"TO DO"

"At FSO, we want our employee's "to do" lists a short as 3 words 

"Make Clients Happy." 

Good Morning Folks,

Those of you who follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter know that I am a big fan of J.T. O'Donnell and her CAREEREALISM.com blog.

Today J.T. offers some suggestions on making daily "to do" lists and proffers what they should include. Sometimes writing the little things down to follow up with are the only way I can get them done.

Of course at FSO, we want our employee's "to do" lists a short as 3 words "Make Clients Happy." 

My Top 10 daily involves quite a bit to do with calling clients, making marketing calls, following companies that are making the news in my industry and making calls to them, identifying and speaking to top candidates and (since I work in recruitment) sending top candidates to clients. At the end of the day I give myself a minute to clear my thoughts.

From a sales guy's perspective:

1. Sell Something Every Day  

2. Create a new Customer or Grow an Existing Client every Day 

3. Set Appointments 

4. Conduct Appointments 

5. Follow Up from Appointments 

6. Target New Opportunities  

7. Inspect that your team is doing the same things 

8. Monitor 

9. Manage 1

10. Measure (3M's)

But J.T.'s list that follows has real practical implications to a wide group of workers (and job seekers too)as it fits your present needs. Others might have different priorities for the day. That might relate both to industry as well as to career stage. But I think the primary "common factor" here is that we should create for ourselves a daily routine of tasks to complete to remain sharp and satisfied.

J.T. Blogs, "I’ve never shared this list with anyone until now. It’s the list of ten things I try to do every workday. Yes, there are days when I don’t get them all done, but I do my best to deliver. It has proven very effective for me. They are:

• Read something related to my industry.
• Read something related to business development.
• Send two emails to touch base with old colleagues.
• Empty my private client inbox by responding to all career coaching questions within one business day.
• Check in with each team member on their progress.
• Have a short non-work related conversation with every employee.
• Review my top three goals for my company that are focused on it's growth.
• Identify and execute one task to support each of my top three goals.
• Post five valuable pieces of content on all my major social media accounts.
• Take a full minute to appreciate what I have and how far I’ve come.

Very interesting list, not only does it focus on staying updated with your industry but encourages networking with old associates which becomes a lesser priority to many individuals. It also reminds you to connect with your employees on a personal level that will encourage a friendlier atmosphere.

We often become too busy with what happens in our life that we forget to take time to thank those that help us. We should put this into practice more often and see how this small gesture makes our day.

I would add a few extras to J.T.'s list

1. Compliment someone. 
2. Do a favor without being asked. 
3. Listen before thinking. 
4. Think before speaking. 
5. Encourage someone. 
6. Remember there is life outside work.

When done with todo list: Breathe deep, put on some music or not, go outside, get a breathe of fresh air, sit by lake or serene location, look at the stars, give thanks, think or pray for those that are gone, you miss or are less fortunate than you and count your blessings.

These simple efforts leads to great results.

Have a GREAT day as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others."
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