You're Making Me Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kevin Achtzener
A podcast about productivity, persuasion, and motivation. My goal is to give you manageable tips and techniques you can use immediately to get results in your personal and professional lives.
I've recently moved to Abu Dhabi and had to make some tough choices.
I decided to bring only what I needed to be productive.
In this episode I'll go over my travelling office setup. I'll cover my work setup including what I've brought to make videos and podcasts.
For full show notes, and to join the conversation you can head over to http://youremakingme.com/episode51
Episode 50 gives some details about what I've been doing and where I'm living.
In this episode we talk about my recent move, the prep involved, and what I'll be doing where I'm here.
You can join the discussion at http://youremakingme.com/episode50
The shownotes for this eposide are packed with goodness.
I have info on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Images, and plenty more.
You can find them on my site at: YoureMakingMe.com/Episode49
In this episode we'll talk about the Visual Mapping Challenge.
It's your chance to get started on a new project using Visual Maps.
You can visit YoureMakingMe.com/Episode48 for the full show notes and to get involved in the discussion.
In this episode, I talk about Brainstormong. I cover some of the reasons why people seem to have a grudge against it, and I'll give you an alternative way tio create great ideas.
You can leave me a comment on the main podcast page:
http://youremakingme.com/episode47
Items mentioned in the podcast: Walt Disney Method
Raiders of the Lost Ark Session
The Conflict Study - This links to the actual paper. It's dry reading, but describes exactly what happened during the study.
The New Yorker Article - An article that got tons of press. It based it's opinion on the French / US "Conflict" study.
Victims of Groupthink - Amazon Link. You'll need to follow the used books link to get a decent price.
You can visit http://youremakingme.com/episode46 for the complete show notes and to subscribe to the podcast.
Items mentioned in the podcast: * Visual Mapping Review Series 2014 - This is the list post that contains all the videos from the series. * Java vs. Java comment on my YouTube video * XMind 6 Beta - Will let you try out all of the XMind Pro features during the Beta period (Expires November 30, 2014). * YMM.com/love - If you enjoy the podcast, you can let others know by clicking here (takes you to twitter).
Hi Everyone,
This is a note to you, my "Podcast Only" subscribers.
I'm making a small change to how I deliver the YMM podcast feed. There shouldn't be any issues, but I'm sending out a note in case anything weird happens.
Here's the plan:
Going forward, the feed will come right from YoureMakingMe.com instead of Libsyn, where I store the MP3 files.
That means you'll get the same post as everyone else (and I won't have to write two posts every time I publish an episode).
Looking back, I could have done things differently when I set up my podcast a few years ago, but now I'm making this change to give you a better experience.
When?:
I'll flip the switch tomorrow (Thursday Sept 18, 2014). You shouldn't notice anything at all... at least that's the plan. I just wanted to tell you in advance in case you get some old content re-sent to you.
Anyway, I've got a loaded show planned for this coming Monday, so we'll talk soon,
Kevin Achtzener
You're Making Me Podcast
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcast we're going to talk about visual mapping, Xmind, and even some time blocking.
I'll also give you a run-down of the first 7 visual mapping solutions I've reviewed as part of the the Visual Mapping Review Series
We're starting this year's set of reviews In Episode 44 of the You're Making Me podcast, I'm going to look ahead to this years visual mapping review series. I've given it a new name, and I'm adding the year because I plan on keeping this going as long as it provides value to people.
The official name is The Visual Mapping Review Series 2014. I'll probably also use the abbreviation VMRS too, so keep an eye out for that.
Over the next few weeks I'll be looking into several visual mapping programs for your PC, mobile devices, as well as Internet solutions.
Do you have a favourite program? If you have a specific visual mapping tool that you absolutely love, feel free to live and leave me a comment and I'll do my best to have a look at it. Unfortunately, I can't promise that I'll do a video review since there's so much out there, but I'll do my best to look at as many visual mapping solutions as I can.
This podcast episode was originally published on YoureMakingMe.com.
