Work And Live Simply!

Blog

  • Be Open to a New Direction

    I just did something for “me” that I am proud of and I want to share with you.

    After 9 years (or maybe even more) of leading and coordinating a women’s bible study at my church, I have resigned. The study has grown from a group of 10 to now over 100. At times we’ve had 150 on the roster. In the beginning, I did everything. Choose curriculmn, teach, lead, shepherd, and communicate. We’ve grown in size and structure and I’ve had the priviledge to work with many women who have helped along the way. I did not do this alone. Strategically, working with church staff, we now have a structure in place with 11 small group co-leaders, a coach leader and team, a self sufficient admin and hospitality team and some gifted teachers. I have been able to use my organizational skills to build something wonderful.

    I am ready for something else to take this place. I am ready to use my gifts of strategic planning and encouragement in a new venture. It was time to clear my plate to make space for something else. I am not clear what that is, but I know I will gain clarity soon. I am not one to be without ideas. On the contrary, I have way too many ideas!! (Can you relate?)

    I feel like the Lord is leading me to something bigger that fits my season of life. I did what He asked and stayed in my position (when I wanted to move on) for the last several years to ensure there was a foundation in place. I feel good that I stayed and good that I’ve decided to make a change with respect to where I put my time and energy in being with other Christian women. I have grown SO much and I know they have too.

    So, am I scared there is now a hole in my schedule? Heck YES! But I am also energized. I know I must be open to new directions that are in store for me. With prayer, counsel, and lots of introspection, I know the opportunity will present itself.

    I am learning that I don’t have to have all of the answers to make a decision to move forward. The point is to move and I will learn from mistakes and triumphs what my path is. I am NOT going to over analyze things to death this time. (Yes, I can do that.)

    I am not afraid. I have support in many places. I am open to a new direction! I believe this is critical in the process of moving forward. Stay tuned. I promise to share my journey with you.

    Hugs and blessings,

    Debbie 🙂

  • Reduce Your Employee Benefits Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt
    Tighten Your Belt

     

    Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.

    • For everyone who offers health insurance, the cost has gone up yet again, 33% since 2004. According to Towers Perrin’s annual Health Care Cost Survey, the average corporate health benefit expenditure in 2009 will rise 6% over 2008 figures.
      If you can do something now, do it. If not, start planning for next year.
    • Look at where you are spending money on staff perks. It is important to motivate and reward staff but maybe you are over the top.
    • Positive words and a big smile go a long way. Inexpensive incentives like movie tickets and small value gift cards are appreciated.
    • Time off with pay, if even for an extra hour works too!

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)

  • Reduce Your Staff Salaries Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt
    Tighten Your Belt
    Happy Feet hd Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.
    • I know this will be a touchy area. The most important thing is for you to be 100% aware of who is doing what and the cost for this.
    • If you don’t need everyone, cut back. Just be cognizant of the effect this will have on your operation. See if anyone wants to combine and share jobs. You may be surprised.
    • Can you use existing staff in other areas? Maybe some need to be shifted to include some administrative functions.
    • Be careful here. You want to act wisely and with compassion. But, you want to act if this is an area that really could (and should) help you notch up your belt.

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)

  • Reduce Your Banking and Merchant Fees Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt
    Tighten Your Belt

    Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.

    • While this may seem small, it adds up.
    • Look to see if you are getting the best fees possible.
    • It may be time to renegotiate with your vendor or switch to someone else.

    Dough Boys dvdrip

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)

  • Sales Tax Rate Change in QuickBooks

    The Sales Tax rate is going up in California in a few days on April 1. While we in Calfornia are not happy, we must still ensure our accounting systems properly calculate the new sales tax rate.

     

    Many of my QuickBooks clients have emailed to ask how they make this change in their software. I decided others might want to know also so I’ve posted the how-to instructions on my website. It’s a three step process and you can get started before the change date. Go to the “Articles” page on our site (http://www.centerforproductivity.com/articles/qbtip-change-sales-tax.html) to get the instructions.

     

    If your sales tax rate isn’t changing right now, bookmark this page anyway as you’ll certainly need it someday. If you don’t use QuickBooks, forward this helpful tip to someone who does.

  • Reduce Your Office Supplies Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt
    Tighten Your Belt

    Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.

    • When was the last time you looked at the details in this account? It might shock you. You’ll certainly learn some things about how your organization runs.
    • Have your staff look into less expensive vendors or buying in bulk.
    • Reality is, when you focus on an area, everyone becomes more aware of their direct impact. For instance, you might begin to see more reuse and recycling of paper which reduces this expense. It also has an added benefit of helping to save the environment.

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)

  • Reduce Your Professional Development & Training Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt
    Tighten Your Belt

    Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.

    • Both you and your staff must keep up your training and learning.
    • Is it really necessary to travel to that conference? Look into the possibility of online training or something more local.
    • Ask your staff if there is more you could be doing with your existing computer software. For instance, maybe there is a lot more you could do with email marketing or follow-up.
    • I’ll bet someone on your team can lead a training class or the vendor will come in and do it for a reasonable fee.

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)

  • Reduce Your Marketing and Promotional Expenses

    Tighten Your Belt

    Especially with the current state of the U.S. economy, now is the time to tighten your belt. Without writing a novel, here are a few things a small business can consider in this expense category.

    • Are you putting on events that hardly anyone shows up for? Maybe the company you are using to do the marketing isn’t bringing in results. Maybe you need to change your approach.
    • Now more than ever is the time to consider guerilla marketing tactics, without compromising your brand.
    • Guerrilla marketing is an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. The term was coined and defined by Jay Conrad Levinson in his 1984 book Guerrilla Marketing. You can get a ton of ideas on his website at www.gmarketing.com

    (This is just one post in the Tighten Your Belt series for this month. Got any additional ideas? Be sure to share them by adding a comment!)