Week In Review - 25 July 2014

Mostly this week has been about prepping for a very busy summer of gigs and events. In order to help keep myself organized and on top of getting ready for shows, running the day-to-day business operations and the constant battle of learning new material, I decided to attend a workshop on Time Management (which I was late getting to by the way ... LOL)! On Tuesday, I headed to Chichester to attend 'Time Management & Focus' run by Cara Moore and most of what was shared I already knew, but wasn't exactly implementing. But, the biggest thing I walked away with was finding out what my 'golden hours' are during the day and tackling my biggest projects during this time. The golden hours are the time of day when you're most focused. Cara encouraged us to protect these hours and not squander them away on the things that don't necessarily build the business. She even suggested not scheduling meetings during the golden hours, as they can be time killers. 

Cara Moore, Executive Coach

I identified my golden hours as 1-3pm. That's the beginning of my work day and when I feel most ready to tackle the day. Before attending this workshop I was using this time on operational tasks (emails, social networking, scheduling, etc.) and not on the activities that build my business (new business research, developing new clients, servicing existing clients, newsletter, etc.). I immediately implemented refocusing the tasks I work on during my golden hours and just like that revolutionized my work week. More of my quality time is now directed to building my business with the every day tasks still getting done, but in a more efficient way. 

We were also encourage to delegate the tasks that can potentially steal those precious golden hours. I'm now identifying tasks that can be outsourced to a Virtual Assistant. I tried using a VA before when I first started my business, but I wasn't quite ready to let go of the reigns in certain areas. Now that my business has grown and therefore the demands of running the business have grown, I'm willing to try using the services of a VA again. I'll let you know how I get on with delegating. I'm scared, but willing ...

Last night I had a lovely mid-week gig at the Portsmouth Guildhall Cafe performing as part of their Summer Sessions with my Duo. A special shoutout to Nathalie Gunn who booked me and John Sackett of Big Adventures who organized the event. The evening was called 'Alfresco Thursdays' and it was indeed a lovely evening to perform outside. We had a lovely crowd who were singing along, even on my original song 'Because of Your Love.' I also ran a little contest during 'Ain't No Sunshine' which the crowd eagerly participated in. You know that part of the song that goes ... 'I know, I know, I know ...?' I promised the first person to accurately call out how many times I actually sang that phrase a free CD. So I sang it 18 times, really, I'm not kidding, and ended up with several people nailing the answer. So I gave out about 5 CDs and then a random lady who was just walking by the cafe at the time got a free CD too! What can I say, I'm easy. Please don't let that get around :)!

These Summer Sessions will continue through the end of August. Do support this new venture be spreading the word and coming down to the Guildhall Cafe to enjoy the lovely atmosphere of live music ... alfresco style!

Lastly, in preparation for the upcoming Southsea Show on the 1st-3rd of August, I had rehearsals with my covers band, Move On Up on Tuesday and my originals band, Mayfield on Thursday who will both be performing during this 3-day event. Supremely, Diana Ross is also making an appearance. It would be great to see you at this event. If you do come, please be sure to say hello!

Well, that's it for this week ... have an amazing weekend!