This episode is all about Tablets vs. Laptops. I need a replacement for my laptop. Do I buy another laptop, or do I make the switch to a tablet for my main machine. I already know what a laptop will do for me, so the question is more about whether the benefits of tablets give me something better than what I'm already using. I'll go through my thought process, and even talk about net books and ultra books too. Part of my decision is based on portability and part of my decision is based on the fact that I need to be able to edit high-definition video. I'll go over everything I've used to make my decision, and I hope it'll help you when the time comes to get a new device. Join the discussion If you're enjoying my podcast, you can help me out by giving me a 5 Star rating in iTunes, or by sharing via social media, or by leaving a comment at http://youremakingme.com/Episode43.
"They're ready for someone, but they ain't ready for us."
Snake Doctor (Dennis Haysbert) in The Unit
In this episode you'll learn: * Why I love the quote so much. * What you can learn about action from the signal lights on your car. * A little more about Paradiamond #2 from my Diamonds and Silver book. * The most excuse for not taking action that you need to overcome. * 4 reasons why Simple strategies get implemented more.
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcast we'll cover ways to stay excited about your goals by Igniting a burning belief in yourself.
If you've read my book Diamonds and Silver, you might recognize it as the first lesson our hero learns.
This week's Top X of a Topic is on the same topic. X=3 this week, which means I'll count down the three top ways to ignite a burning belief in yourself.
Other than that, I've got some news to share, and a little bit of gossip.
In this episode you'll learn: * Why I want you to stop whispering, "I love you," at work * What it means to go Oliver Twist on something * The balloon technique and how it applies to motivation, and why you should NEVER visualize RED balloons. * I'll give you an example of an "Fake it 'till you make it" horror story. I'll also tell you why you should still fake it anyway. * What I believe is the best motivator know to exist * What pouring wine into a glass of vinegar can teach you about changes in your life
Items mentioned in the podcast: The current XMind package - You get the Visual Productivity eBook, the tutorial videos, and the companion workbook free if you get it via my link.
99 Red Balloons (With Lyrics)
John Travolta Strutting - An example of how to walk with swagger (to Staying Alive by the Bee Gees). It still works.
Diamonds and Silver [Amazon] - A link to my book. Igniting a Burning Belief is the first lesson from the book.
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcast we're going to talk about some of the latest developments in the area of visual thinking.
I also want to say thanks to everyone who's been listening. I've seen a huge spike in listeners during the past few months.
I even found a way to include a 5-minute brownie recipe for you to check out. I think you're going to like it.
All that in about 13 minutes.
In this episode you'll learn: * Why some people can't believe I wrote Diamonds and Silver * Why Kevin's so excited about the latest podcast numbers * About a new visual mapping tool for Evernote * Why you should get the latest version of XMind * Some more cool news pieces
Other items mentioned in the podcast: * Diamonds and Silver - Here's the Amazon link. * Visual Mapping with Evernote - Mohiomap. Looks interesteing, but I haven't played around with it yet. * Visual Mapping Conference - Starts March 20, 2014 in San Francisco. Tickets are $89 (I said $80 in the podcast). It's still a good deal. * Brownie in A Cup - It'll only takes 5 min. Yum! * Fazioli Piano - Here's a link to the story in the local paper.
Image Credit: Lusi - http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lusi
I recently went to get my flu immunization, and what I found surprised me.
Come along with me as I relive the harrowing tale of of lineups and handwriting gone bad.
In this episode you'll learn: * What's a flu sniff anyway? * Why I think Pinterest could have helped my flu immunization * 3 ways to avoid filling out forms by hand * How a flu immunization can teach you about your own business / life
Let me know what you think
If you enjoy the podcast, I would appreciate your ratings as they help the podcast show up in more peoples lists. You can leave ratings (especially the 5 Star variety) in iTunes, or Stitcher and leave a comment while you're there. If you're rating is lower than that, drop me a line. Once I've stopped crying from the shock, I'll happily ready your comments.
You can join the conversation at: YoureMakingMe.com/Episode39
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcasts we go over good customer service. I talk about a recent visit I had to my local Starbucks, and how it's a good example of good customer service. I also end up doing a 20 second review of a recent book I read.
