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WhirlwindTaming the
N a t h a n I n g r a m
@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
Hi! I’m NathanFrom Birmingham, Alabama
Co-lead organizer for WordPress Birmingham Meetup and WordCamp Birmingham
Freelance Web DeveloperWorking with clients since 1995,
all WordPress since 2010
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Hi! I’m NathanHost at iThemes Training
Teaching WordPress andBusiness development since 2012
Business CoachWorking with WordPress Freelancersindividually and in groups since 2013
@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
Hi! I’m NathanQuestions
I’ll pause for questions at a few pointsduring the talk, then wrap-up Q & A.
Slides & Resourcesnathaningram.com/wcjax
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The Common StruggleFreelancers face common challenges.In four years of coaching conversations,
I’ve found very few unique issues.
You are not alone.@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
The Common StruggleStrategy vs. Execution
Execution is what we doStrategy is how and why we do it
Both are Critical@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
The Common StruggleWe Understand the Need for StrategyMore efficient, more productive, more profitable.
Doing strategy gets messy@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
Or…
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StrategyWhy is it so hard to keep our
in focus?
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UNDERSTANDINGthe WHIRLWIND@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
What is THEWHIRLWIND?The energy and attentionneeded to run your business.
The whirlwind is the urgent.
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The Problemwith THE WHIRLWIND
Goals and strategy are important,The whirlwind is urgent.
When urgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time. – FranklinCoveyCo.
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The Problemwith THE WHIRLWIND
Delaying strategy doesn’t work.
The whirlwindnever goes away.
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The Problemwith THE WHIRLWIND
The whirlwind isn’t badit just is.
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TamINGthe WHIRLWIND
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The PLAN
You need a planto accomplish your goals
in the middle ofthe whirlwind.
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The PLAN
Without a plan,the whirlwind
always wins.
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The PLAN
Initial PlanningWeekly Planning
Weekly Execution
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InitialPlanning
2 HoursUnplugged
Schedule it as a priority
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InitialPlanning
2 Hours – 2 Tasks1. Identify the Issues2. Plan action items
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InitialPlanning
Identify the IssuesWhat changes do I need to make?
Which bring the most immediate results?Identify your top 3
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InitialPlanning
Plan Action ItemsBreak each goal into
action items that will take2-4 hours to complete.
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InitialPlanning
A helpful tool
>ADVANCE Goal Worksheetsnathaningram.com/wcjax
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WeeklyPlanning
30 minsBefore the week starts
Fri afternoon?Sunday Evening?
Early Monday Morning?
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WeeklyPlanning
Without a plan,the whirlwind
always wins.
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WeeklyPlanning
30 minsPlan the time to execute
at least one action.
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My Weekly PlanningMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning
Afternoon Afternoon Afternoon Afternoon Afternoon
Evening Evening Evening Evening Evening
I divide each day into 3 blocks. My family typically gets one.
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My Weekly PlanningMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Whirlwind Whirlwind Whirlwind Family Whirlwind
Whirlwind Project Project Whirlwind Strategy
Family Family Family Project Family
I divide each day into 3 blocks. My family typically gets one.
@ n a t h a n i n g r a m # W C J A X N a t h a n I n g r a m . c o m
My Weekly PlanningMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Whirlwind Whirlwind Whirlwind Family Whirlwind
Whirlwind Project Project Whirlwind Strategy
Family Family Family Project Family
I divide each day into 3 blocks. My family typically gets one.
The Whirlwind Can Be ContainedGood Productivity Habits
Be deliberate about your time.Calls twice a day.
Emails once an hour.
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My Weekly Planning
I’ll be available afterward if you want to see specifics
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WeeklyExecution
2-4 hoursSchedule the time
and don’t compromise it(okay, maybe for a real emergency)
2 Final Suggestions
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2 Final Suggestions
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You will always have more goals than time, so prioritize well.
Focus on immediate impactto build momentum.
The Law ofDiminishing Returns
Number of GoalsIn addition to the Whirlwind
Number of GoalsAchieved with Excellence
FranklinCovey
2-3 4-10 11-20
2-3 1-2 0
2 Final Suggestions
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You will always have more goals than time, so prioritize well.
Sometimes good ideashave to be put on a shelf.
2 Final Suggestions
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Taming the whirlwind takes time.Give yourself a break.
“Everybody has a planuntil they get hit in the mouth.”
— Mike Tyson
2 Final Suggestions
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Taming the whirlwind takes time.Give yourself a break.
Stick with it.It’s a work in progress.
The whirlwind nevergoes away
Whenurgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time.
Develop a strategyto accomplish your goals in the whirlwind.
In 6 months, how would your
business change
if you did?
In 6 months, how would your
business change
if you did?
LIFE
Thanks!nathaningram.com/wcjax
