taming the whirlwind - wordcamp raleigh 2017
TRANSCRIPT
@nathaningram #wcraleigh NathanIngram.com
WhirlwindTaming the
N a t h a n I n g r a m
@nathaningram #wcraleigh NathanIngram.com
Hi! I’m NathanHost at iThemes Training
Teaching WordPress andBusiness development since 2012
Business CoachWorking with WordPress Freelancersindividually and in groups since 2013
@nathaningram #wcraleigh NathanIngram.com
Hi! I’m NathanQuestions
I’ll pause for questions at a few pointsduring the talk.
Slides & Resourcesnathaningram.com/wcraleigh
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The Common StruggleFreelancers face common challenges.In four years of coaching conversations,
I’ve found very few unique issues.
You are not alone.
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The Common StruggleStrategy vs. ExecutionExecution is what we do
Strategy is how and why we do it
Both are Critical
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The Common StruggleMost Freelancers Appreciate Strategy
Become more efficient,more productive,more profitable.
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Or…
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StrategyWhy is it so hard to keep our
in focus?
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UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDWhat is the whirlwind?The energy and attentionneeded to run your business.
The whirlwind is the urgent.
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UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDThe Problem with the whirlwindGoals and strategy are important.The whirlwind is urgent.
When urgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time. – FranklinCoveyCo.
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UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDThe challenge is notaccomplishing your goals.
The challenge is accomplishing your goals in the middle of the the whirlwind.
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Taming THEWHIRLWIND
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDThe whirlwind never goes away.
Develop a strategyto accomplish your goalsin the middle of the whirlwind.
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionIdentify your Goals (2-4 hours)
>ADVANCE Goal Worksheets
nathaningram.com/wcraleigh
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionWhat are the changes I most need to make?• Prioritize: which bring immediate results?
• Pick your top 3 goals
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionWhat are the changes I most need to make?• Break down top 3 goals into action items
• Plan action items that will take2-4 hours each
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning Session30 min – 1 hour planning each week.
Plan time to execute on at least 1 action.
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning Session
Most of us are too busy not to plan.
Without a plan, the whirlwind always wins.
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning SessionPlan the week before it starts
§ Friday afternoon?
§ Sunday Evening?
§ Early Monday morning?
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning SessionPlan the week before it starts
It’s hard to planin the middle of the whirlwind.
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Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning SessionPlan the week before it starts
Schedule time to accomplishyour objectives
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Strategy OverviewInitial Planning Session
Week 1 Action
Week 1 Planning
Week 1 Execution
Week 2 Action
Week 2 Planning
Week 2 Execution
Week 3 Action
Week 3 Planning
Week 3 Execution
Week 4 Action
Week 4 Planning
Week 4 Execution
Week 5 Action
Week 5 Planning
Week 5 Execution
Week 6 Action
Week 6 Planning
Week 6 Execution
…
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Two FinalSuggestionsPriorities are CriticalYou will always have more goals than time,so make sure you prioritize well.• Focus on immediate impact
• Probably not the things you enjoy doing.
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Two FinalSuggestionsDon’t Overdo ItOur tendency is to try toaccomplish too many goals.
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The Law ofDiminishing Returns
Number of GoalsIn addition to the Whirlwind
Number of GoalsAchieved with Excellence
FranklinCovey
2-3 4-10 11-20
2-3 1-2 0
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Two FinalSuggestionsDon’t Overdo ItOur tendency is to try toaccomplish too many goals.
One or two action items a week.Plan for 2-4 hours.
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The whirlwind never goes away
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When urgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time.
@nathaningram #wcraleigh NathanIngram.com
Develop a strategy to accomplish your goals in the whirlwind.
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In 6 months, how would your business change if you did?
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In 6 months, how would your businesschange if you did?
life
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Thanks!§ Slides and Goals Worksheets§ iThemes Coupon Code (35% off)§ Free 20-minute Coaching Call§ Freelance Summit
nathaningram.com/wcraleigh