In this episode you'll learn: * What happened on my 9:08 PM trip to Starbucks * Why my car almost had a hot chocolate bath * When the first big section of the XMind Bonuses will be released * Two things this guy applied perfectly from a book I just read * What's coming up next episode
Other items mentioned in the podcast: The Book: Mr. Shmooze: The Art and Science of Selling Through Relationships
XMind Bonuses - If you buy XMind through my link, I'll hook you up with all of the bonuses.
I sit down again with Greg Gazin to put him through the paces with XMind. We'll go over setting up a capture system, and how to translate those ideas into goals you can take action on.
I've also added more content to the FAW (Follow Along Workbook), so that's definitely worth checking out.
In this episode you'll learn: Why Greg says Visual Thinking is "Unnatural"
Why it's important to separate the mind dump from the organization
The special sheet I use to maintain focus
My top business goals for 2014
MEGA Productivity includes the 45 minute goals workshop
Which new bonus I'm added to my Visual Productivity eBook
Other items mentioned in the podcast: Greg Gazin Online - Twitter, GadgetGreg.com, or Google him if you want to connect somewhere else.
FAW (Follow Along Workbook) - (You need the free XMind program to open this). Includes the Action Sheet.
XMind Cheat Sheet - The complete guide on working with XMind. All I ask is that you try my newsletter.
Coming up with great ideas is a numbers game. In this episode of the You're Making Me podcast I'll explain exactly what I mean and give you a real world example of how this can apply to you.
Items mentioned in the podcast: * Boardgamist.com - Another site of mine. I'll be doing board game reviews, and board games on iOS. It's completely unrelated to productivity, and just one of my ways to "Geek Out." * Table Top Cafe in Edmonton - A coffee shop that has a ton of Euro, Ameritrash, AND classic board games. * XMind - You can download XMind for free. * XMind Cheat Sheet - Get your copy of the XMind Cheat Sheet from me. All I ask is that you try out my newsletter.
Get the XMind Deal If you purchase an XMind license through me, you'll get everything XMind would give you, plus 3 bonuses from me.
Bonus #1: Visual Productivity eBook (On Mind Mapping)
Bonus #2: Visual Productivity Video Tutorials
Bonus #3: XMind Workbook with Templates
Here's the buy link again
In this episode, I'll update you on the progress of the new book. I'll also answer some questions from you, the listeners.
Links:
XMind (With Bonuses): http://youremakingme.com/get-xmind/
Latest XMind Cheat Sheet Tutorials: (Relationship, Boundary, Summary, Labels, Markers, Notes, Drill Down). They should be up by the weekend.
yWriter - This is the program I use for writing books and for storing info on my computer. Here's a link to a blog post I did on it including a video tutorial.
XMind Cheat Sheet - This is for my free XMind Cheat Sheet .
****I'm going to be changing the feed location for the You're Making Me Podcast so that it come directly from my site (YoureMakingMe.com/) instead of through my hosting service. I hope you won't even notice, but I wanted to attach a short note, just in case there's a hiccup. That will be for the next episode.
Thanks again for subscribing!****
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcast, I talk again with Greg Gazin about implementing a Mind Mapping strategy into his workflow.
We go over how to organize your mind map, some of the key features to be productive right out of the gate, and details on the XMind template you can use to follow along with the series.
I'll also talk a little more about the new XMind Cheat Sheet. It's looking great, and it's available for download.
Download the XMind Workbook to follow along with the podcast series. No opt-in for this file.
You can get the XMind Cheat Sheet by clicking here. I'm asking for a newsletter signup for this one.
In this podcast episode I want to talk about what I've been up to over the last few months, and why you haven't seen a podcast episode recently. I'll also let you know about my upcoming book, and the new freebie. We'll be back to the regular podcast format next time.
