Getting Things Done

Google the Giant

2008-06-03T17:03:00.000+08:00

Google is the reigning king of the search engine world. And it just keeps growing in popularity. According to Hitwise, which monitors Internet marketing trends, Google has reached an all-time high when it comes to web searches. In March of this year, Google accounted for a whopping 67 percent of all U.S. searches. That's up from 64.1% a year ago.

How do the other search engines measure up? Yahoo! came in second, accounting for 20.3% of U.S. searches, down from 21.3% in March of 2007. MSN search accounted for 6.7% of U.S. searches, down from 9% in March of 2007. Ask.com was the only one of the big four search engines (besides Google) to grow in popularity. It accounted for 4.1% of U.S. searches, up from 3.5% in March of 2007.

What does this mean for your search engine marketing efforts? If you're not working with Google, you should be. That's where the majority of your customers will be searching for you. But don't neglect the other search engines. They may be second tier for now. But the king can always be overthrown…

Source: Hitwise.com

Gibran's Wise Ways

2008-05-25T20:08:00.001+08:00

"Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas. For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction. Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing; And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes."

Kahlil Gibran,
20th century Syrian-born mystic poet, philosopher,
and artist from The Prophet

I Know Who Killed Me

2008-03-17T20:54:00.001+09:00

I Know Who Killed Me - This is a great Movie - Um, What? Not only do we not know what's happening in this commercial, we don't want to know what's happening in this movie. Fortunately, neither did the rest of America.

Porsche dealer - "I got it wrong with the buy one get one free card".

2008-01-28T12:42:00.000+09:00

This articel appeared on Stuffed on Friday, 23 February 2007 and was written by Jenny Shu

Glen Fergusson - Sales and Marketing manager for a brand new Californian Porsche dealer. Has lost his job and faces possible legal proceedings as the company strives to reclaim the costs of the 18 Porsches given away free under Glen's Opening day "buy one get one free promotion" "I admit I didn't really do the numbers properly on this one" said Glen who told reporters that he had "seen the concept work really well for coffee stores" and in terms of numbers you could argue that Glen's campaign worked. As the new Porsche dealer sold 18 Porsches in the first hour of the store opening.

It took the head office a full hour to realise what was going on and subsequently shut the store.

Local man Bruce Stepper took out a second mortgage on his home after getting a promotional flyer in his mailbox. "I am ecstatic - I brought a shiny red Porsche today, got another one free and I have sold just sold it on EBay, all up I end up getting a Porsche 911 for $5000"

Jane Cameron was arguably even more entrepreneurial. The local Janitor purchased a Porsche using the dealers "no deposit finance plan for low income earners", sold both cars, paid off the finance account and walked away with $120,000 profit. The finance plan was another one of Glen's initiatives that has now been cancelled.

A red faced Glen stated "I have never really been too good at Math and I was sure the whole time we were making money - I was initially blown away by the amount of cars we were selling in that first hour. I had seen the "buy one get one free card" work extremely well for the new coffee shop down the road and thought what a great idea I will try it here."

National spokesman for the dealership chain was quoted as saying "We are just glad that the idiot didn’t have time to run with his 'test drive 5 cars, get one free loyalty stamp card' campaign.

'No' is your most powerful time management tool

2008-01-19T19:24:00.000+09:00

'No' is your most powerful time management tool.

When we know what our values are, and when we have a clear set of goals in all areas of our lives, we're in a much stronger position to politely and appropriately say 'no' to potential time-stealers and less relevant activities.

Robyn Pearce - Time Management Guru

Sugary Drinks Cause ALZHEIMER'S

2008-01-17T19:58:00.000+09:00

A new study reported in General Dentistry suggests that sugary beverages could increase the risk of Alzheimer's. The researchers were trying to determine if high sugar consumption in an otherwise normal diet could impact Alzheimer's progression.

They found that mice that consumed a diet that was 10 percent sugar water gained more weight, had higher cholesterol, and developed insulin resistance. In other words, they became classic diabetics. Sound like a familiar pattern? What's more, the mice showed a decline in learning and memory retention, and their brains contained OVER TWICE as many amyloid plaque deposits – a hallmark of Alzheimer's.

