Chaos Busters 3-2-1 Action

How do you communicate with clients during a crisis? Does it matter how you communicate with clients during a crisis? Client communication is vital during a crisis. A business crisis is not a new term in the business world because unexpected events happen daily. The current COVID-19 pandemic is a unique one since it affects businesses worldwide simultaneously and in an almost similar manner. It is both a social and financial crisis for companies and employees. The persistent spread of the pandemic is changing the way we work, live, and how we interact, thrusting business leaders and employees into new territory. During this uncertain period, businesses must ensure that communication is ongoing, accurate, and transparent.  In October 2020, a crisis struck my business. Cancer struck in our family, and the lens tightened into survival. I had recently hired new staff and had just onboarded a new client. Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!   Read more at olindaservices.com/blog

In today's podcast, we ask, “What can we learn from crisis? Can it teach us about our leadership style and our business resilience?” A strong vision, courage, integrity, humility, strategic planning, team management, and focus make a good leader. Great leaders find the balance between business foresight, performance, and character. So, when there is a crisis, the team would expect the leader to use all of these qualities to inspire them and offer direction. Your business can be faced with crises like COVID-19, service failure, or PR damage. How you respond says more about who you are and how you lead, than it does about the problem itself. It is challenging and emotionally disturbing with a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic strikes. This type of crisis has never happened before and was sudden. The pandemic is unfamiliar and uncertain; there is a need for effective responses and strategic behavior from business owners. Business owners learn from crises and they should develop a fundamental crisis response plan. You can find out more about developing a business crisis plan by visiting my website, olindaservices.com/blog, and search for the keywords “business crisis.” Today let us focus on what a crisis reveals about our leadership style and business resilience.  Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!

What to do after a business crisis! Look at these possible scenarios; It is Monday morning, and your computer refuses to start.  Your son hugs you and knocks over your cup of coffee - all over your laptop! You get a call that Dad is in the hospital with a heart attack.  Someone is intentionally writing bad reviews about your business, and you have done everything to make it right.  All businesses deal with crises at some point. These could be a data breach, IT shutdown, brand damage, data loss, or even a global pandemic like the current COVID-19. A business crisis can be anything that is a significant disruption to your workflow or normal daily operations. These situations can impact a business, whether large or small. Depending on the intensity of the crisis, there could be loss of existing and potential clients, damage to business credibility, reducing operations, and threatening employee's lives. At worst, it could lead to your business closing. Without proper strategies and plans to deal with a crisis, it is not easy to recover. Several weeks ago, we spoke about planning for a crisis. How important it is to have a plan B.  Plan Thoroughly Crisis Management Plan Communication is Vital Now let's look at the next phase. Today let us focus on strategies to get back into action after a crisis. Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!

Running Your Business During a Crisis Join me today as we talk about grief. I have become intimately affected by grief and found out how difficult it can be to run my business during a brief crisis. Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!

Running your business during a crisis: Are you set up to succeed? Here are the 5 Most Powerful Ways to Run A Business During A Crisis! Unexpected events can wreak havoc on any business, large or small. Crises such as global pandemics or dealing with an IT system failure can paralyze a business. We have daily calamities, like personal illness, a key staff member's illness, or even the death of a loved one.   To contain any of these crises will involve various approaches and agile measures to ensure its continued existence and survival. Crisis management is a skill and requires personal qualities for efficient execution.  The COVID-19 pandemic has tested many businesses and taught us unforgettable lessons. In some areas, the pandemic continues ravaging. As a business owner, let's reflect and ask ourselves these two questions:  Number one, what is my Plan B? Number two, do I have a strategy on how I will manage my business in a crisis?" Today let us focus on ways to do business with dignity, integrity, and respect during crises leading to success.

Today's podcast is #2 of the series, Work Less, Earn More. If you are feeling the pain of overwhelm, download my gift to you! 7 Secrets to Working Less and Earning More at olindaservices.news/7secretsgift. I will be retiring this eBook soon.