Join the conversation at: http://youremakingme.com/Episode33
In this episode of the You're Making Me podcast I'm speaking with Greg Gazin about the why's and how's of using mind maps for business and personal productivity. As you might already know, I recently did a 3-day blitz and completed a book on mind mapping (YMM Podcast #29). Now, I'd like to expand on that, so I've enlisted Greg as my guinea pig, and I'm going to put him through a series of exercises using mind maps in order to streamline his workflow and make him more efficient at something he's already good at. This series will take us from introducing the concept of using mind maps, all the way through to a finished Solution for Greg's business.
I'll make a mind mapping template (on XMind) available for the next episode, and then I'll keep adding to it, so you'll be able to follow along with what we're doing, and so you can start using similar techniques in your own life.
Greg Gazin, a technology columnist, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. You can find more information on him at gadgetguy.ca.
In this episode of that you're making me podcast I want to go over the idea or concept of the "Go Bag." That's a military term that describes a bag that's prepacked with everything you need in advance. That means if you ever need to move in a hurry, you can confidently grab the bag and head stratight for the door. Other names for this type of bag would be a Bugout Bag or even a 72-Hour Bag. In this episode, we're going to take some tips from emergency preparedness, and apply it to an office or personal setting. Using Go Bags might seem funny at first, but it's actually an amazingly simple idea, that will save you time and stress. I'm sure you'll agree that having a bag ready with everything you need to perform a specific aspect of your job (sales material, products, tools, etc) is a great idea, but you might be thinking that it sounds to hard to do. It's not. Let me give you some examples of a few of the Go Bags I use, and I'll show you how easy they are to make. My hope is to inspire you to start looking at opportunities in your own life where whether you can use a Go Bag to have 100% of the right tools ready to go when you need them.
Most people think that the best way to get organized involves blindly collecting information, and then put it in the right place later on. At least, that's what they do. Well, that doesn't have to be the case. The easiest way to get organized (and stay that way) is to have to have a system (and plan) in place before you start collecting information. If the sytem is easy to follow and actually works, you're on your way. Today we're going to go over how to organize the information you already have, and show how you can setup a system to catch new information going forward. That way, it ends up in the right place to begin with. That good news is that this approach will takes the same effort as what you're giving now, but delivers better results. That sound too hard cost? It's Ashley not we'll talk about that in this podcast episode.
In this episode I'm going I'll go over some of the learnings I had during my recent 3-day blitz. How far did I get in my book writing challenge? My goal was to write the majority of a book in the space of three days. I think I did a pretty good job of it, and I want to share some of the high points, and the low points with you. I'll let you know how I did my 3-day blitz and how far along I got on my book, so that when you go ahead and try something similar, don't know what to expect. The surprise iPhone app I'll also tell you about the iPhone app the surprised me in how handy it was. I like it so much, I made it the topic of this episode's "Big One." Head over to http://youremakingme.com/episode29 for all the links mentioned in the episode.
Here's what's happening in this Episode of the You're Making Me Podcast:
XMind Interview
I did an interview with Steve Yang from XMind Mind Mapping. It was an email interview where he shared a ton of useful information about news and upcoming plans for my favourite Mind Mapping software.
Here's a link to the original interview.
I wanted to go over a few of the key takeaways from the interview and give my take on them.
My New Book
I'm also writing a book on Mind Mapping, and I'll be getting a lot of the writing done over the next week. In fact, I'll be doing a 3-day blitz on the book, and focusing all my energy on it for a good part of the week.
