Been quiet – here is why
Yes I have not been blogging much this week. Poor turtles have been ignored, just added the first post to the WordPress blog in a few days and only one here this week. Started getting Skype messages asking if I was okay 
Yes I am alive and kicking but have been extremely busy. All of this to get closer to the 4 hour work week. It has also caused me to re-think some of what I do.
Now lets be real I am not looking to go to a 4 hour work week. I enjoy what I do too much. That is the big thing and have actually missed not coming here and providing valuable information. I am, though, looking to expand my business exponentially and that can not happen with a one man shop. Been a struggle to realize that but even with outsourcing certain tasks which I have regularly done there are many more that should be handled regularly by someone other than me.
The problem has been that I have gone back into trainer mode which has caused me to have to get even more organized and actually write out some of the things that I do on auto pilot. It amazes me how many little things there are that fit the autopilot role.
The good thing is that it does take me back to the beginning. When you try to explain something that is second nature to you, such as setting up a blog, there are a ton of little tweaks that I don’t even think about each time I do them. Thus I end up having to create mind maps with all of the steps I use. You really should be setting up those processes as you grow your business.
In the corporate world I always used checklists for training new people so that these things were not overlooked but because until lately it was just me or an outside contractor that was not needed.
Yes I mind mapped out specific projects but the day to day things were not. Just an ever changing to do list and a routine.
I am going to recommend that you start creating those mind maps now as you are growing your business. There are many different types of mind mapping software but I use and recommend Discover Free Mind.
You can get the software for free and Bob Jenkin’s has some good tutorials that will save you considerable time and allow you to cut the learning curve short for a small investment.
Will be adding more as I go through this process and it is something I really should have done sooner. If you business is profitable and you seem never to have enough time, you really should look at John Jonah’s Replace Myself. It works and I am very excited about where I will be in 6 months. Just need to get the pieces up and running.
Mike Paetzold
Disclaimer: Some of the links mentioned within this post or posts it may lead to are my affiliate links and in such case I will get compensated for recommending those products. However, I will never recommend something that I don't personally believe in and I welcome your questions and feedback.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I found Bob Jenkins course to be a big help learning free mind as well. Excited about you following Jonas ideas. Not at your level yet. But see that as the future as well.
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March 26th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Thanks for the hands up Mike.
I have been working to get organized, especially the daily routines, need to organize them to save some time to expand.
Will check Free Mind later.
Fred
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March 26th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Good to see your growth, Mike – even if it means we all suffer a bit of withdrawal at the same time…
My own description of an ‘expert’ is a person who can explain the most complicated processes and concepts to a 10-year-old successfully. Looks like your mapping exercises help you prove you really are a blogging expert!
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March 26th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Ahh.. Freemind again. Fantastic program and I can’t recommend highly enough for getting one’s thoughts organized as well as one’s self. Brilliant and free!
March 26th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Mike,
I haven’t got much blogging done this week either. It’s hard to believe that the weekend is almost here.
I think I am kind of organized, it just takes me too long to get things done. I have not yet learn to write blog post very quickly or a lot of other things.
I have used some of Bob Jenkin’s stuff in the past. Will look at his tutorials later.
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March 27th, 2009 at 12:08 am
I haven’t used mind maps too much, but I can see how they could help greatly with training new people and keeping things organized.
I’m going to have to start playing with the program… thanks!
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