Successful Blog

5 Compelling Business Reasons to Carpool to Work

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Paul Ellett

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5 Compelling Business Reasons to Carpool to Work

We’ve all heard those in the eco-climate field tell us about the dangers our cars are using and that we must act now, and we might all be sick of it. There is only so much talk about “being green” that we can handle at any one time. This is why many dismiss car-pooling as one of those options that are always discussed but never so seriously. I mean, who would want to share their car with someone who they only occasionally speak to at the copier at work, right?

Wrong. There are in fact several compelling reasons why carpooling or car-sharing to work is a viable way to travel. Whether you share a ride either each day or a few times a week, it makes solid sense and can grow your business and professional career to do so. Keep reading to find out more.

1: Strengthen Relationships

Because workplaces see many people from various backgrounds come together every day and interact regularly, there can often be little in the way of common-ground which can make for awkward lift-conversations or lunchtime conversations. If you’re in a job for the longhaul, change this outlook now! You may even find that you have a lot more in common with particular individuals than you originally thought;whether it be material things like sports, or deeper circumstances like lifestyle. This bonding can make team-projects or exercises that much easier and smoother. Additionally, if we have someone with which to coordinate with to get to work, we can teach ourselves to be more careful with how we manage our time, if we know someone else is relying on us.

2: Company Incentives

If you do take part in carpool schemes within your company, you may be able to apply for petrol-incentives or have these reimbursed in return. Ask your supervisor, human resources representative or even boss about this. This may be possible if your company pays for public transport travel costs for some employees currently. If you can show that you can save money, the person who you speak to within your company will be more susceptible to that as everyone is looking to save where they can.

3: Your Boss

Some people find it hard to stand out from a crowd which can be a killer when it comes to promotions in a large company. It can be a case of really being able to present yourself on a one-to-one basis rather than in a group or during the general workday. If you can arrange something with your boss, then it might be a grand opportunity to let them get to know you. You might find some common ground you didn’t know you had, and show them qualities that don’t make themselves so clear otherwise. Carpooling can be a lot less formal than being in the office too. If your boss can see from these daily interactions that you are capable, you’ll be more likely to be considered for projects and promotions.

4: Share the Stress

Often road-rage arises from a fear or frustration that we’ll be late for work, but why? Probably because we’re scared that we’ll look inferior to our colleagues and be knocked down the totem pole. If we’re late often, then we can often feel like we’re the only one in the world where we shouldn’t be and it can gain unwanted attention from those higher up if a frequent occurrence. It makes sense that if we’re late with someone else, we share the brunt of this stress and are less likely to feel so on edge that we’re running late. The company we get from having someone else with us in the car, can distract us from stressful situations we would otherwise focus on. It also makes sense that if more people carpooled, there would be less traffic on the road in certain areas, like heavily-congested motorways which join cities to surrounding areas.

5: Can’t Drive?

Often the jobs we apply for depend on how easy or possible it is to travel to it each day. This can limit the options available to us which impacts how we make a living. You may also wish to consider what happens if your circumstances change for the short-term. What if you’re found guilty of a drink driving offense and are temporarily suspended from the road? What if your own car is off-the-road due to repairs? Are you taking any medication which makes it difficult to drive or that requires you to stay away from heavy machinery of any kind? Can you get to work via public transport or would it be easier to speak to someone about carpooling? Will it save you money if you do this? In a large company there should be at least a few others who travel the same route as yourself; you just need to find them. Carpooling may be your only viable option to get to work and save money.

Author’s Bio:

Paul is working with a firm of drink driving solicitors in London and across the UK, who defend those who have been caught speeding, driving while under the influence etc.

How-To Find Success: Believing in Yourself!

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Ben Newman

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How-To Find Success: Believing in Yourself!

The world is moving at an ever faster pace, and it can be a challenge just to keep up, let alone get ahead. Where do your dreams fit in when you put everything into keeping a job or running a business? Is success just about the bottom line? What do you do when you have the big house and the fancy cars but your life is still stressful and empty? How do you have meaningful relationships when your success depends on you being in control?

