing factor for proper communication, take management and project delegation. All too often, we tend to demand project completion without fully understanding or following up with what our employees are already working on. Proper project delegation requires 3 parts that will help alleviate tension and lack of empathy. Before a project is distributed, it is your job to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the outcome is. Handing over a well thought out project saves you time and minimizes unnecessary back and forth. This allows you and the person you're sharing a project with much needed clarity and well thought out to do’s. It’s also important you create an agreed upon system so that all communication and tasks are easily accessible to all parties. The greatest takeaway from Christina’s time management series is understanding that it all boils down to your sense of overload. Time management itself is useless if you are not able to focus and maintain that focus until project completion. It is designed as a guide to help you organize your workload and be mindful of what’s most important. Each person is allocated the same amount of time each day. What you do with that time will determine how well you know yourself and how well you are committed to being focused. In this episode you will learn: 1. Why proper project delegation is so important and how shared systems play a role. 2. Why feedback and follow up is crucial in project management. 3. Why creating a desired outcome will create flow and clarity for the project, you and your employee’s. 4. Why time management is useless unless you are focused and able to visualize the outcome. Christina’s time management series is truly for those who are ready to take their business and life to the next level. It is about growth and being able to show up and get things done. Time management is necessary for the development of projects, but also the development of self which is the primary culprit in discovering who and what we want to be. Allow this series to be a how to for discovering the importance of shared systems, employee appreciation and personal development.

Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 2B

We are back at it with Implementing a Time Management System. As time management continues to be a very important topic for Christina, we continue the conversation around getting things done. Whether you're running a small business or running a household, tasks are inevitable and getting them done should be a priority. Christina begins this show with breaking down the mind dump concept, which is designed to help you gain clarity for your everyday tasks down to your long term projects. For your everyday task, handling the most important duties first are imperative. This will alleviate the many pressures that come with getting things done. Tasks that are the most important should have priority over things that don’t need your immediate attention. Maybe a bit of discipline is required to do this, but it will get you where you need to be. Be aware that of that task list you create everyday, only about 50% of it will get completed and that is okay. The goal is to get everything out and focus on things that require your immediate attention. The mind dump exercises should be done every morning as soon as you step foot in your office or work space. The next big element is doing a 6 month review of where you are in your business. This requires you to take a deeper look at your projects and assess if those projects are still in alignment with your purpose. Six months is a decent amount of time to determine where certain projects and tasks stand in your business. Sometimes projects and tasks can naturally change over time, which will require an evaluation to determine its importance or lack thereof. It's vital for any business to do periodic project/task assessments to make sure they are on track and moving according to plan. On occasion a project or task can lose its momentum and in that case if you don’t want to rid it completely, you can add it to your someday or maybe list for the future. The most crucial part of this concept is being honest and ready for revision. The key is making sure you are 100% aware of what needs to be done and not being afraid to remove things or add them as needed. In this episode you will learn: 1. Tactics for a proper mind dumping morning routine. 2. Determine what task/projects hold priority over others. 3. Creating a list to keep your tasks and projects under control. As you can see Christina finds time management to be the one of the most important factors of a successful business. As you begin to implement these steps, you will notice a significant change that is necessary for not only your company’s growth, but for your personal growth as well.

Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 2A

In this episode of Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 1B, Christina finally gets us to a point where we understand the concept of time management. In this show each system is broken down even further with an emphasis on action and what that means for either a task or project. Each project should have at least 1 actionable task to begin with. After that task has been completed you then move on to the next action step, which should not be dwelled upon until the first action step has been completed. Maintaining clarity throughout the time management system is crucial and a major focus in this series. Another big factor in this show is making sure you have a daily schedule that will allow you to get through your tasks and projects with more efficiency and precision. Your daily schedule should include first clearing out your messages and inboxes before your actionable items and project task arise. This will help declutter your work space and your mind before the real work begins. The most helpful way to begin a project list is by creating a pile of everything including papers, objects that need fixing, a shoe that needs repair, tickets to next week's game, receipts, etc… This pile will be the starting point on creating that much needed project list. In this episode you will learn to: 1. Each project should have at least 1 implementable task. 2. The importance of creating a daily schedule and how it affects your work environment. 3. Learn WHAT IS IT? 4. The filing system that filters and eventually creates your project and task list. 5. Electronics vs paper. Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 1B is a thorough follow to Christina’s previous shows. Understanding the importance of time management is crucial and will be a significant guiding point to your success in business and in daily life.

Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 1B

Implementing Time Management Systems Pt. 1A brings us to a place of understanding time management and how each category requires a system. In Time Management Now, Christina talks about the importance of time management and the different sectors associated with it. In this show we go even further into each system and why time management is more of a mind management system and its relationship towards the things we want to accomplish. Although it may seem like 24 hours of our day goes into our work, the 16 hours we spend awake can be allocated to many different things. Managing your time in those hours can have a huge and significant impact on how your tasks and projects are completed. Now we dig into the details of each system, which are the calendar system, the task system and the filing system. The most important aspect of a good system is that as things come in things must go out. This can get in our way mentally by not having the ability to fully get things out and done. When tasks, projects or to do’s are stuck in our brain, it boggles us down making it almost impossible to move on to the next step. An effective time management system is being able to bring everything in and move it back out again to its proper place, leaving you with freedom, clarity and accomplishment. In this episode you will learn how to: 1. Effectively decipher what should go on a calendar and what shouldn't 2. How to properly allocate time between your daily activities that will create a stress free environment and lead way time before and after each activity. 3. The difference between a task and a project and which categories to put them in. Christina’s time management series is extensive and provides in depth knowledge and examples on how managing time can create the freedom you desire.

