5 Easy Steps to a Productive Week

Despite trying, I have finally come to accept the fact that although I may never be "SuperWoman", I am a super woman.  

Juggling between marketing, copywriting and other responsibilities as a small business owner can be overwhelming, but doable when I organize my time.  To make my life easier, I follow a few simple steps to ease tension and make my week more productive:  

1. Set daily goals – I like to compare a hectic schedule to Paula Deen’s Loaded Oatmeal Cookies.  Both can end up a disaster, if you fail to break up your week into manageable daily tasks or you refuse to follow the Queen of Southern Cooking’s recipe.  If you want a stress-free week, make a to-do-list, prioritize what needs to be accomplished each day and check off each task when complete.  If you want moist cookies - follow Paula’s recipe.

2. Establish a routine – As a mother, I know that simple routines help my children manage their time more effectively.  The same is true for working mothers - establish a routine for yourself to make your workday run smoothly.  Add structure to your busy day by assigning specific times when you check email, work on projects, return phone calls, etc.  That way you won’t surf the net all day.  

3. Focus on the task – When you work for yourself, it’s very easy to get distracted and put off doing what needs to be done for something more “exciting”.  Procrastination can be a major issue for entrepreneurs because the need to stay focused rests solely on you.  So, don’t let your mind wander.  You can manage a busy schedule if you:

- Break larger projects into smaller parts

- Declutter your surroundings   

- Minimize interruptions

4. Remove distractions – If you're following the latest drama on your favorite soap opera - then the television is a distraction.  Although the sound of childrens' laughter is sweet to the ears, it can be disruptive.  So, try to schedule playdates during times when you’re not concerned about meeting deadlines.  And, it’s O.K. to leave the laundry until later - the dirty clothes will be there when you’re finished your work.

 5. Breathe – Taking a break away from your laptop is a nice way to clear your head, invigorate your senses and feel refreshed.  Enjoying a brisk walk outside or doing a few yoga stretches are great relaxation techniques that help to revive your mind, body and soul.  If time is of essence, simply take a few deep breaths to calm your senses so you can get right back to work.

The beauty of being your own boss means that every day is different.  When you learn to effectively manage your workweek, productivity becomes second nature and that’s good for business!

- All the best

Do What You Love

Passion: An intense portion of enthusiasm, mixed with a delicate blend of affection and desire. Sure to be a favorite and “must have” for small business owners. 

When I decided to take a break from corporate America to start my own small business, one of the first questions that came to mind was, “What am I getting myself into?” 

Sure, I was excited about venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, but the idea of being my own boss was quite daunting.  

I suddenly found myself lost in a maze of uncertainty - and what started out as one simple question, quickly multiplied into a cyclone of unknowns… What should I do first?  How will I get financing? Do I need a business plan?

And, most importantly – what business will I start?

I knew I wanted to try something a little different, but trying to define what that certain “something” was, proved to more difficult than I thought.

So, I considered my possibilities…

What about a landscaping business to complement my green thumb?  I even looked into opening a coffee shop to sell chai teas, specialty coffees and gourmet sweets.

Even though a number of ideas came to mind of small businesses I could start; none of these “great” ventures truly excited me.  Firecrackers failed to ignite.  Stars didn’t twinkle in my eyes.  What was missing?

I realized that my startup ideas lacked one very special ingredient – passion.

Passion gives you the enthusiasm needed to stick with whatever venture you pursue.  It’s that excitement (along with a lot of hard work and determination) that makes entrepreneurs spark with zest.  After delving deep within myself, I found my true passion in business copywriting.

To find your passion:

1. Identify your talents - Are you creative and good with sculpting clay? Do you have a knack for public speaking? Perhaps you are a whiz with numbers.  Offer a pottery class to the elderly or sell clay pots at a local boutique.  Define your skills and uncover unlimited opportunities.

2. List what you enjoy doing - Do you have a hobby or is there something you would do all day, every day if you had the chance?  With careful planning, you can make a little extra cash doing what you love.

3. Brainstorm - If nothing comes to mind immediately, start with a clean slate and let your creative juices flow.  Write down whatever comes to you - be creative.  There are no bad ideas, only limited imaginations.

4. Find a mentor - Seek advice from people who are living their passion.  Use their personal experiences and guidance to help you uncover hidden possibilities.

5. Give it a try - Put your idea to the test first.  Before making a long-term commitment, work on it part-time or take it up as a hobby.  If your passion doesn’t fizzle away after a few months, you may have found your calling.

Discovering your passion takes patience and a lot of hard work…but the end result is a life that’s truly more satisfying.  Success is within reach – just grab it!  

- All the best

Let's Meet For Coffee

Welcome to Lattes and Laptops, a business and lifestyle blog dedicated to entrepreneur-minded women who balance family, life and career with style. 

Hi, my name is Zakiyyah.  I am a wife, mother, cook, chauffeur, homework checker, and a freelance copywriter.  I know many of you can relate with my first few roles, but in case you’re not familiar with the latter - let me explain. 

Through my company eWriting Café, I specialize in creating sales-driven content for small businesses to use in their marketing collateral.  For over seven years, I’ve helped satisfied clients promote their businesses with compelling copy that sells. 

In my repertoire, I write a variety of copy for both print and online media including newsletters, email blasts, feature articles, web content, brochures, ads, press releases, catalog copy, SEO content and other business blogs like this one.

Being a mompreneur means that I wear many hats.  And, occasionally I get sucked into a whirlwind of deadlines, playdates, appointments, laundry, and afterschool activities – whew.  Sounds familiar?

So, needless to say, I relish the time when I can relax and talk with friends about OUR pursuit of happiness - both personally AND professionally. 

As for me, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.  Long, hot baths infused with lavender sea salts.  A good book (soduko puzzles, included). Sunny, warm days accented with velvety clouds.  Pipin’ hot cups of sweet caramel macchiatos.  And, a fulfilling career doing what I love best – writing.

I started this blog with the hope that you, too, are inspired to transform what you thought was just a cute idea - into a viable (and, one day profitable) career.

Think of this blog as a digital café where practical advice, tips and information about business, marketing, and life as an entrepreneur are shared amongst friends like a crusty loaf of artisan bread.  You can even eavesdrop in on insightful conversations I have with dynamic female business owners who know what it takes to be THE BOSS.  

Remember President Obama’s winning campaign slogan, “Yes, We Can!”?

Well, take that affirmation to heart.  Yes, you CAN be both the CEO of your household and your own small business!  

Visit me again at Lattes and Laptops for a dose of inspiration and practical tips you need to get your weekend, part-time or full-time small business up and running.

You have the talent, so put it to use and stop thinking about it…“Just Do It”! (credit to Nike’s trademark, of course) BTW, also have your favorite drink at hand.

All the best,

Zakiyyah