“Have you checked out the new app, Periscope?” Yes, yet another app on social media that can easily be classified as a BSO (‘bright, shiny object’).

I love social media.  Don’t get me wrong. There are so many opportunities with social media to promote your products and services – and it’s free. So, yes, I am a player. But here’s the thing.

Most of you are still in the first few years of growing your business. It’s so important, in the beginning, to lay a solid foundation. And that foundation is pretty simple – get clients, make money.

And while it is a simple foundation, there are skills that go along with those two steps. These skills can also be summarized in a simple way. I like simple – don’t you.

In order to keep things simple, it’s essential that you STOP DOING SO MUCH! This includes getting, and being, distracted with all the new apps, devices, toys and tools out there. Are they of value? Of course they are. Do YOU need to focus on all of them right now? NO!

Here are a few steps I recommend as we head into fall so that you can stay focused on your business and reach your goals for the year:

  1. TAKE INVENTORY.

What I mean by that is to stop, look, check, assess, decide and move forward with what’s working in your business right now. When is the last time YOU visited your own website – and followed through on the steps as though you are a new visitor to the site? What’s working? What’s not? What’s outdated? What needs a face lift? Your website is a vital tool in growing a business. Make sure it’s fresh, easy to navigate, relevant and has current information on it.

  1. TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF!

When is the last time you shopped for clothes? How current are your professional photos? Perhaps YOU need a ‘face lift’ when it comes to revamping your wardrobe, your on-line image, your product graphics and so on. Breathe. Make time. Do this.

  1. REVIEW WHAT IS WORKING.

You can’t do it all in your business, nor should you. Are there some great new apps out there? Always. Seriously. Always. Do YOU need to run out and take a course on everything that is offered right now – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIN, Periscope, Google Plus and so much more. NO! Let me repeat. NO. You do not. What is working for you right now? Where do your prospects hang out? Focus on that. Master one area – get very good at identifying your ‘fishing grounds’ and work it. The pay- off will be much greater than running around trying to learn everything about everything because it won’t happen.

  1. STOP DOING SOME THINGS.

I’m very serious with this statement. Some of you are just busy being busy. You are not producing any revenue and you’re frustrated about that. So, here’s my favorite activity of all – keep track of what you do for a week – each day – each hour – down to the half hour. Write down exactly how you are spending your time and ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Would a million dollar business owner be doing this particular task right now?
  2. Is this task making me money?
  3. Why am I not delegating this……and right now?

MY BEST ADVICE IS TO STOP DOING SOME THINGS.

THIS is the habit that will pay off as you grow your business. THIS is the habit that will enable you to focus on what’s important – and on WHO is important. THIS is the habit that will help many of you get your life back. THIS is the habit that will generate money for you.

WHEN WILL YOU START TRACKING AND STOP DOING?

Please share your thoughts!