No one makes a conscious choice to wake up one day completely overwhelmed and disconnected from the things that matter most — but, it happens to many of us. Often we don’t even realize we’ve gotten off course until we crash and burn, a spouse leaves, a business fails, an illness strikes, and we’re forced to re-examine our priorities. The good news is, it’s never too late to make a change, and you don’t have to wait for the sky to fall before you make it.

With all the noise about the economy, elections, and what is happening around the world, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to believe two contradictory points:

a) that everything is beyond your control, and
b) in order to succeed you have to control everything.

The truth is actually the opposite.

a)You always have control over the only thing that matters: yourself. That is to say, you have total control over how you choose to act and what you choose to believe in any given moment, in any given circumstance, and
b) in order to succeed, you have to let go of controlling others and of controlling the outcome.

Five Key Factors for Attaining Belief in Yourself

The place to start is with a belief in yourself and I’ve outlined the Five Key Factors for Attaining Belief in Yourself in my book, “Own YOUR Success”:

  1. Accept the truth. Acknowledging the person you are today is the key to becoming the person you want to be and ultimately, attaining belief in yourself. There is a big difference between failing and not getting the results we want. Instead of seeing failure, see opportunities for growth and change.
  2. Speak the truth. Be honest about your past behaviors and habits. While it may be difficult to acknowledge them, burying those parts of our lives makes us feel like victims, amplifying our fear and pain. Shedding light on the past, by talking with a trusted friend or professional, frees us.
  3. Breathe through the truth. Avoid reacting from a place of pain or anger — no matter how much you believe you are right. Be open to changing your perspective. Treat yourself lovingly. Do not self-destruct.
  4. Process the truth. Give yourself time and space to find your equilibrium. Developing belief in yourself means gaining confidence that will lead to a stronger foundation.
  5. Create a plan based on the truth. Changing entrenched behaviors and mindsets takes time, and sometimes they return. Stay strong. Continue to believe and actively engage in this process. Define how you want to live your life from where you are right now.

If you can master these Five Key Factors for Attaining Belief in Yourself, you will be well on your way to achieving the kind of success you really dream of success that incorporates balance in all areas of your life.

Author’s Bio:
Ben Newman writes and speaks to inspire and motivate people to take actionable steps in their personal and professional lives to achieve the success they dream of. He is the author of “Own YOUR Success.” View his website at http://bennewman.net/ and connect with him on Twitter as @ContinuedFight

Thank you for adding to the conversation! So with you on that, Ben!

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Thanks to Week 371 SOBs

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muddy teal strip A

Successful and Outstanding Bloggers

Let me introduce the bloggers
who have earned this official badge of achievement,

Purple SOB Button Original SOB Button Red SOB Button Purple and Blue SOB Button
and the right to call themselves
Successful Blog SOBs.

I invite them to take a badge home to display on their blogs.

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They take the conversation to their readers,
contribute great ideas, challenge us, make us better, and make our businesses stronger.

I thank all of our SOBs for thinking what we say is worth passing on.
Good conversation shared can only improve the blogging community.

Should anyone question this SOB button’s validity, send him or her to me. Thie award carries a “Liz said so” guarantee, is endorsed by Kings of the Hemispheres, Martin and Michael, and is backed by my brothers, Angelo and Pasquale.

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Want to become an SOB?

If you’re an SO-Wanna-B, you can see the whole list of SOBs and learn how to be one by visiting the SOB Hall of Fame– A-Z Directory . Click the link or visit the What IS an SOB?! page in the sidebar.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

3 Ways to Recharge Your Business Creativity

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Stephen Key

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Why Letting Your Inner Child Out Can Benefit Your Business

How many times have you watched your son or daughter’s imagination shine as they play with their friends or by themselves? Children are incredible dreamers and creators who have no inhibitions about letting creativity dictate their actions. To me, entrepreneurship is synonymous with creativity. People often talk about business and art as if the two couldn’t be more separate, but both celebrate the value of looking at the world a little differently than everyone else. The best entrepreneurs see possibility and opportunity where others have failed to, because they’re able to spot unique and powerful ideas that will resonate with consumers. Developing and celebrating your creative energy can benefit your business in countless ways.