Do you want to work less and earn more? This 2-part podcast is based on my eBook, 7 Secrets to Working Less and Earning More. To get your free copy, visit https://olindaservices.news/7secretsgift   "I can't do it all." My despair was real. I was utterly overwhelmed. I knew I had to do something!   Running your own business or non-profit is downright HARD work. You know what needs to be done, but there is only so much of you to go around. How do you get it all done?  Don't let your business stop growing just because you are not ready for employees. The secret is to work smarter, not harder. – Lisa Olinda Today, let's focus on some tools you can use to drag you out of the constant circle of overwhelm. 

Technology is a tool designed to make life easier. We can use it wisely, but we must leave a margin to enjoy the beauty of life around us. If we get too wired to technology we miss those little things that can make our days brighter and our nights restful. Unplug this week. You choose the amount of time. The when and the how. Make a plan. What will you do to replace that time? Write it down. Follow it for the week. Let me know what you gained through this exercise. Will you do more unplugging next week?

Preparing for your time off Mom, my throat is sore. Honey, my client has an emergency. Have you ever been stuck in vacation woes? As a mom to five children, I struggled to enjoy traveling. Don't get me wrong, I love to travel, but it seemed like drama ruled the day when traveling with the kids. Since my Mom lived about 600 miles south of us, at least 2 or 3 times a year, we journeyed down I95 to I85. Adventures like ice storms, car sickness, weak bladders, and one year of arriving with three having strep. These adventures have made me immune to most travel woes. Now that I own and manage my own business, I have different kinds of travel woes. I am finding that taking time away from my 24/7 business demands is challenging. Today, we will learn more about how to prepare properly for our time off work.

Is Your Team Hindering Your Business? If you need to micromanage your team, setbacks might be more significant than progress.  At the end of last year, my family went through a massive change in our lives. I had to devote 100% of my energy and attention to this crisis. I was out of the office for a while, and it interrupted some processes that I had just put into place. I knew that when I came back, I was not going to be able to take on everything by myself. If I wanted to help people whisper their chaos, I needed some help in whispering my own. 

Believe it or not, we are already into the second half of February, and Valentine's Day has passed. It is always delightful to dedicate time to celebrate love and friendship with the important people to us.  Yes, the first ones that come to my mind are my family and friends. With a loss of a few loved ones this past year, we are more grateful for those who remain.   was talking to my assistant recently and going through the history of some of my clients. I have worked with many of these clients for YEARS! We have become friends and have gone through gains and losses together.  Sometimes my clients email me in shorthand. I know what they mean, but my assistant has no idea. I had to chuckle as I explained the code. The conversation reminds me that I have fantastic clients and love working with them.  Today, let's listen to some ways client appreciation is vital in your business.  

Let's take a quick look back at the first week of this year. With all the political happenings globally, the fresh memories we have of them, feels like yesterday, but it's already a month and a half since the new year! It is easy to have squirrel moments and lose focus; when we snap back to reality, we can see time didn't stop, and now we need to catch up! Losing focus is widespread, and more so if we are setting project goals, like the ones we start on New Year's or at the start of a new quarter. These projects take time to produce results and can lead us to become impatient and lose energy. We're six weeks into 2021, it's normal to have lower energy reserves compared to the start of the year. This is not an excuse to give up! It's time to assess our progress and sharpen our focus. Today, we will reflect on renewing our motivation and staying focused for the weeks to come. Here are three thoughts to provoke, two ideas to inspire you, and one item for you to act on! https://www.olindaservices.com/blog

We are already one month into 2021. Many of us have high expectations of what January and the remaining months of this year will bring. To say 2020 was a challenging year in our lives' professional and personal aspects is an understatement. We have heard stories or experienced being separated from families, losing jobs, or even loved ones. These circumstances hit us hard! I am sure I am not the only one who is quietly questioning; can 2021 be worse?