Now you're thinking, "Hold on, Dr. D. – I don't have a diet that contains 10 percent sugar water. This test is bunk!" Actually, the human equivalent of the mouse diet would be about five cans of soda a day – a lot, to be sure. But even if you don't drink that much soda, there are plenty of other ways we funnel sugar down our throats, and it all ads up.

I saw another report the other day that pointed out that Americans are now drinking about 20 percent of their total caloric intake. And sugary beverages – of which there are so many these days – are everywhere. And don't forget: Those sports drinks may be refreshing, but they're like drinking a Milky Way bar. And I'm sure you don't think about it much, but fruit juices, like orange and grapefruit, can be tossed into this category as well.

Whether it's your teeth or your brain … you should think twice the next time you reach for a drink.

Quenching your thirst for the truth.

Dr. William Campbell Douglass II

People Power - Using Gym Time To Power Your World

2008-01-10T20:30:00.000+09:00

Windmills and solar panels are so last century.

A gym in Hong Kong, collaborating with inventor Lucien Gambarota, is experimenting with a really alternative source of energy: workout machines.

Dynamos have been attached to cycling and Stairmaster machines, generating enough electricity to power lights and TVs in the gym. The experiment has been such a success that the company has plans to expand the program to its other locations.

(Source: Wired)

Siren, lights, horn!

2008-01-05T20:50:00.000+09:00

A police sergeant and two constables were out patrolling outside Brisbane, Qld., Australia, when their vehicle was struck by lightning.

"Everything went on -- the siren, lights, horn," said Sgt. Craig Shepherd. "It was one of the most freakiest things I've ever seen."

The officers limped the damaged 4WD vehicle back to the station -- the siren blaring the whole way -- so they could get the tools to disconnect the siren. (Australian AP) ...The most freaky thing about this: three cops, and none of them had a pocketknife to cut the siren's speaker wire.

Committee Chaos

2007-12-20T21:00:00.000+09:00

By: Dr. Donald E. Wetmore

When something's tough
And really gritty,
Hand it over
To a committee.

Watch them meeting,
No agenda there;
Tabling actions
To later this year.

And if it's tough
Then occasionally,
It gets referred
To a sub-committee.

For further talk
And full review;
Taking no action
Too much to do.

I like Nike
And their sage bit;
Three little words
It's, "Just do it!"

Block in a few important non-urgent actions

2007-12-19T19:36:00.000+09:00

Every week, block in a few important non-urgent actions.

It's too easy to get caught up in everlasting deadlines. To change that emphasis make appointments with yourself, written into your diary or organiser, to work on one or two activities per week of long-term and long-lasting value.

If you're not sure what sort of things you could be working on, think of the big tasks you're putting off until you 'have time'.

Almost certainly they can be broken down into small chunks and there will be something you can realistically start on.

Robyn Pearce NZ Time Management Guru

Saying "No" the USA Way

2007-12-18T17:41:00.000+09:00

SkillPath provide great seminars in Australia. I subscribe to their monthly newsletter. Here is a great article on how to get back control of your time, by learning to say "NO" the American way.

"You aren't likely to show irritation and snap at your supervisor or a colleague who interrupts you because it might seem rude and impolite. To the other person, the reason they're interrupting you may be a major concern that could affect you too. If the person is a team member or someone you supervise, you probably want to help, but now may not be the best time. The problem may be important, but it probably isn't something that must be resolved immediately.

The USA method is a very effective way of telling others that you respect them and their needs, that you have something going on that requires your full and immediate attention and that you have an alternative plan.

The USA method requires practice. As you use it, you'll be amazed at how well you'll begin controlling interruptions rather than allowing them to control you.

Here's how it works:

Understanding statement or statement of empathy.

Example: "Greg, I'm sure this problem is important." (It is to Greg and it might be for you, too, but it's probably not urgent.)

