--- Automate and Delegate

When those routine tasks start taking up valuable money making time in your schedule, it's time to either automate or delegate.

It's all a matter of how you use your time - make money or waste money. You can earn money each hour by performing work or you can waste money by doing every little thing yourself. There are several options you can look into in this area.

Software - There is software available today that will do practically everything! GoldMine or ACT can automate almost all of your contact information, e-mailings, prospect follow-ups, appointments and much, MUCH more. Outlook is an exceptional 'Day Timer' type tool that can help with scheduling as well as email. SystemWorks can automatically maintain your computer's "inner workings" and automatically update your virus protection. There's a program to do practically anything you need.

Assistance - I know first thing most small business owners scream is "I can't afford an assistant"! Maybe not one that comes to your home and spends eight hours a day with you, but you CAN afford a virtual assistant, a college or a high school student.

A virtual assistant is someone who handles projects or duties for you "virtually" from their computer. Perhaps you need to have a report proofread. Just email it to him/her and, once it's done, they'll email it back to you. Virtual Assistants can also schedule appointments, follow up with clients, return routine email inquiries and perform numerous other tasks.

You can also check with career development or job placement offices of local high schools and colleges. They often have students who are willing to work in exchange for a small fee or for experience itself.

Whatever you do - make most of your time. Being unorganized not only wastes hours of your day that you could be making money, but it also is a tremendous stress producer. Getting your office, your schedule and your day in order can make for a much more fulfilling and profitable business.

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

Did I get more business? Did I get more traffic? Well, yes but not NEAR worth what I spent to get it! I ended up losing a lot of money that year -- something I could have avoided if I would just accept it and leave it be.

It definitely taught me a lesson. For last few years, I've just accepted it and I cease flow of any marketing dollars or time spent on launching new products or services. What do I do with my time? I work on improving any existing products and services and I clean up. I've found that it's best time to get things ready for surge and best time to take a little time off and enjoy what my success has afforded me. I do what all my potential but non-buying customers are doing... I spend time with my family and spend my money on Christmas gifts and donations.

If you can't deal with that or you absolutely have to keep making that surge money to make ends meet, find a niche product or service that will do well around this time of year -- like a cookbook, gift site, or similiar service.

I have some big gurus as subscribers and if you're one of those that never has a slow season then I'll be honest, I'm jealous! But for majority of us, it's inevitable and something we will probably never overcome.

So swallow jagged pill and don't try to beat it. Remember that it is NOT end of world or your business -- just "The Eye of Storm". ENJOY it and use it as a time for rest, relaxation, and getting your mind, body, and business ready for upcoming chaos.

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com