When starting any business, especially an online or network marketing business, most of us hear the numerous declarations across the “Web” about making five or six figure incomes within weeks or months. After hearing those claims over and over again, we sometimes get the false impression that some online opportunities or hypothetical business building “systems” can launch us there almost instantaneously with little or no effort.

The stark reality: we usually waste both time and money expecting the golden egg to fall from our computer monitors. Building a business, any business, takes time, patience and persistence. In this video I discuss why it is essential to maintain that frame of mind and hold realistic expectations if we truly expect to succeed in any business venture.

Yesterday I posted a video to my YouTube Channel where I discussed the differences between efficiency and effectiveness.  The greatest efficiency is realized when we get our tasks done without wasting any time.  On the other hand, the highest level of effectiveness occurs when we complete tasks that give the greatest results pertaining to our main goal, growing our business.

Though many of us can be highly efficient (get tasks done without wasting time) as we work our daily tasks, frequently the tasks we select do not provide optimum business results thereby lacking effectiveness.  A prime example of this is when we prioritize our “To Do” list placing the tasks we are least comfortable doing (like picking up the phone to “reach out and touch someone”, such as prospect) at the bottom of the list.

Being the “intelligent and logical” creatures we are, we justify the more efficient priority list by thinking that if we clear those items off the list there will be less distraction when making the calls!  Sounds great doesn’t it.

I know in my case, I have a tendency to under-estimate the time required to complete many of the tasks.  Inevitably what happens?  I am out of time to make the calls by the time I get through the other 90% of the tasks.

Since I accomplished everything else on the list, I still consider myself fairly efficient. I would even use that frame of mind to squelch any guilt that might arise because I did not make the calls.  None the less, efficiency won out over effectiveness and the biggest loser; my business growth and ultimately me.

So today (1/24/09) starts a new day with a new way.

One of the first things I do every morning when coming back to life (coffee plays a major role in that part) is to check and cleanup my email and create the day’s “To Do” list.  As I started the routine this morning, I quickly found myself going right back to my old habit of listing the “efficiency-oriented” tasks before the “pick up the phone” task.  Well today’s grand plan was to get to the calls early, so after a little re-evaluation and re-arranging, here’s today’s “To Do” list:

1. Spend 30 minutes preparing the quick-response email to use during call session;
2. Contact leads in database by phone and build relationships;
3. Send appropriate email to contacts after calls are finished;
4. Check email and respond to key letters;
5. Spend 30 minutes on FB addressing requests, messages & comments;
6. Check Twitter and send status updates via Ping;
7. Create blog post on today’s activities (this one!);
8. Work on video(s) to create and post later this evening;
9. Post comments on blogs, videos, etc.
10. Upload video(s);
11. Update prospect call list for tomorrow’s call session; &
12. Spin old short blog post into longer Ezine article.

As I look back over the list, it brought a smile to my face.

I am happy to report; I not only re-ordered the list but stuck to it completing my calls task earlier today.

Did it make a difference?

Absolutely, 50% of the calls where I connected with people yielded positive results as they requested further information about the systems and opportunities I am implementing.

Now that really is a pretty “COOL” feeling!

Starting today my approach to completing my daily “To Do” list has changed and I’ll be providing periodic post updates to track how things are going.

Remember, patience, persistence and massive action, along with continuing education and the willingness to adapt (effectiveness over efficiency) are the factors leading to ultimate success.

Wishing you the very best in all your ventures …..