Situation statement. You make a statement that explains the present situation.

Example: "I'm working on a report that needs to be finished by 1:00."

Action statement. You make a statement that describes what you will do.

Example: "Let's get together this afternoon between 3:00 and 3:15. I'll meet you in the conference room."

Pay particular attention to how these examples allow you to control the environment. You set the time and you suggest meeting in the conference room rather than at your own desk. This gives you the freedom to escape if the meeting goes on too long.

Time Out - Thai Festival Sydney Australia

2007-12-15T20:08:00.000+09:00

This is a quite a beautiful shot, with nice lines and lovely color. The glow of the candles is particularly nice -- it brings out the color in the women's head pieces.

The fact that the second woman is slightly raised up, a little more revealed, it breaks the pattern and she becomes a more dominate point of this photo, its primary subject.

Had her head been down, however, as Megan pointed out, more in line with the rest, it would certainly have been interesting also.

The Right Way to Travel

Now that is FUNNY can we play biliards now!

2007-12-13T17:54:00.000+09:00

Merry Christmas,
Here's something make you laugh,
From the Boys at Billiard Shop

Glenn Niesler

Billiard Shop PTY LTD

What is my highest priority right now

2007-11-19T19:40:00.000+09:00

Constantly ask, 'What is my highest priority right now?'

This is a great focusing question. When we use it as a constant background mantra or self-question we find it easier to stay on task with the activities that really will make a difference.

We're also less likely at the end of the day to find we've not dealt with our highest priorities of the day.

Robyn Pearce Kiwi Time Management Maven

Simple Secret of Getting this Done

2007-11-01T20:39:00.000+09:00

Irish Americans love to talk about St. Patrick. Aside from inventing green beer, he's the guy who -- according to historian Thomas Cahill -- helped save Western civilization. How so?

As the story goes, Patrick was captured in Roman Britain at age 16 by Irish raiders. For six years, they kept him as a slave.

Years later, in the 400s, Patrick had the chutzpah (there's really no better word for it) to go back into the pagan nation of his former captors as a missionary.

At first, it didn't go so well. He was beaten and robbed. At one point, he was left in chains awaiting execution. The kings didn't like him, because they couldn't buy his loyalties with gifts. The people didn't like him because he didn't share their faith.

So what did he do? He got started anyway. Not by cooking up some master plan, or by making sure he had enough Franklin Day Planner pages to book half-hour slots for all those conversions... but by just getting started, in the only way he could imagine how.

He taught the Irish common folk to read.

See, back then, most Europeans were illiterate. The decline of Rome and rise of barbarian hordes made that even more so. Books, on the continent, were used as little more than kindling.

The greatest store of knowledge up to that point, the writings of Ancient Greece and Rome, were literally going up in smoke.

Patrick didn't set out to save the classics. He just set out to civilize the people. There is no civilization, Cahill observes, without books.

Just like schoolchildren, Patrick's pupils went to work. First they learned the alphabet. Then they practiced their writing by copying out the only texts available, those same ancient texts, word for word.

Plato, Aristotle, Euripedes, Homer, and more... they all survived, thanks to those efforts. Had it not been for Patrick's decision to "just do it" those works might have disappeared forever.

How can I do this task more efficiently

2007-10-19T19:45:00.000+08:00

'How can I do this task more efficiently?'

Become what I call a 'walking question mark'. There are always better ways to do things. Every time you do a task, look for a shortcut, some way to trim a few seconds or a minute or two off the task. They mount up to a surprising total over a week.

A very simple example: You're emptying the dishwasher. To quickly put away the cutlery lay a tea towel on the bench right beside your cutlery drawer. Tip the contents of the cutlery basket on to the tea towel. Then you can swiftly pick up and put away each category - it takes only a few moves.

Now apply that thinking to how you manage your paperwork, how you put things away, how many unnecessary steps you take in a day. Notice how often you say in frustration, ‘Bother it. I forgot to get (or do) ..... '.

Time-saving efficiencies are all around us, but most people don't go looking for them. Instead, they just complain about lack of time.

