Self-Growth.com author Sue Brenner wrote a great article about some productive things you can get accomplished in just 15 minutes. Here are a few of the ideas that made the list:

• Take a Break
  Are you tired? Do you long to take an actual break? When you discover a pocket of time in your day, do it! Calm down. Re-center yourself. Get a cup of tea at the corner coffee shop. Browse the newspaper or a magazine. The point is to take a satisfying break that refuels you for the remainder of the day.
• Turn Your Mood Around
  Suppose you need to get work done, but you’re in a funk. First, rate the level of your bad mood on a scale of 1 – 10. Then ask, “What specifically led to this mood?” Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep, or you argued with your boss this morning. Pinpoint the facts of what happened. Then figure out if you’re making up anything about the incident that has very little to do with the facts. For example, “My boss doesn’t like me.” Then ask yourself, “What’s a more rational way of thinking about this?” Now rate your mood again. The number will probably be lower. Then get moving.
• Sprint Clean Your Office
  This is the opposite of doing nothing, but sometimes it has to be done! Scan your office. Pick the one area that needs the most attention first. Do you have folders stacked on your desk? Are there three coffee mugs from the past week? Your desktop may be your first target area for action. Remove what doesn’t belong there. Use a tissue to dust. Either file or put papers in your out-box for future organizing. Pick one area and clear it. Then experience a sense of calm and relief. Eliminating a mess you’ve been putting up with recharges your batteries.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE FROM SELFGROWTH.COM >>

However, letting that fear get the best of you can determine how successful you are. According to Dale Carnegie Training, 87% of a person’s income is directly attributed to that person’s ability to confidently speak to groups.

Recognized as a leader in helping people become more successful, Dale Carnegie Training teachs people to communicate better and improve their relationship skills.

Here’s a few of the tips they offer in a free guide about how to become a better public speaker:

1. Speak about something that:
   (a) You have earned the right to talk about through study and experience;
   (b) You are excited about; and
   (c) You are eager to share with listeners.
2. Make brief notes of the interesting things you want to mention.
3. Don’t write out your presentations.
4. Never, never, never memorize a presentation word for word.
5. Fill your presentation with illustrations and examples.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE >>

1. The Ability to Manage Change
   Flexibility to adjust to changes in the marketplace is crucial.
2. Building an Organizational Structure That Supports Change
   Strong structure enhances accountability, coordination and communication.
3. Involving Employees in Decision-Making
   Making employees part of the decision process creates a valuable sense of ownership.
4. Aligning Leader Actions with Company Values and Priorities
   Research shows employees model their behaviour after that of their company’s leaders.
5. Company-Wide Coordination and Cooperation
   Be sure to establish shared goals, clear communication and well-defined roles.

The LinkedIn app lets you keep up with your network on the go, making sure you never miss an important message or opportunity! Check your messages, accept invitations to connect and update your status in real time, all from your mobile device.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LINKEDIN APP >>

Whether you are getting the business ready to sell, sell parts or all of it, or planning to grow it yourself, we invite you this morning to consider taking an important action – especially since three quarters of businesses will be sold in the next decade and we have seen businesses drop revenue as much as 30% – 40% since the beginning of the recession.

Secure a non-biased, diagnostic report on your business.  You probably feel that everything looks good for taking the business to the next level.  “Looks good” is based on assumptions, attitudes, beliefs and concepts that need to be supported with facts, logic and data.  Considering that you are not dealing with everything under your control, clarity of what is really going on leads to good direction, decision-making and planning. Market conditions, customer circumstances, shareholder demands, your customers changing needs and wants are the most important factors.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

1. It’s not personal, it’s business
2. Make sure your photos represent your brand well
3. Post shareable photos
4. If you’re local, show it off
5. Show off a more personal side of your organization
6. Add new photos often

To read the full explanation of all 6 tips, click below to visit the Social Media Examiner web site.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

While they may seem like a new invention, QR codes have actually been around since 1994, primarily used in Asia and Japan, where they were invented.

QR codes allow a smart phone user to scan the code with an app installed on their phone – Red Laser is our app of choice – and be given an option to view a specified URL or save contact information embedded in the code.

This frees the user from having to manually type in a web site address or contact information, which makes them more likely to view the information embedded in the code.

Another part of the QR code’s allure is the mystery of what’s behind the code. Will it be a video, photo, web site or someone’s contact information? Scan the code above to find out!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

As is the case with any skill, there’s an art to selling and some people have a natural aptitude for sales, while others struggle and do all they can to avoid it.

Neil Patel wrote a great article on 5 strategies to use that can help you bigger, better deals with bigger, better clients.

The main points in the article are:

1. Create a Bond
2. Be Logical
3. Change Their Mood, Not Their Mind
4. Create a Sense of Urgency
5. Turn the Tables

Of course, the article goes into more detail about each of the tactics and why they’re effective.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

First, they changed the look and functionality of Business Pages, then provided a way to convert a business “profile” into a page. The latest update is the launch of a new social plug-in called the “Send” button. This new plug-in allows a user to share a web page, blog post or other link with their Facebook friends on a private basis – versus the public nature of using the “Like” button.

Vancouver’s BOOST Design + Marketing posted an article on their blog discussing the difference between the Like and Send buttons that helps clarify what happens with each option and why someone might opt for one versus the other.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

The Small Business Accelerator is your gateway to freely available business information, education, and assistance that is both current and trustworthy.

You’ll find information resources and research strategies that will be critical to all aspects of your business planning – whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow or open a new a location.

CLICK HERE FOR INFO >>

The Women’s Enterprise Centre wrote a great article that defines each of these terms and explains what they mean to you as an entrepreneur.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

SelfGrowth.com has a great article about restoring your “success esteem” in a matter of minutes by employing 10 easy tips. Some of the tips include:

1. Re-energize your primary goals
2. Re-connect with your “why”
3. Refresh your to-do list and your priorities
4. Energize your brain by changing your physiology
5. Set the clock for a specific chunk of time

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRA WEB SITE >>

As careful as you may be, it’s easy for bits of food and other debris to get stuck between the keys, which can cause keys to stick or to not function properly. Nevermind the germs that can accumulate as a result of the crumbs lurking beneath your fingertips!

In this article, HP shares some tips on how to keep your keyboard spic and span!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

It’s no secret that many entrepreneurs fear – even loathe – using the phone as a sales tool in their businesses. With email, social media and many other forms of marketing in the mix, it can be easy to overlook how big an impact picking up the phone can have on the bottom line.

The Women’s Enterprise Centre blog features a fantastic article written by Cathy Kuzel of the Connected Woman that shares 7 easy tips for taking the fear and loathing out of reaching out and connecting by phone, including:

1. SMILE
   A smile can be heard in your voice. Smiling can increase your confidence and make you feel successful which in turn is transmitted over the phone to your client.
2. SPEAK CLEARLY
   Some people have a tendency to speak quickly which results in having to repeat themselves when the person on the receiving end of the call couldn’t understand them! Annunciate your words. It will slow down the pace of the conversation so that you’re heard correctly the first time.
3. BE CONCISE
   If you can say it in 5 words instead of 10 – DO IT!  Long drawn out conversations lose the purpose of your call and cost you time and business.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>