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!

Week In Review - 20 June 2014

Chillin' in Spain w/the Hubs!

I had a much needed 4-day mini break to Spain from Monday through Thursday, topping up my tan and the scale a bit too! The getaway was the perfect combination on sunshine, sangria & paella!  

On Friday, I performed a dep gig with 'Beau' at the grand re-opening of The Westleigh in Havant. The venue and the crowd were both fantastic, and I really enjoyed working with the fantastic musicians that comprise Beau. Dep gigs keep you on your toes because usually you don't get a chance to rehearse, you just show up and hope for the best :). Thankfully, I've dep'd for them before, so we were good to go.

Beau

Gloria Miller Duo

Note to self ... never schedule three gigs for the same date which is exactly what I did on Saturday, the longest day of the year in every way! I put in a 12-hour day gigging at The Spring in Havant with my duo in the afternoon, a private party in Hedge End in the early evening, and finishing up at The Mermaid in Portsmouth performing Supremely, Diana Ross. I was one tired soul at the end of the night and the drive home was a bit of a blur. When I arrived home, my very lovely husband had lit relaxing candles all over the house to create a calming atmosphere for me to come home to! After murdering a veggie stir-fry I hit the sack only to wake up on Sunday feeling quite out of it. This was my excuse to sit on the sofa and watch movies on LoveFilm, which I did! 

One of my acts, the incredible Marlene Hill, will be performing in 'Swinging at the Cotton Club' at the King's Theatre in Southsea on the 26th of October. I've seen this show a couple times now and it is spectacular and features The Jiving Lindy Hoppers & Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra!  Take a step back into 1920's New York City and through the doors of Harlem's hottest nightclub, 'The Cotton Club'!  Swinging at The Cotton Club is an action-packed show celebrating music, dance, and song! Buy your ticket today!

I am excited to announce that I am starting to book original duo and band gigs as my CD, Let Go, is experiencing a bit of a revival over here in the UK. I released this CD in America just before moving to the UK five years ago and it seems the album got a little bit lost somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic ... LOL! At the first of my three gigs on this past Saturday, I dried off and performed five songs from the album which received a really positive response from the audience, and I sold a few CDs too!  

I just confirmed today that The Gloria Miller Duo will be performing originals & covers as part of The Guildhall Summer Sessions on the 24th of July at the outside cafe! We're performing two 45-minute sets, starting at 5:30pm.  And, Move On Up will be backing me on a gig at The Pizza Express in Soho on Sunday the 28th of September ... doors at 12:00 and we start at 13:30. We are supporting a fantastic up and coming band, Alter Ego, and will be performing songs from my CD as well as a few covers. This is going to be a great show with two great bands performing original Jazz, Soul, Blues & Funk!  Click here for more information.

Venus Awards Nominee Networking Event

Lastly, it was just announced that I have been nominated for a 2nd Venus Award in the New Business category. I was completely surprised to get the 1st nomination in the Customer Service category, and I am terribly humbled to be recognized again for starting GME. Check out their blog and learn more about the other nominees and the businesses they represent.

I think that's enough for now ... I'll be with you again on Friday with the next edition!

Until then, have a fab week!