In this episode you'll learn: * How to write a book in 3 days (and no, not a junky book) * I'll tell you what the novel Frankenstein has to do with writing books fast * The little by little approach vs. blitzing * What you should be collecting for your book * How to find 3 days in your hectic schedule
What's in this episode: 3:42 - The Big One - What is a 3-Day Blitz
6:37 - Top X of a Topic - The steps to write a book in 3 days
Other items mentioned in the podcast: Time Blocking 101 Free eBook
XMind
yWriter
Createspace
Time Blocking Pro
What's in this episode: 1:21 - The Big One: Treat your mind maps like your most important data
4:00 - News: Recapping the mind mapping program reviews
5:36 - The details on my exclusive interview
6:59 - Top X of a Topic: 2 Ways to Use Mind Maps for Productivity
Other items mentioned in the podcast: YouTube Channel- YoureMakingMe
7 Reviews in (About) 7 Days:
- The Brain
- XMind
- Freemind
- Bubbl.us
- Mind 42 - Coming soon
- Mind Jet - Coming soon
- Mind Meister - Coming Soon
yWriter Website
Kevin's yWriter demo video
In this episode you'll learn: * What is a mind map? * How Mind Maps relate to the 3 Phases of Work (from Episode 23) * Why you should be on the lookout for Toni Braxton * What I consider a mind map my first line of defence in my productivity system * The 3 Basic ways to mind map * Why some Mind Mapping systems will make you look like an amateur * and much more
What's in this episode: 1:50 - The Big One: Why bother with mind maps?
3:55 - BiggerPlate.com
4:35 - Mind Mapping Reviews (7 in 7)
8:02 - Top X of a Topic: 10 Reasons You Should Use Mind Maps
Other items mentioned in the podcast: BiggerPlate.com
Kevin's YouTube Channel
Mind Mapping Demo
Other Listening Options:
iTunes
Stitcher Smartphone App (iOS and Android)
YoureMakingMe.com/Episode25 - Choose: Just the Friday Podcast or the Full Feed (1-3 posts/week)
In this episode you'll learn: * Why my dad confiscated my clipboard when I was a kid * How making a simple distinction when you're working can produce some cool spinoff benefits * A technique for increasing the chances that you'll do something * The point of a project where most people quit * Going form Wannabe to Corporate Legend * What to outsource and what to do yourself
What's in this episode: 1:20 - The Big One - The Three Phases of Work
3:40 - Other cool links
5:53 - Top X of a Topic - 6 ways to divide and conquer using the 3 phases
Other items mentioned in the podcast: Why You Need a Capture System (19:57)
How to Use Flipcharts and Whiteboards for BIGGER Ideas (9:37)
Daily 21 technique
Did this post resonate with you? If so, please leave a comment. I love getting feedback.
Other Listening Options:
- iTunes
- Stitcher Radio – via their app
- YoureMakingMe.com/Episode24 – Stream directly from YMM
Image Credit: ba1969
What's in this episode 1:10 - My Story
2:39 - The Big One - Time Blocking
4:32 - 5 second recap of Time Blocking technique
5:00 - Cool scheduling resources
7:05 - Top X of a Topic (X=6 this episode) 6 ways to schedule like a pro
In this episode you'll learn: * The reason why my goal is to be a lazy worker (Yup! It's true.) * Why most people never learn to schedule like a CEO * A powerful technique that's based on what 90% of people are already doing * The maximum amount of your day that you should schedule * What you might have missed in Episode 18 * What made me think people were going to chase me with torches and pitchforks * What to say when a client wants to see you during a scheduled time block * The answer to the question, "What sells today?" It's not what you think.
Other items mentioned in the podcast: Time Blocking eBook
Kevin on Toastcaster Podcast
Image: MJImages
In this episode of the You're Making Me Podcast I go back to basics and look at one of the biggest misconceptions about time management.
Most people think Time management means learning how to do more in the same amount of time, but after you listen to The Big One from this episode, you'll know that just isn't true.
This weeks Top X of a Topic will give you 7 great strategies to get more done.
You'll find out:
- Why getting faster doesn't always mean better results
- The #1 thing you should focus on in Time Management
- 7 Steps to getting more out of you Time Management plan
- The most important type of task you should keep focused on
- and a whole lot more...
Other things mentioned in this podcast include:
How you Finish
Mini Celebrations
Thanks for checking out this episode.
You can subscribe on iTunes or via my Podcast RSS feed.
In this podcast we'll go over the top 20 uses for Siri, and similar voice recognition packages on other phones.
We'll also cover some ways to take credit cards with your phone, and two of the latest ways to go over the news.
Running Time - 32:08
Other Listening Options:
iTunes
Stitcher Radio - via their app
YoureMakingMe.com/Episode21 - Stream directly from YMM
News Square Register - Square Website, where you can sign up for a free account and get a dongle sent to you. Available in Canada and the US only.
