Taming the Whirlwind - WordCamp Raleigh 2017

@nathaningram #wcraleigh NathanIngram.com

WhirlwindTaming the

N a t h a n I n g r a m


Hi! I’m NathanHost at iThemes Training

Teaching WordPress andBusiness development since 2012

Business CoachWorking with WordPress Freelancersindividually and in groups since 2013


Hi! I’m NathanQuestions

I’ll pause for questions at a few pointsduring the talk.

Slides & Resourcesnathaningram.com/wcraleigh


The Common StruggleFreelancers face common challenges.In four years of coaching conversations,

I’ve found very few unique issues.

You are not alone.


The Common StruggleStrategy vs. ExecutionExecution is what we do

Strategy is how and why we do it

Both are Critical


The Common StruggleMost Freelancers Appreciate Strategy

Become more efficient,more productive,more profitable.


Or…


StrategyWhy is it so hard to keep our

in focus?



UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDWhat is the whirlwind?The energy and attentionneeded to run your business.

The whirlwind is the urgent.


UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDThe Problem with the whirlwindGoals and strategy are important.The whirlwind is urgent.

When urgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time. – FranklinCoveyCo.


UNDERSTANDINGTHE WHIRLWINDThe challenge is notaccomplishing your goals.

The challenge is accomplishing your goals in the middle of the the whirlwind.


Taming THEWHIRLWIND


Taming THEWHIRLWINDThe whirlwind never goes away.

Develop a strategyto accomplish your goalsin the middle of the whirlwind.


Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionIdentify your Goals (2-4 hours)

>ADVANCE Goal Worksheets

nathaningram.com/wcraleigh


Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionWhat are the changes I most need to make?• Prioritize: which bring immediate results?

• Pick your top 3 goals


Taming THEWHIRLWINDInitial Planning SessionWhat are the changes I most need to make?• Break down top 3 goals into action items

• Plan action items that will take2-4 hours each


Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning Session30 min – 1 hour planning each week.

Plan time to execute on at least 1 action.


Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning Session

Most of us are too busy not to plan.

Without a plan, the whirlwind always wins.


Taming THEWHIRLWINDWeekly Planning SessionPlan the week before it starts

§ Friday afternoon?

§ Sunday Evening?

§ Early Monday morning?



It’s hard to planin the middle of the whirlwind.



Schedule time to accomplishyour objectives


Strategy OverviewInitial Planning Session

Week 1 Action

Week 1 Planning

Week 1 Execution

Week 2 Action

Week 2 Planning

Week 2 Execution

Week 3 Action

Week 3 Planning

Week 3 Execution

Week 4 Action

Week 4 Planning

Week 4 Execution

Week 5 Action

Week 5 Planning

Week 5 Execution

Week 6 Action

Week 6 Planning

Week 6 Execution

…


Two FinalSuggestionsPriorities are CriticalYou will always have more goals than time,so make sure you prioritize well.• Focus on immediate impact

• Probably not the things you enjoy doing.


Two FinalSuggestionsDon’t Overdo ItOur tendency is to try toaccomplish too many goals.


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


Two FinalSuggestionsDon’t Overdo ItOur tendency is to try toaccomplish too many goals.

One or two action items a week.Plan for 2-4 hours.


The whirlwind never goes away


When urgency and importance clash,urgency wins every time.


Develop a strategy to accomplish your goals in the whirlwind.


In 6 months, how would your business change if you did?


In 6 months, how would your businesschange if you did?

life


Thanks!§ Slides and Goals Worksheets§ iThemes Coupon Code (35% off)§ Free 20-minute Coaching Call§ Freelance Summit

nathaningram.com/wcraleigh