Is Poor Business Housekeeping Costing You Money? Do you have subscriptions you are not using? Domains that are on autopay, but unused? It may be time for a systems audit. Today, let's find a few ways to decrease the chaos in your systems, save you money, and get you ready for the holidays. Find out more by visiting https://olindaservices.com/systems-audit-poor-business-housekeeping-costing-you-money/. 

Your business is thriving and suddenly distractions rear their ugly head. They cause chaos and sap your passion. You can overcome distractions by focusing on the best use of the finite amount of resources you have. Find links and other goodies at olindaservices.com/passion-build-it-conquer-distraction/.  

I have to chuckle as I upload this podcast. Right after recording, I got sick! You get to hear this podcast in all of its imperfection. I did multiple takes and just couldn't stop the word stumbles. Now, I know why.  Are you pushing hard to meet deadlines and get everything done? As we strive for perfection (am I the only one?) we must be careful that we do not push too hard. We must build margin into our days. Want the notes? Visit https://olindaservices.com/margin-is-work-making-you-sick/. 

Are you handling some major pivots in your business? How are your business relationships? Are you overwhelmed with all of the details? Today, Lisa Olinda, Chief Chaos Whisperer of Olinda Services, explains why your business may be ready to invest in an Executive Business Partner. 

Today, let's highlight three women who helped me in my business life. As you read about my experiences, consider who has helped you. Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on! To read more and find links to valuable information, click here. 

Working from home can cause major headaches with business communication. How do I define a squirrel moment? “You are writing your newsletter and suddenly you remember the bill you forgot to pay. You go to pay the bill and remember you did not take the clothes out of the washer. You go to take the clothes out of the washer and remember you had a 1 p.m. meeting and it is now 1:15 p.m.” How can our minds go in so many directions at the same time? Today, let's learn about quieting those squirrel moments and gaining focus so we can communicate precisely, retain our sanity, and wow our clients.

Are you the remote communicator that everyone shakes their head, knowing you will have a communication breakdown? Today, let look at how we can make video communication a success even if you feel you are all thumbs with technology. Here is a free login notebook for you with video tutorial links!

In this podcast, I teach you steps to make our remote office space work for YOU. We talk about how I combat mood swings and grumpiness with my work from home lifestyle. We discuss how too many problems and unanswered questions keep us spinning in circles, and how tech can save the day! A free planning resource is available at https://olindaservices.com/free-gift-intention/. 

COVID-19 has caused families to pivot, and there is much anxiety about what the next school year will hold for learners. Many parents are in a panic or are in survival mode. How do you work from home, support your children's education, and have a life? You are NOT alone. Learn how you can find a work-life rhythm while working from home with your children.

Do you feel like life is a bit out of control? I get you! There is chaos swirling around us. We hear daily of pandemic news, political debates, social unrest, and economic catastrophes. How can we focus during these times? Jon Gordon writes, "Three things you control every day are your ATTITUDE, your EFFORT, and your ACTIONS. As I write, I keep being reminded of one of my favorite saying, "grit with grace." I think I first heard that phrase spoken by Carrie Wilkerson. Wow, what a concept. Today, let's look at ways to dig deep and bring back control into our everyday lives.

Today, I was working with a client who is building her first landing page. We had finished the technical aspects of integrating a payment system and importing her contacts, ensuring they were tagged correctly. Today's session was brainstorming the content and key elements for her to craft her message. While I do not claim to be a marketing guru, I have done a lot of training in marketing and I know what works for me. As we spoke, I pulled out some notes started rattling off some key components she would cover on her landing page. What do you think the next question was that she asked? “Do you have that written down?” She wanted to see the information and create based on my building blocks. I assured her I would send her my brainstorming notes after our call. Next steps? I created what I call the 7 Critical Components for a Magical Landing Page. Today's episode covers the broader picture of creating your message for your landing page. I have a free resource for you that shows you the 7 Critical Components for a Magical Landing Page. Visit olindaservices.news/landing to download now.