Implementing a Time Management System Pt. 1A

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, we get a big lesson on time management, which is more than a vital part of everyone's life regardless if you're an entrepreneur, agent, parent, coach, runner, etc… Time Management Now takes us to the part where immediate results directly reflect our organization and how well we are filing. Christina first talks about the David Allen system, which suggests we go over our to do list once a week. Christina, however, suggests that this part take place either every two weeks or once a month. Consistency with time management is crucial as your to do list can begin to get out of hand, which will make it difficult for you to catch up. Next, she goes into depth about the filing system she uses to organize her paperwork and her office space. Have a system organized by months so that your paperwork is easy to find. It creates a system that is effective, easy and can be traced back if necessary. This can pertain to both business and personal and Christina gives a great example of how she would plan a trip to the aquarium a month or so before the actual trip. She helps us find ways to stay clutter free while also incorporating tactics that create ease, organization and easy access to reflect. Another important time management tactic is the calendar system. Christina explains the importance of getting it all out during this phase. Making sure you fill your calendar with what needs to be done immediately as opposed to focusing on things that are far in the future. In this episode you will learn more about: 1. The David Allen System.2. What each system is and it’s basics. 3. The importance of time management and how it pertains to everyday life and overall productivity. Time Management Now is a part of a larger series by Christina, which truly brings us closer to clarity and overall life management. This episode is an introduction to the series and lays an important foundation for all this series has to offer.

Time Management Now

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, Christina helps us clean up our inventory to find out what we have, what we need to get rid of and how. For small business owners that have inventory, a great place to start is finding out what it is you're selling the most of and what you're selling the fastest. Inventory can be both an asset and a liability depending on how well it's selling. If you deal with perishable items of course there is a system in place because those items are on a time limit. However, for products that don’t physically expire, there still is a time stamp on them and this will fall on branding and the market. For example, let’s say you wrote a book and the content of the book is talking about the crash of 2008? It’s clearly decade old information, but with the right marketing and rebranding tactic you can sell that item so that it is no longer collecting dust on your inventory shelf. In this episode you will learn how to:1. Discover new ways to rebrand your old inventory. 2. Organize, label and catalog your inventory so that you can plan ahead. 3. Learn ways to market an old product. Inventory is a vital component to almost every business. It is also extremely crucial to make sure you are handling your inventory properly. This show will give you some much needed advice and insight on where to go next with your inventory.

Inventory Management: More Than FIFO

Today Christina talks about a very important question and that is do you really know what your product is? For those of you that do, congratulations, but for those who don’t, here are some ways to help you define what that might be. The first step in discovering what your product is is to understand and define the steps you have your clients walk through in the beginning. This can include how you greet your potential client, how you list out your services, what they can expect from you, what information is required from them and more. This not only defines your product, but it also shapes what your client will expect moving forward. The hardest part is always being able to say what it is you will be offering and what they will receive in return. This process could be harder for those who provide a service as opposed to an actual product, however all of this information applies to both. After you’ve been able to clearly define your product, the next step is going over the value each step will offer your client. As you know Christina always says pull out a piece of paper and a pen. Begin writing all of this down until you are comfortable with what you’ve come up with. These two steps will truly take you to the next level and will give you and your clients the confidence necessary in moving forward.

Do You Really Know What Your Product is?

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, defining a clear product is the goal. How do your clients understand the process of your product? Christina asks us to take out a piece of paper and a pencil so that, with clarity, we can begin to define the steps we use to get our clients to understand what they are getting. Despite the many differences that are associated with having different clients, there should be deep clarity into knowing what you offer and what they are getting. Your product is the overall service your clients are expecting from you. This can include your natural talents and gifts, the way you deliver your product the comfortability attached to your product and many other things. Once your clients have a clear understanding of your product then you can begin to charge them what you deserve to be paid. Some clients may require less and therefore you adjust your pricing accordingly. The fundamental take away from this show is to be able to be at peace knowing you and your client are fully aware of what you are giving and what they are getting. In this episode you will learn: 1. How to clearly define your product.2. Create a well written description that will help your customers fully understand your product. 3. How defining your product aids in marketing and sales. Defining your product will bring you and your business much needed clarity. This will allow you and your clients the ability to communicate and progress so that you both feel secure and in alignment.

Marketing: Defining a Clear Product

In this episode of Ask Christina 1st, Christina opens us up to all systems overview. Systems are the ways in which each part of your business functions. They also can go down on a scale of how well you are implementing these systems in your business and how you can improve them over time. Similar to the 9 Core Business Elements, systems are more so concerned with the functionality as each system pertains to something different and should have its own system. Of course giving detailed examples of each system, Christina starts us off with product. A system for a product could be the system you have in place from the time a customer purchases your product, how they receive the product and your inventory upkeep after the product has been sold. Are you responsible for your inventory or do you work with a company that handles it for you? Do you wait until there are only 1, 5 or 10 items left before you restock or do order product as needed? These are ways in which you can start to look at your systems and see if they are benefiting your business or hurting it. In this episode you will learn: 1. What are systems and why they are important.2. Why do certain systems work and others don't?3. How can you implement these systems into your business for maximum usage.All systems overview will give you a jumpstart to making those changes you have been thinking about for some time. Get out your pen and paper and start making your systems work for you.

All Systems Overview

Ask Christina First hosted by Christina L. Suter an Amazing Women and Men Of Power show production powered by Raven International. Join us each week for business news, amazing content and have your questions answered as well as get tips about small business management skills and special guest speakers on a variety of business topics. After more than 10 years as a small business coach, experienced business owner Christina Suter is ready to share her knowledge and experience with you. To find out more about or to book a free one on one strategy session - contact her directly christinal.suter@gmail.com

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