Kudos Review - - A review of the Kudos option. I don't see a reference to paying for the dongle anymore. Here's a link to their site. Available in Canada and the US only.
PayPal Card Reader - Here's PayPal's option.
Winston - Winston's homepage. It's like having a news-reading butler in your pocket. Winston can read your Facebook and Twitter streams.
Feedly and Buffer Video - - If you use RSS, I strongly suggest you try out Feedly. When it's combined with buffer, it gives you a great reading and sharing app (iOS and Android).
Feedly and Buffer Post on YoureMakingMe.com
Rapid Fire How to Mute an iPhone Without Using the Switch - - This is a new version of my most popular YouTube video. It's short too, only 1:40. It works with Lifeproof cases too.
Weekly Challenge This week, your goal is to pick one tip from the Top 10, and try it out.
Make sure you leave a comment at http://YoureMakingMe.com/Episode21 to check in with your progress.
Episode 20 of the You're Making Me podcast focuses on smartphone productivity.
I've done my best to load it up with tons of great info.
Here are some of the links we talk about in this episode:
News Amara - Free crowdsourced captions (TheNextWeb)
Amara Homepage
Siri, Google Now, and the End of Apps (MIT Technology Review)
6 Takeaways from the Blackberry 10 launch (Small Business Trends)
Rapid Fire If iPad mini was a car it might be a BMW 1 Series (Canoetech)
Motorola ATRIX HD Giveaway - Canada Only (Canoetech)
My OLD iPhone broken mute phone button
New iPhone Mute Switch video - Coming soon
New iPhone Home Button video - Coming soon
Weekly Challenge Choose one tip from the Siri countdown that you plan on using in the next week. If you don't have voice recognition or don't have a smartphone, you can mention one you think is cool. Leave a comment with your choice.
http://youremakingme.com/episode20
Top X of a Topic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTYY5q2KphI
Siri Top 40 - 40-31 on YouTube
Siri proxy for controlling your home (Github)
What are your thoughts on smartphone productivity? You can leave your comments on the Episode 20 page on YoureMakingMe.com.
Image credit: HamsterDK - http://www.sxc.hu/profile/HamsterDK
News Google Acquires Quick Office - (androidpolice.com)
Managers Have a big impact on Productivity (businessinsider.com)
Get Adobe Create Suite Free - (Version 3) - (lifehack.com)
"Tomorrow (noun): a mystical land where 99% of all human productivity, motivation and achievement is stored." - Sir Ken Robinson
Rapid Fire Lance Armstrong cameo on Dodgeball movie - Check it out. The message is inspiring.
Organisemee - Task management system
Visual Bookmarks for Firefox - (makeuseof.com)
20 New Productivity Apps - Jan 2013
Top X of a Topic 5 Success Tips I Learned from Lance Armstrong BEFORE he Went Rogue
Here's the link to the finish of Stage 17 of the 2004 Tour de France. It's one of the best sprint finishes ever.
I recently did an interview with Greg Gazin on the Toastcaster podcast.
We talk about my Mega Productivity course, and more specifically, Time Blocking.
I do my best to give you some concrete examples of how to use Time Blocking in your own life, and Greg and I end up having a lot of fun too.
By the way... there's a section in the interview where I talk about planning a speech. You'll probably realize it yourself, but I just wanted to tell you that the things I'm talking about can apply to any project you're working on at work, so there's nothing Toastmasters specific about them.
Get a free copy of the Time Blocking 101 eBook
Here's a link for an instant download of the Time Blocking 101 eBook.
In return, all I ask is that you sign up for my list so I can keep you up to date with some of the things I'm doing.
What is Mega Productivity?
If you'd like to learn more about the Mega Productivity time management course, you can watch a couple of videos I've put up on YouTube:
Video #1 - The Core 4: http://youtu.be/81Mq8qT26-g
Video #2 - The Tri-cats: http://youtu.be/QzQpAwrcN90
The Tri-cats are three items that, if done well, can have a significant effect on your time management process. There are three catalysts (Tri-cats) that won't so much make your system, but will definitely make your system better.