I’ve spent the past twenty years bringing my product ideas to life. Thinking creatively has helped me invent and innovate, but even more importantly, I’d argue, it has helped me problem solve. Business owners are constantly surprised by new and different conflicts to overcome. You’ll never be able to predict them all. The more comfortable you become with quickly brainstorming solutions, the better your business will be. There’s never just one answer. And that’s why being able to think outside the box when your business is faced with a seemingly impenetrable roadblock is important. Somewhere along the way most of lose the ability to dream and imagine as easily as we did as children; being able rekindle these skills will help your business.

3 Ways to Recharge Your Business Creativity

I don’t believe that certain individuals are inherently more creative than others. The belief that ‘you’re just not creative’ is an excuse. We’re all creative! As children, we’re all able to dream and imagine with abandon. But like any other skill, creativity requires practice, commitment, and inspiration. I’ve found that playing games helps recharge my creativity.

The first one is, ‘What If?’ When I try to imagine new product ideas or encounter a problem in my daily life, I allow myself to ask any question I want to. What if we lived in a world that __? What if I were able to __? There are no right or wrong questions (nor answers!). I remember my own three children asking me question after question when they were little. Questions lead to answers, answers lead to more questions, and creative juices flow during the process!

The second game I play I call, ‘Mix and Match’. I combine several ideas together, even if they don’t seem to make immediate sense. Someone really hit the nail on the head when they matched a camera and phone, after all…. Some of the best ideas actually combine existing concepts or products in interesting ways. Think about all the times you’ve watched your son or daughter play with their toys in unique ways. They are no strangers to mixing and matching to make things new and exciting.


The third creative game I use is called ‘Solve It’. What do you wish was made better? What would you do to change it? Some products and services have been around for so long, we no longer even think about what it would be like if they were different. Don’t take any assumptions for granted, and stop subconsciously assuming what is and isn’t possible.


And finally, don’t forget to get inspired. Seek out friends, family, and peers who, like loved and empowered children, believe that anything’s possible and embrace the alternative. Some people are more receptive to new ideas than others. At the least, find someone whose first word isn’t always ‘no’.

Break out of your normal mold and schedule. How can you imagine something different and unique if you always do and see the exact same things? Change your route to work. Try a new restaurant instead of your neighborhood favorite. I know your schedule is hectic, but make time to read a new book or magazine, or watch an interesting film. Exposing yourself to new ideas and ways of thinking will jumpstart your own creativity.

Above all, allow your creative inner child to emerge to help bring your business to new heights.

What do you do to inspire your creativity?

Author’s Bio:
Stephen Key writes about licensing and small business at www.inventornotes.com. He is also author of One Simple Idea and One Simple Idea for Startups and Entrepreneurs. You can find Stephen on Twitter as @inventright ()

Thank you, Steven. Love your thoughts on inspiring creativity!

–Me “Liz” Strauss

Pre-Holiday Season Reality Check – 5 Ways to Stay Healthy

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Rosemary O’Neill

Linkedin,

Pre-Holiday Season Reality Check – 5 Ways to Stay Healthy

Your most important business asset is your own physical health, especially if you are an entrepreneur or small business owner. That asset must be cared for, if you’re trying to build a long-lasting enterprise and leave your own “dent” in the universe.

We are heading into a season in which there will be a lot of opportunities to go totally “off the charts” with perfectionism, food temptations, squeezing work in between family obligations, and parties. All of these things can lead to a worn down, tired, guilty mess of a body.

We’re friends by now, right?

Let’s agree to the following principles, and enjoy the season that’s coming. We’ll emerge into 2013 ready to take names and kick butt.