I want to shift our perspective. Write another formula to success. We need to manage our time and energy, not control it. It is not work-life balance but work-life rhythm. As women, we wear so many hats. We put so much pressure on ourselves to conform to outside standards. You know what? I will get the things done, but it just may look a little different from what someone else feels is the best way. We usually don't have the luxury of offboarding life crisis and chaos to others. They have to be handled, often in real-time. – Lisa Olinda Additional Resources Manage Your Time & Energy Blog Post  

I thought I would take a few minutes today to introduce myself and let you get to know me. Whenever I say that phrase "getting to know you," I just start mentally humming the 1951 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I. "Getting to know you, Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, Getting to hope you like me. Getting to know you. Putting it my way but nicely. You are precisely, my cup of tea." Today, let's focus on you "getting to know me," and hopefully, I will be your cup of tea! If you would be interested in having a 15-minute session with me, visit https://calendly.com/lisaolinda/15min and schedule a time, or you can send me questions at lisa@olindaservices.com.

Michael Hyatt says, The secret to becoming more productive is not managing your time but your energy. How do we manage to rest in a time of crisis?  Let's focus for a few minutes as I bring you a 3-2-1 chaos buster punch on REST. 

If you have watched the Disney movie UP, you have seen how the dogs are distracted every time a squirrel passes. I currently feel like I have a ton of squirrels in my day. Learn how to manage your attention during chaos? Here are three thoughts to provoke you, two ideas to inspire you, and one item to act on!

Today, I am just NOT feeling it. I want to be productive, but every cell in my body is screaming NO! Do you ever have days like this? Anne Frank says, “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” While it may appear to an outsider that I am just lazy, really, I am dealing with resistance. What is resistance? I like this definition: A force that tends to oppose or delay motion. What force are you dealing with today that is hindering your motion? Mine is a complicated combination of fatigue, personal matters, and another area that I will address later. Today, let's focus on pushing through resistance and progressing forward.

What do you do when your website has been hacked three times in the first year of business? Your WordPress site is not safe just because you are a small business owner. When I started my business website, I was hacked three times in the first year. Website security became very important to me quickly. I have a free infographic to help you manage your WordPress chaos with ease. Click here for the free download.

I have done webinars and public events teaching about email. I recently had an associate ask for tips on creating folders and setting up rules in their desktop Outlook. Let us look at a few ways YOU can control your email chaos in  Outlook. You can read more about this episode at https://olindaservices.com/outlook-controlling-email-chaos/.  For a free infographic, visit https://olindaservices.news/6email. 

"I felt very still and empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo." The quote above may seem like a strange quote, but it resonated with me as I struggle to grasp the swirling chaos of the world around me. So many events are out of my control. People are dying, many unjustly. Businesses are struggling due to COVID-19. Some are being looted and destroyed. How do we move forward? I feel paralyzed. I have so few answers and so many questions. Much seems uncertain right now. Today, let's focus on being productive even when chaos is all around us. For today's free planner, visit https://olindaservices.news/plan   

Today's focus? Boundaries Brené Brown says, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” Learn more about today's podcast at https://olindaservices.com/lockdown_chaos/.   

The French author of Le Petit Prince wrote, "A goal without a plan is just a wish."  Do you have a goal of hiring your ideal assistant? Someone who has the skills and expertise to make your business grow and thrive? Let's work on a plan of action today.

Are you suffering from the Should've Hired a VA Syndrome?  I often hear potential clients who are frustrated with doing the same work over and over again. Their invoicing falls behind, their systems are never fully developed, and they always feel behind schedule. As I listen to the litany of woe, I often hear a voice in my head saying, "They Should've Hired a VA."

Have you developed a love-hate relationship with your email? Are you trying to convince yourself that it is a necessary evil? What if we pivoted and saw email as a good thing; an excellent means of communication? Hiromu Arakawa says, “It's a cruel and random world, but the chaos is all so beautiful.” Learn how that mountain of email can become beautiful.