Thanks for the Great Reviews!

December 30th, 2010

book reviewsThanks for the great reviews of PERFORM LIKE A ROCK STAR and Still Have Time for Lunch!

Awesome book on a most important topic.  (www.this-is-great.com)

Orna uses a combination of stories and delightful drawings to remove the curtain that so often surrounds success . . . I highly recommend the time time saving and enjoyable book to anyone seeking a readable and useful book on superior time management and achieving rock star performance.  (www.go2down.com)

The last section of the book is dedicated to implementation within your organizaiton.  That makes it worth twice as much as you pay for it. . . . It has solid information and good tips for making it stick with coworkers, managers, peers and subordinates. (http://upstarthr.com)

For me, the power of the book is how Orna demonstrates, in clear and understandable language, how to focus on what is really important, and how to better use time during the day….. these techniques will work for anyone.  (http://SecretBusiness.blogspot.com)

Everything in this book is entertaining but at the same time you LEARN great things! After reading PERFORM, I really do feel like I can Perform Like a Rock Star in my relationships, everyday life and on this blog! I HIGHLY recommend reading this! (www.theRomanticType.blogspot.com)

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed and valued this book . . . I appreciated the author’s bold approach and “take no prisoners” attitude, while also punctuating her writing with compassion and first-hand knowledge of what it’s like for an overstretched professional . . . And with a hint of whimsy and humor, you have all the makings for a fun and helpful read. (www.LibraryThing.com)

Not only does the author share the theoretical concepts of superior goal setting, time management, and greater focus, but also shares a proven program for peak performance . . . the reader is then ready to achieve rock star levels of performance. (www.Money.blogdig.net)

This book is a great tool when you feel overwhelmed, stagnated, or just need inspiration. Learn to say “NO,” make lists, know your priorities and learn to make those deadlines.  I could go on and on . . . read it and make yourself successful. (http://frugalplus.com)

PERFORM is concerned with applying strategies and tips so that peak performance and success is achieved.  .  . If you need good sound advice on organizing your life in a way that cultivates success, then I recommend you get a copy of this book. (http://PositiveSelfDevelopment.com)

Orna Drawas offers you a clear mind-map and vision of achieving those goals with the mantra “I have more to do with less time and less resources.” . . . What I love best is the continual array of everyday examples that help back up what to do along with the fun quotes, cartoons and music lyrics. (http://thePhantomParagrapher.blogspot.com)

Ms. Drawas’ recommendations are applicable to anyone’s circumstances. A must-read for anyone who feels overwhelmed and wants to get things under control again.

Thank you to to all of you that have helped make 2010 a fabulous year for me.  Please let me know how I can help make 2011 a fabulous year for YOU!!

Posted in appreciation, deadline, distractions, e-mail, goals, lists, motivation, organize, priorities, procrastination, productivity, recognition, reward, stress, success, team work, win-win | No Comments »

Do me a favor . . . Get to the point!

December 15th, 2010
Image by Gwen's River City Images

Image by Gwen's River City Images

Please don’t make me hunt for the purpose of your e-mail, or even worse, figure out why I should care. Because I don’t care . . . unless you convince me otherwise. So, do me a favor and get to the point in the SUBJECT line!

If you’re like most people and have not lived in a cocoon for the past five years, you probably get dozens or more e-mail each day; and so does everyone you communicate with.  How does the recipient decide what to read first?  Usually by scanning the SUBJECT line … or possibly the FROM field.  Well, you can’t control the From field, if they don’t like you, they won’t read your e-mail no matter what.  But, you have a better chance of getting the reader’s attention if you summarize your content in the subject line.  Tell them why they need to read this e-mail.

Bad subject line: Next week’s meeting.

Good Subject line: Meeting: Wizbang feature is launching Jan 1st.

Do your reader a favor.  Make it easy for them to figure out the urgency (or not) of your e-mail and you will get a better response.  The key is to summarize – not describe – the content of your e-mail.  Be clear, concise and to the point. And maybe they will do the same for you!

Posted in deadline, distractions, e-mail, organize, priorities, productivity, success, team work | No Comments »

It’s my time. I won’t let you just take it!

November 22nd, 2010

If you need to check your calendar, e-mail and IN box in the morning, in order to plan your day, you’ve already lost out. Your time is no longer your own.  Fight back!

It’s your time…. don’t let them just take it!  Spend five minutes the night before and plan the ONE thing you’ll want to accomplish tomorrow that will move you closer to achieving your own important goal.  Then schedule it on your calendar. . . before everyone else has a chance to commandeer every moment of your day. Why not?  The time is yours, isn’t it?

Imagine, accomplishing one high-priority task every day . . . twenty-two in a single month! That’s massive productivity, one action at a time.  Make it happen!

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When is a Minute Really a Minute?

November 4th, 2010

When is a Minute Really a Minute? When there is a timer. So get one!

Next time someone pops their head into your office or workspace and says: “Gotta minute?” Simply reply: “I can give you my undivided attention for five minutes right now or we can schedule more time later.” If they choose now, then start your timer and instruct them: “When it dings, please wrap up.”

Watch your “Gotta minute” interruptions decrease to only those things that are really important.

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STOP! One More Thing Before You Leave . . .