Robyn Pearce World Leader and Time Magician

Ageless Quotes about Time

2007-10-03T11:50:00.000+08:00

Time Quote by Benjamin Franklin
Remember that time is money.

Time Quote by John Keats
As though a rose should shut and be a bud again.

Time Quote by Benjamin Franklin
Never leave that till to-morrow which you can do to-day.

Dealmaking Empire Builders

2007-09-19T20:15:00.000+08:00

What's the best use of your time....

If you look at the great entrepreneurs of our era — Kirk Kerkorian, Donald Trump, and Rupert Murdoch, to name but a few — the one thing they all have in common is that they are great dealmakers. All of them hire others to handle their day-to-day operations, while they work on identifying and closing lucrative deals.

And so it is with many individuals in a wide variety of occupations, people who have used their dealmaking prowess to build empires. Wolfgang Puck is undoubtedly a great chef, but probably no better than thousands of other great chefs. From what I know of his rise to the top, it is clearly because he is a dealmaker supreme, who found a way — make that many ways — to transform himself from a gourmet chef into a culinary empire.

Ditto Howard Schultz, the man who built Starbucks into a global phenomenon. Start a chain of coffee shops? Are you kidding me? What a terrible idea. Nevertheless, in the face of declining coffee sales in the U.S., Schultz had the audacity to charge $3 for a cup of the world’s dullest and most common drink — and served it in a paper cup, to boot!

And this came about at a time when the world appeared to be moving too fast for people to slow down, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee, as they did in the good old days. Now, with $30 billion in sales, Schultz leaves the day-to-day management to CEO Jim McDonald, while he travels the world making deals to further expand Starbucks’ reach.

I could go on and on … with Steve Riggio, who built Barnes & Noble into a retail giant and, in the process, transformed the way bookstores do business … with Martha Stewart, who built an empire by teaching women how to excel at being good housewives … with George Lucas, who created a one-man industry based on a single story. The list of dealmaking, empire-building entrepreneurs is endless.

Extract from Robert Ringer's Voice of Sanity

Block in regular sanity gaps

2007-09-19T19:52:00.000+08:00

Block in regular sanity gaps. What point is there in being wonderfully efficient if we don't take time to enjoy our wonderful life and the amazing world we live in? I've been down the trail of burn-out - it's not a pretty look. (The upside is that my tough experiences fuel my passion today to share this message.)

When did you last take a complete weekend off - no email, no business calls, no responsibilities other than the people you're with?

Many of us know it's important to clean out old files and regularly defrag our computers - it's a house-keeping process that helps them run better. Think of taking regular time off as a defrag of your brain. You'll come back fresher and you'll also produce better results (just like the computer!)

Give your conscious and sub-conscious time to talk to each other - you'll be amazed at the results.

Robyn Pearce is a leading Time Management expert from Auckland NZ

Define Goals

2007-08-27T22:23:00.000+08:00

Effective time management begins with effective planning. You can best plan your time when working toward clear and well-defined goals. Begin your planning by answering two questions: where am I now? where am I going?

Where am I now?

Take the time to record your activities in 15-minute segments for a typical week. While this may seem like a big investment, it’s a good use of time because you’ll likely be surprised to see where your time is really going. As you review the results, you can eliminate unnecessary activities and redirect that time to more productive tasks. If you spend 15 minutes chatting every day when you get your morning cup of coffee, then consider bringing your coffee to the office and investing those 15 minutes reviewing your calendar and preparing for the day.

Where am I going?

As you determined whether an activity was unnecessary or productive, you considered the final results of the task. For example, you determined that attending the monthly lunch meeting of your professional society over the past year was productive because it gave you the opportunity to meet two colleagues who became clients.

Looking more closely at the activities you judged productive will reveal what results you believe are valuable. You judged the professional society as productive because you expanded your professional network and increased your revenue. Now consider to what end those results contribute. In this example, it’s growing your business. This is your starting point for defining the goals that will lead to professional satisfaction.