This is post 2 of my Mega Productivity Launch. If you haven't seen the first video, you can watch it here:
Video #1: The Core 4 - http://youremakingme.com/mega-productivity-time-management-course/
Video #2: The Tri-cats - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzQpAwrcN90
Productivity Steroids
I call the Tri-cats productivity steroids simply because once you've got a system in place that's working, it's these three tips that will take your 90 LB weakling productivity system and turn it into an 800 LB gorilla... without having all of the health risks of actual steroids.
The Tri-cats are:
-
Systemize
-
Simplify
-
Communicate
Getting real results takes more than than just scheduling, but if you don't plan, tough tasks rarely get done. ~ Kevin Achtzener
I'll be releasing Mega Productivity in a few days. Stay tuned to learn more.
Did this podcast resonate with you?
I would love to hear your feedback, so please leave me a comment down below.
If you enjoy the video and/or podcast, it would be great if you’d do a quick share via social media.
This is the first video in a 3-post series, so make sure you either subscribe to my newsletter, RSS, or bookmark my blog and check back.
Mega Productivity is complete and ready for release.
It's been over a year in production, and now you can get a glimpse of some of the things I cover when I'm with live audiences.
This podcast is the first in a series that will introduce you to the Mega Productivity time management system.
I'll go over The Core 4, which are 4 things you use right away to amp up your time management system.
I'm alway open to feedback, so please stop by my website http://youremakingme.com and leave me a comment, or just say, "Hi."
Website: http://youremakingme.com/about/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kevinachtzener
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UberKevin
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/youremakingme
If it’s worth having, it’s worth paying for You may remember that France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a gift in 1884. What stands out is that France didn’t have a whole lot of extra money to spend at that point in time.
That meant that if the US wanted the statue, it was going to have to pay for the base. The problem was that the base cost almost as much as the Statue of Liberty itself.
Here's a 3-step formula for success, based on the story of The Statue of Liberty.
To discuss this episode or to read the transcript of this podcast, please visit:
http://youremakingme.com/the-statue-of-liberty-success-formula/
Good decisions often come from bad decisions. Here are 3 ways you can make good decisions more often.
Here's the link to the blog post on YoureMakingMe.com.
In this episode, I want to show you a different way to motivate yourself.
If you're not familiar with auto-tuning, it's when computer software is used to change the pitch of a voice. A lot of new songs have it these days, and you've no doubt heard it in action.
There's a neat little app out for the iPhone (and Android) called Songify that lets you make your own songs (Basic version is free). All you do is record something into the microphone. The app then adds music and auto-tunes your voice to make it sound cool.\
I suggest trying this as a motivational method to help keep you on track. It's easy to do and you can record new messages to keep things fresh.
Here's the link to the official post
Here’s the second interview I did with Greg Gazin on productivity boosting gadgets. It’s on a device called the Kudos. It’s a way to take credit card payments on smartphones for your business, charity, or organization using your smart phone.
There are already other options out there, but they usually require you to manually type in the numbers, or force you to carry a big clunky terminal. That’s a huge pain, especially if you’re on planes and trying to travel light.
Kudos is a tiny device that fits in the palm of your hand. You just clip it into the headphone jack of your smart phone or tablet device so you can “swipe” cards.
Here's the link to the complete blog post
When considering hosting a meeting on the web, most people will at least look at the big boys; GoToMeetings and WebEx. They’re alright, but not perfect in themselves.
Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of different packages, but most were slow, with clunky interfaces.
Now, the people over at MeetingBurner.com are trying to come out with the next great meeting software and in my opinion, they’ve done a good job.
Here's the blog post (full text)
I had to chance to sit down with noted Serial Entrepreneur Greg Gazin (@GadgetGreg) recently, and we started talking about what’s cool in the gadget world.
That’s where I learned about Twittens.
In essence, they’re gloves designed to keep your hands warm when you’re using your smart phone (or other touch screen device).
