CentreO Blog

We all try to be as productive and efficient as we possibly can. Yet, an evening on the couch in front of the TV is sometimes something we really need. And if that’s the case, why not make it useful, as well as relaxing?

Here’s a list of business shows that we thought you might find interesting.

1. How I Made My Millions

This show is a must-watch for startups, as it features the lives of everyday people who went from “just an idea” to a million dollar business. For instance, one of the stories follows Maribeth Sanford, who started putting logos on shopping bags and now makes $40 million per year with her design company.

 2. Techstars TV

Techstars is an incubator programme for tech startups. In addition to getting $18 million in venture funding, these young companies are now seen across the globe as they fight their way to success.

3. This Week in Startups

Check out thisweekin.com for this one. Investor and CEO of Malhalo, Jason Calacanis interviews the hottest current tech startups. These hour-long interviews will surely give you food for thought and you may pick up on some ideas on presenting your business as well.

4. The Office

We all need a good laugh once in a while. True, it may no be the most informative business show and you will not need your pencil and notebook for this one. However, this show has something that all of us can relate to: the good, the bad and the ugly of the everyday office life.

 5. The Apprentice

We are sure you’ve heard of this one. Not so much because of the serious business background behind it, but mostly for the dramatic outbreaks of the scary and yet charismatic Donald Trump. The show is fun, easy-to-watch and offers an insight into the harsh decision-making of the real estate mogul.

6. The Rise to the Top

The author of “Smarter, Faster, Cheaper” David Garland runs his web show  “The Rise to the Top” with contagious enthusiasm. David has interviewed over 250 business people and each show has a strategic lesson to learn (f.e. how Diamond Candles went from 0-40 000 Facebook followers in 8 months)

 7. Mixergy

Mixergy features full length interviews with successful entrepreneurs from the founders of Wikipedia – Kiva and Groupon.  It is a great chance to dig deep into the new models and strategies behind successful businesses across the world.

 8. Shark Tank

Shark Tank, as the name suggests, is all about cutthroat businessmen and investors.

It goes like this: entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors who make a decision on the spot whether or not to fund the business. As we said – cutthroat. The show gives the audience a good idea on how equity deals work, while entertaining them with the arrogance of the investors and, at times, ignorant hopefulness of the entrepreneurs.

9. The Big Idea

Despite being off the air since 2008, this show, hosted by Donny Deutsh, is a classic! Donny (the founder of one of the top advertising agencies) brings energy and experience to the screen. The show brands itself as “Your Toolkit to Success” and definitely offers valuable business advice.

 10. How to Make it in America

This HBO hit series, produced by Mark Wahlberg, is similar to Entourage, if the characters were broke.

In this one, the main characters are working on starting a fashion line from zero, while New York becomes a character of its own, bringing them challenges, opportunities and fun moments all at once.

So get the popcorn and start watching

 

The other day I saw a picture of a college friend of mine on a skateboard. Now it may not seem that interesting to you, but what if I told you that I have always known Julia as a fashion-conscious girly girl in heels with impeccable hair and make-up? Also, that she is now a sales director of a reputable IT company in San Diego?

The caption under her photo said: “Once in a while – break the routine. Do something totally new to you: forget about your image, habits and work. Just try something new. I promise you, you will feel exhilarated, happy and re-born!”

To say that I was inspired – is to say nothing at all. I have made a promise to myself: I will make a list of 3 new things I would like to try each month. They can be small and insignificant (like ordering a different lunch instead of my “usual”) or quite big (like taking up a new sport or a new language).

Whatever it is, I hope the “new” in my life will help me learn more about myself and motivate me in business and life!

So, my list for February looks like this:

1. This weekend I will finally make an exception and try the strawberry pancakes I’ve been eyeing in a coffee shop instead of my regular health juice.

2. I will realise my childhood dream of spending a night in a tree house (luckily, I found a tree-house hotel)

3. I will sign up for surfing lessons (after my unfortunate experience of being bruised by the board).

 So, here it is – my new fun challenges for this month. What does your “fun three” look like?

Do you ever feel like the day is going by way too quickly? And that even though you put in decent hours every day, you still find yourself facing last-minute deadlines and stressing over handing in projects or reports late?