To transfer his money to you

2007-08-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite newsletters is Ricky's Monthly Newsletter from Ricky Lein of Mindset Media. In todays issue of Ricky's newsletter he quotes Stuart Wilde, one of his favourite philosophers, from his book, The Secrets of Life

ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SELLING

"Money is so inexorably linked to security in the mind of the common man. It is vitally important to remember that when you are trying to sell him something.

In order for him to transfer his money to you he has to feel safe. The easiest way to make him feel safe is to get under him psychologically and really act out of love and support.

You have to take the buyer past whatever survival considerations he might have. You do this by clearly defining the benefit of the item or service you are selling, by reassuring him that he is safe, that the world is OK and that things will last forever.

That's what he wants to hear. So tell him that. If you both believe it, it will help make that a reality.

Why not?"

Could you handle an extra 15 days of bliss?

2007-08-17T08:32:00.000+08:00

Getting better at managing your time is a little like a continuous journey.

Improvement can be a little more time here and there and
before long you build back hours in your schedule each day . These changes reflect in long-term growth in your personal productivity, both on and off the job.

You can arrange top capture a ten minute savings in your day by
delegating a simple repetitive task to your kids. Whilst I also advise that a different route to work each day is good for creativity, you could make a challenge of finding a shorter route to work that saves 10 minutes each way.

By grabbing 10 minute savings just six times a day and before long you have built an hour back into your day which is 365 hours over the next year or 15 full days of leisure.

Furniture For Your Home

2007-08-16T11:24:00.001+08:00

In today’s life home furniture plays very important roll interior decoration. So everybody is very particular about furniture store. Quality of furniture is top most concern of house wife. So if you are also looking for one of the best furniture store then your search may ends here.

The Furniturefromhome.com is one of the biggest furniture stores on the internet offering furniture that is usable; fully functional; lot of products range to choose from and lowest prices!!! So what are you looking for? Please visit FurnitureFromHome.com to shop by room, shop by style, shop by color, get the details of featured product queen storage bed and products on sale.

The furniturefromhome.com is the best online store to buy from home office furniture; dining room furniture, e.g. Marble top entertainment center; bedroom furniture, livingroom furniture, e.g sectionals and so on. Most of our furniture is shipped with white glove in home delivery. Your order will be delivered by two professional and bonded furniture delivery men. They will assemble any furniture that needs to be assembled. Some items come directly to your home by freight carriers; these items will be clearly marked as such and will be delivered within the threshold of your home. Any necessary assembly instructions will be included in your packages.

All Products are warranted for at least 1 year. You may contact furniturefromhome.com directly with any warranty related issues. The furniturefromhome.com guarantee that your order arrives in brand new condition or else furniturefromhome.com will fix/replace any problems. Furniture from Home has a full time customer service staff that is standing by to answer any questions and solve any issues you may have. You can contact furniturefromhome.com by email, phone or FAX 7 days a week.

Furniturefromhome.com customer service phone number is 949.200.7560. You have 30 days to test out your new furniture. If you are not totally satisfied after 30 days you may call furniturefromhome.com to initiate a return. You will be assessed with a 15% re-shipping/re-stocking fee.

Creating a Time Bank

2007-08-12T08:37:00.001+08:00

Like a bank account, you receive a new deposit into your account every
day of 86,400, not dollars, but seconds.

However time credits are not like the bank, because you
must use those seconds up during the day. If you don’t, all the credits are reset to zero and you get no benefits today from time saved but wasted yesterday.

In the real world you only get to spend those seconds once, either productively or not.

If you plan your day the night before, to achieve the best outcome be sure to spend tomorrow's deposit wisely for a productive day.

Customised Acrylic Number Plates

2007-08-10T10:02:00.000+08:00

There are many people that love their car more than anything else. For these people, they like to personalize some parts of their cars like having an original and beautiful plate. Everyone like to get an original plate and different than other car. So, if you want the best DVLA number plates for you car, acrylicplates.co.uk will help you to find. They have standard and 3D versions and with a choice of flags and borders. Check out this cool site and see for yourself!