  • I will set aside time to move
    Exercise, even if it’s just an after dinner walk with your visitors. (No, sprinting down the aisle of Wal-Mart doesn’t really count.) Consider checking into some of the cool technology that’s available to track your daily exertion, like Fitbit or the Nike Fuelband.
  • I will keep my brain in shape too
    While you’re out of the office and relaxing, take some time to exercise your “brain muscle” too. Do some puzzles, or use a fun online service like Lumosity or Read-It-For-Me to stay sharp.
  • I will assess my home office
    If you’re spending more time working from home over the holidays, take a moment to assess the ergonomics of your work space. If you’re one of the many who work solely on a laptop, you need to get a detachable monitor and keyboard to achieve the proper angles and avoid back/neck strain.
  • I will not skip meals
    Just because you went to Aunt Betty’s massive Thanksgiving spread doesn’t mean you should skip lunch the next day. If you overindulge, just make sure your next few meals are smaller and more healthy. The food you eat is like fuel in your tank. You might need a few bowls of oatmeal to counteract the slab of pumpkin cheesecake.
  • I will fill up my love tank
    One of the Real Housewives of Orange County is always talking about her “love tank” being on empty. We don’t want to become a sad Real Housewife. Use precious family time to fully focus on your spouse, your children, your relationships. Put away the devices and make eye contact. Get some hugs, and give some too, to fill the tank.

What are your best strategies to stay on track during the holiday season?

Author’s Bio: Rosemary O’Neill is an insightful spirit who works for social strata — a top ten company to work for on the Internet . Check out the Social Strata blog. You can find Rosemary on Google+ and on Twitter as @rhogroupee

Thank you, Rosemary!

You’re irresistible!

ME “Liz” Strauss

Time to Keep Better Track of Your Employees?

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While many employees are either off to begin with or ducking out early on this Thanksgiving Eve, how many do you suspect are being truthful about the hours they worked this day?

For many small business owners, it can be a challenge to properly document how many hours their workers are in fact putting in. Even though many companies employ a 40-hour work week, not all employees abide by this rule.

According to a Salary.com survey, surfing the Internet has over recent years become one of the major reasons not all work gets done on time.

The survey noted that more than 60 percent of workers end up on non-work related websites on a daily basis while “working” at their jobs. Within that percentage, nearly 40 percent spend one hour or less per week, 29 percent devote two hours per week, 21 percent waste five hours of their employer’s time per week, while just three percent claim to waste 10 hours or more.

Yes, in some workplaces across the country, employers go above and beyond what would be deemed the normal office environment, that is monitoring the hours worked, time spent for lunch, and how many breaks workers are taking. Some even block a number of Internet sites or the Web altogether.

Others, however, feel the need to implement some type of system that will easily and properly record the time each employee puts in on a daily basis.

Should you find yourself to be one of those small businesses in need of employee time tracking, consider the following:

1. Take the time to find the right system – First and foremost, you don’t want to waste money on the wrong system. Some systems can be harder to implement and record, so make sure the system you desire is understandable, effective, and worth your time. If you or your employees are spending excessive time during the week trying to figure it out, are you truly saving time in the long run? In most cases, the answer is no;

2. Follow the leader – If you want your employees to play by the rules, don’t you think you should too? Even if you own the company or are a higher-up executive, keep in mind that the company is made up of team members and not individuals. Set a good example for your employees by putting in a responsible amount of hours yourself during the week. Most employees respect authority and will follow suit if they see their managers and others higher up the work food chain setting a good example for others to follow;

3. Treat all employees fairly – Nothing can harm an office more than if it is perceived that some employees are getting special treatment when it comes to recording their time spent working. While there are always going to be special circumstances for medical appointments, emergencies and such, treat all employees the same when it comes to recording their hours worked. If some employees feel management is looking the other way in some cases with recording employee hours, it can quickly turn into a major issue in the workplace;

4. Set the rules – In some companies, overtime work is going to be required in order to meet customer needs. In those cases, make sure when hiring workers that they know if they are working from a set salary or are paid hourly. In some cases, workers will try and bill for extra hours that they worked legitimately, yet others will try and stretch the truth. That being said, it is also important that employees record their lunch breaks, etc. so that they are meeting the requirements as set by the law. Under reporting hours can be as much of if not more of a problem than reporting too many hours worked;

5. Review over time – Finally, it is important to review your employee time tracking software, how it is implemented, and what works and does not work from time to time. The needs of your company will change over time, hence how you record employee time spent doing a job will too. Whether you track employee time by when they sign in on their computers, when they enter the office or by some others means, don’t just assume it is automatically working. If your current tracking operations are not working, take the time to fix the problem and see better results in no time.

Photo credit: smallbiztrends.com

About the author: With 23 years of experience as a writer, Dave Thomas covers a wide array of topics to help your small business succeed.