Get Motivated!

You know those people who wake up before work to hit the gym, manage to cook a meal each night and find time to do charity work on the weekends? We have some secret strategies from motivated people and are going to share them with you. The fact that motivation is linked with success isn’t recent business news, so read our tips for staying motivated and watch the hot business opportunities in San Diego roll in!

1.       Before putting a plan into action, zero in on potential problems that may arise and troubleshoot them. Studies have revealed that people who plan for obstacles are more likely to follow through with projects.

2.       Your drive is based more on what you believe about your abilities than how objectively talented or smart you are. So believe in yourself and you will perform better. Seriously.

3.       Don’t aim too high. Set goals that are a stretch but actually attainable. If you make unrealistic goals they will eventually become demotivating.

4.       With that said, be sure to take one step (however small) towards your goal each day. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and also help you toward your goal.

5.       Hold yourself accountable by making your goal public. This will also put a support system in place when you encounter pitfalls.

6.       Make time for yourself. Everyone is busy, but motivated, successful people take time out to focus on what makes them happy—and sane.

7.       Challenge yourself and never stop learning. Make sure to try new things often!

{Photo Credit: photosteve101}

Rules for Working from Home

Nowadays, business opportunities in San Diego often mean telecommuting, aka working from home. Although it offers greater freedom, it can be hard to stay on track when you don’t have to go into an office. Read Redline Executives’ four top tips for working from home to help you adjust to your new San Diego career.

1.       Create a work-friendly environment at home. Make sure you have a designated workspace that it is streamlined and ergonomic.

2.       Create a structured work routine and schedule 20-minute breaks throughout the day. Make sure to step outside for your breaks, as sunlight has been known to stimulate the pineal gland, which produces melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle).

3.       Take note of how many hours per day you spend not working, and what you are doing during that time. When working at home, it is easy to fritter away hours surfing the Internet so make rules for yourself, like reserving a special time of day to check your personal email.

4.       While you want to be productive and disciplined about your schedule, that doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself off from friends and family! Schedule face-to-face time with people a few times a week via lunch or coffee dates.

{Photo Credit: Scott Ableman}

Make a Good First Impression

Whether you are interviewing for a job or getting new clients, your first impression is important. Read Redline Executive’s five tips for what not to do when meeting someone new and you will be calm and collected when forging new business opportunities.

1.       Don’t talk too much! During a first encounter, nerves kick in and it is easy to talk, and talk, and talk. The listener might be smiling and nodding, but they don’t feel affirmed or appreciated. Even though you might be nervous, make sure to try to make the other person feel good by asking them about their day.

2.       Don’t try to be perfect—you might intimidate the other person so that they find it hard to relate to you. Let your guard down—just a little bit—and you will undoubtedly have a better conversation for it.

3.       Don’t forget the other person’s name. In order to remember the other person’s name, repeat it and repeat it again. It will help you to not forget it and also make the other person feel special. You don’t have to stop at their name though, you can also mention the name of their spouse, pet, or child.

4.       Don’t be boastful. Sure, you want to showcase your contributions to a project, but you don’t want to appear self-serving or to put down others for your own gain.

5.       Don’t look disengaged. You can appear disinterested if your face is neutral, so give clues that you are listening by tilting your head or arching your eyebrow.

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