I thought it would be cool to share, so we recorded some video on it.
Here's a link to the blog post
I'm excited to announce the release of the Time Blocking Goodies pack.
It's based on content I share during live events and I'm excited release it, along with some screencasts to demonstrate how it all works.
Here's what you'll get in the goodies package: * Over 40 Minutes of video demonstrating how to use the goodies. * Excel Spreadsheet including: + Time Blocking Sheets (1/2 hour and hourly) - These are same basic sheets I teach with during my productivity training sessions. + Daily Tracker - One of my favourite sheets. It shows where you're spending your time now, and helps you develop habits that stick. + Goal Tracking Sheet - An amazingly simple way to plan and act on your goals. + Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Goals Sheets - After 15 years of using these, I still love them. * 2 Excel Versions (97-2003 and 2010) for maximum compatibility. * Bonus PDF versions of all the the sheets. * Full 30 Day Guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.
Do you recognize the early warning signs of Zombieism? It commonly happens around mid-afternoon. You might start feeling lethargic. Perhaps, you won't even know what's happening until it's too late. You try to to fight it off, but you can't do anything to resist.
It's no use....
Your experiencing short-term zombieism.
(Cue Thriller music)
Here's the full blog post
An easy system Here’s a 7 step system for effectively delegating. I’ve used it in blue collar and white collar settings, and this framework has worked fine in both situations.
When you read it at first, it may seem like it’ll take a long time to use, but it won’t.
Here's the corresponding blog post:
http://youremakingme.com/how-to-delegate-effectivelypart-3-7-steps-of-effective-delegators/
To start off, I'm going to state the obvious, or at least I think it's fairly obvious. A key to getting more out of delegation is to delegate cool tasks.
Most people tell you not to. They recommend delegating the crap jobs you hate doing. That may sound good when you first hear it, but guess what, your subordinates hate those jobs too.
You can view the corresponding blog post here: http://youremakingme.com/how-to-delegate-effectivelypart-2-what-to-delegate/
This post is part of a 3-part series on delegation:
How to Delegate Effectively – Part 1: It’s a Process
How to Delegate Effectively – Part 3: (Will be Posted Sept 14, 2011)
Most bosses will attempt to “delegate” by telling a subordinate what to do one time and then throwing them into the fire, hoping they’ll survive.
A common phrase I hear from managers is, “I had to learn the hard way, so why can’t they.”
I have 2 responses to that:
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Your goal as a manager is to help the people around you to do awesome work. If they suck, you suck.
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Remember… THEY’RE NOT YOU (yes, I’m yelling here). Don’t compare where they are now with what you know after 5 or 10 years in the industry.
Read the entire post here
I was talking to a friend recently about the struggle I had to get a refund on a Flip video camera. I’d purchased the camera when it first came out on November 10, 2010. Then I had to call back 9 times before I got my refund…. in March.
Luckily, I’d taken the time to write down details of every conversation....
We'll talk about 5 key things you should write down any time you're calling about a problem.
If you’re like most people, you’ve got a million word documents (or some other word processing software) on your computer. Why? It’s because when you find something you need to keep, you make a new document and save it somewhere on your hard drive, so you can go back to it later.
This works, but there’s a better way.
We’re going to look at a time saving tool that’s done wonders for me...
Here's the link to the show notes:
http://youremakingme.com/a-totally-free-productivity-tool-youve-never-heard-of/
If you ask most people today, they’ll tell you that good customer service is a top priority. Unfortunately, those same people also feel overworked and often don’t follow through on good customer service like they know they should. Here's a simple way to provide a steller customer service experience.
Link to the post on my site: http://youremakingme.com/you-dont-have-to-be-a-ceo-to-make-clients-feel-like-a-million-bucks/
Link to the transcript for this episode: http://youremakingme.com/transcripts/Transcript-YMM001-ReadandShare.pdf
Most people write terrible emails. It’s too bad, because by simply following a few easy rules, they could reduce or eliminate the need for a 10 message “email conversation” most of the time.
Here are three techniques to help you improve your email communication.