September 2012 - Issue 98 - www.clareevans.co.uk

Hello ,

Welcome back after the Summer break and a wonderful summer of even more sport with the Paralympics following the Olympics.
This time of year seems to be another time when people are ready to step up a gear and make changes in their lives.

More people have been downloading the Time Audit and booking up a Time Audit feedback sessions in the last couple of weeks since they came back from holiday.

When you've taken a break from work it's a great time to think about the direction you want to go in.  To realise that you need to make some changes and decide to do something differently.

I think many of my life changing moments have come after taking time out from work and business.

What do you want to change or do differently?  Use the inspiration and insight you've gained over the Summer and create the momentum to make the changes and start to do something differently.

Book a free Strategy session for a brief chat if you'd like support, motivation and accountability to make it happen.

Keep in touch and get extra tips from my blog - or Follow Me on Twitter - or contact me on Linked In or Facebook.

Clare

P.S. Feel free to pass this newsletter on to your friends and colleagues.  Thank you.

We spend so much time at our keyboards, reading and capturing information that if you can find a way to reduce that time, not only will you work more efficiently but you'll be able to get more done and spend that time on other things.

Computer skills - Most of us know how to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications but how much do you take for granted.

Are you still doing things the same way because that's the way you were taught, without realising there's a quicker and easier way or perhaps a shortcut?

Knowing at least the basics is essential if you want to use the applications productively and save time. Brush up on your computing skills and save a few keystrokes.


Touch-typing - while you might be pretty fast at two-fingered typing (average speed is 25-35 words per minute), you could double your speed if you learn to touch-type (50-80wpm). Get twice as much done in the same time or halve the time it takes you to type up a report.

Pick up an online course or find a course at your local college to improve your typing speed.


Speed-reading - learn to not only read but take in information more quickly.  It's surprising how comparatively slowly we read (250 wpm).

Here are a few tips to get you started:

- Get comfortable, have the book or reading material at a comfortable distance from the eyes and in good light.

- Don't multi-task if you need to concentrate.

- Scan the text - read content, summary, headings to get an overview and an understanding of the layout, structure and what's important.

- Use your finger, a pointer or ruler to guide your eyes along and down the page. Keep it moving smoothly and evenly.

There's a great book on Speed-reading by Tony Buzan.


Mindmaps - an easy and more visual way to take notes. Often when you attend a meeting, workshop or seminar you can end up with pages and pages of notes.

How about creating just one or two mindmaps instead? You'll remember more as your brain is more engaged when creating mindmaps and you create your own 'shorthand'.

Use them to brainstorm, create presentations, plan and organise. Draw your own or use mind-mapping software.

Find out how to draw and create mindmaps at http://www.thinkbuzan.com

What skills do you want to improve today?

Get in touch if you'd like to find out other ways to make the most of your time and grow you business quicker and more effectively.

Until next month,