Well, I definitely know what it feel like. And that’s why one article on Forbes (“Productivity Hacks That Successful People Use Every Day”) drew my attention.

I would like to share a few tips I discovered in the article and I really hope they will help you get the most out of your day.

Keep in mind that not all of these hacks will go in well with your job description. For example, if you work in the fire department letting your call got to voicemail may not work out well)

1.   Set specific times to check email

Checking and responding to emails can prove to be very time-consuming. And you may not see that at first glance. But try monitoring your email usage for one day and you’ll see how much time you spend going back and forth between mail boxes.

Some research suggests that email takes up to 28% of the average worker’s day. So instead of answering emails at every beep of your smartphone or laptop, try doing it at set times during the day (the frequency depends and particular times depend on you, but do try to keep it under ten)))

2. Let your calls go to voicemail

Don’t feel obliged to pick up the phone every time it rings (unless of course your job dictates otherwise).

If possible, take a look at the caller ID and only take calls that must be answered immediately.

Later on, return to the missed calls when you have time.

3. Have a daily plan in place

If you tend to come home with the depressing thought “I didn’t get anything done today” – then this one is for you.

The thing is, it is very easy to get caught up in dealing with small “crises”, requests and visits. However, when others start dictating your day, you lose control.

Set time limits. By giving yourself a specific amount of time to finish a task, you will be hyperfocused and ignore distractions.

4. Monitor your social media usage

We all know that these days social media marketing is an indispensible part of promoting every small business. However, funny pictures on Facebook or Twitter news updates can keep you glued to the screen and using track of time.

Build in time to check, monitor and respond to social media, write blogs and plan your social media activity. Like any other marketing campaign, it needs planning, deadlines and goals.

5.   Keep meetings to a minimum

The average meeting is around 45 minutes. And most days we have more than one. Meetings are a necessary part of our business lives, but limiting their frequency and duration can prove to be not only time-saving but also efficient.

Many meetings can be avoided and replaced by a group email or a quick phone call, so don’t be afraid to suggest alternatives to traditional, in-person meetings.

 6.   Say no to “busy work”

Do not let yourself get caught up. It’s simple: “busy” does not equal “productuive”.

While tasks like organizing your desk, color-coding your files, or fiddling with fonts may seem important in the moment, they can be huge time-wasters. While there is a time and place for most tasks (even seemingly insignificant ones), be sure you’re not just doing them to stay busy.

7.   Use efficiency-maximizing tools

Software tools are a great way to speed up common tasks that otherwise take up bandwidth. Roboform, Boomerang for Gmail, and Dropbox are just three of my most-recommended productivity tools.

With more than 170 million members across more than 200 countries, Linkedin is #1 online business networking tool. But, surely, you already know that.

What you may find interesting are the 4 Secrets of Linkedin developed by Linkedin networking guru – Sarah Hughes.

And here they come:

Secret #1 – Have a Plan!

Make sure you know who your ideal customer is (industry, title, location, company size and so on). Linkedin Advances Search function is a great way to find your “dream client”, provided you have all the gaps filled in.

Next, make sure you offer a high value product/service relevant to your niche.

If you are confident in your offer, jot down a list of 20-50 of those you’d love to turn into customers.

Finally, use Advanced Search to find them on Linkedin and do your best to build a relationship.

Secret#2 – Create a Magnetic Personal Profile

We all are drawn to interesting and charismatic people. And the rule applies to online as well as offline.

One of the ways to do that is to maximize the use of your headline.

In searches, people will see your name, picture and the first line (located under your name).  Use the first line to describe the BENEFIT of what you do rather than simply saying what you offer.

Note: Did you know that now you can also add a video to your profile for maximum impact?

 Secret #3 – Add Value to Your Connections

 We do not like to be sold to. But we prefer to buy from those we trust, know or simply like.

Make sure that 80% of your shares and messages are value added, as opposed to promotional. Share interesting links, research result or insider tips to build trust among your connections.

Note: Tips are especially effective if they are aimed at the problems your potential customers may experience.

 Secret #4 – Take the Online Offline

 Social media are great for building relationships, but why not support them with more traditional activities, such as a phone call, a dinner invitation or even a letter? As these methods are quite rare these days, they will make you stand out in the eyes of your prospect.