October 25th, 2010


What are you working on today?

If that questions causes you to stop in your tracks and check your e-mail, calendar and notes left on your desk . . . before you can answer – then this blog is for YOU!  Why?  You’re obviously not working on your priorities today, but rather focusing your attention on everyone else’s priorities – those things THEY have scheduled on your calendar, put in your IN Box and left on your desk.

Solution: Plan tonight for what YOU want to accomplish tomorrow. Take five minutes before the end of the day to decide what you want to achieve and then schedule it on your calendar.  Make time to accomplish your own priorities every single day and watch your productivity skyrocket.

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Doing THINGS RIGHT . . . or doing the RIGHT THINGS?

October 18th, 2010

Efficiency is doing things right.  Effectiveness id doing the right things.

The difference between leaders and workers is that workers worry about doing things right.  Leaders do the right things.

To be successful, first decide WHAT is to be done; then the question of how or when will follow. Doing an excellent job on a task, which, in the bigger scheme is not that meaningful – is a waste of effort.

Be wise with your time. Focus on doing the right thing!

Posted in deadline, distractions, e-mail, goals, lists, motivation, organize, priorities, procrastination, productivity, success, win-win | No Comments »

80/20 Strikes at Productivity

October 7th, 2010

80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your customers. 80% of the time, you wear 20% of your clothes. 80% of your free time, you spend with 20% of your friends. And 80% of the results you achieve come from 20% of your activities.

Look at your Top 10 List. Which two things will give you a grater result than all th3eother combined? Then use your 20% wisely!

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Your Money or Your Life! Motivating Your Employees – Part 5 of 5

September 8th, 2010

Your money or your life!

Of course, we choose life.  Give your employees a good quality of life and they will be loyal, motivated and productive.

When professionals are effective, do quality work and achieve their personal and professional goals, they are motivated to accomplish more than they ever thought possible. That is what my book, PERFORM LIKE A ROCK STAR and Still Have Time for Lunch, is all about.  Take the mystery out of success by focusing on the things that really matter. Accomplish breakthrough goals that will move you to another level in your professional and personal life. And attain peak performance that will build momentum for great results and a rock star quality of life.

Part 5: STUFF!

Sometimes “stuff” makes us happy.  Stuff like new shoes, tickets to the big game or the coolest app for your phone.  Since I’m all about productivity and personal performance, the things that make me happy are those things that help me make the most of my time. Give your employee a fun little gadget that will make their day easier and you have introduced them to a new toy that will improve their life….

Paper, paper and more paper. Give in.  Embrace it and scan it.  The Neat Company (www.neatco.com) has the most innovative and simple desktop solutions to keep track of every piece of paper that lands on your desk, or in your lap. Scan receipts, business cards, documents, forms . . . all those papers you want to keep track of, but don’t feel like tracking down. It just simplifies life.  Ahhhh…… Nothing like a clean desk.

Talk, talk and more talk.  Between conference calls and customers, many people have a stiff neck from holding the phone on their shoulder all day, especially if they take notes or type while talking. My first recommendation would be to bring in a masseuse once a week to rid everyone of their shoulder stiffness.  But if that seems excessive, a simple wireless headset (www.hellodirect.com) would be most appreciated. Not only does it reduce shoulder tension, but it actually increases productivity allowing the user to take notes, get up from their desk to access materials out of reach or even walk to another office.  Give your employees a gift that helps them feel better and they will work.

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Turn on their Mind: Motivating Employees; Part 4 of 5

August 25th, 2010

We’ve come a long way from the “I hate school” days.  Now, most professionals realize that company-sponsored training is a gift. It helps the employee be successful and thereby increases job satisfaction, morale and motivation.  Studies have shown that any mind that learns becomes more alert and more receptive to new ideas. With training, employees are more effective which is satisfying for the employee and beneficial to the organization. Turn on the mind and you turn up results.

Understanding that your employees are your most important assets clearly points to the need to refresh and make the most of these assets.  A company is only limited by the ideas and passion of its employees.  Training unleashes the mind, creates an environment that encourages new ideas and ultimately results in a better, more productive working environment.  Employee training is one of the best investments a company can make.

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Appreciate to Motivate! – Motivating Employees Part 3 of 5

August 19th, 2010

Ask 100 people if they would rather get a $1,000 increase in pay or be recognized for a job well done and you may be surprised by the response.  Recognition is often more highly valued than an increase in pay and is one of the most effective ways to motivate employees according to a recent survey by the staffing firm Accountemps.  Employees place an enormous amount of value in pride, personal satisfaction and recognition among their peers and family.   Ever notice how employees hang their recognition plaques, certificates, trophies and medals where everyone can see them whenever you’re near their work space?  That’s called pride; and it’s tough to beat.

But your recognition must be sincere. Seek out special contributions that have really made a difference to the team or the organization.  Let everyone know how this effort helped or improved the business. Set a high standard for recognition, but be generous. Recognize those who deserve it in a big way.  Announce the award in front of the team or the entire company.  Be sure that co-workers and management are there to share in the event.  And let everyone know you appreciate the extraordinary effort this person made and the results that were achieved.  This is a wonderful way to show appreciation and let the entire team know what they can expect when they go above and beyond.

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