Totally ADD – inaugural edition

I do not have a problem and am not in denial. Really.

Apparently 76 (the gasoline company) has launched a very humorous ad campaign about driving and drivers that has everyone talking. What isn’t funny, however, is what Inspired Spouse put on my desk this week to sign.

Yes. It’s 76’s backseat driver contract. I actually laughed out loud for 5 minutes as I read it and then refused to sign. It’s true. Gentle, loving Jen Hofmann has rather strong opinions on how a car ought to be conducted. Especially while in the passenger’s seat.

The sweet side to this bitter pill is that 76 has a companion (read: retaliatory) contract for the co-pilot. Which, if Inspired Spouse is navigating, of course must be followed to the letter. Dear Inspired Spouse won’t sign either.

Needless to say, I do most of the driving.

Something shiny!

The brilliant and wonderful Marissa Bracke introduced me to a very cool new tool! I love new tools! Especially when they’re practically fool-proof and free (or at least free for a while).

If you have a service-based business in which the effort to schedule appointments results in phone tag and endless email chains, perk up: here’s something shiny you might like!

It’s called Time Driver. I keep wanting to call it something else (and often do), but that’s its real name.

If you use Google Calendar or Outlook, it allows your clients to view your available appointment times that you’ve pre-chosen – and it plops their appointment onto your calendar. It does not allow them to see that you’re getting your hair done or going out with the girls. Just your available times.

A couple of my clients (bless them) test drove it this week and so far, reviews are enthusiastic. I think it’s going to really help prevent the stress/overwhelm I sometimes feel when folks request appointments. I’ll keep you posted!

Speaking of free.

I talked to someone the other day who is starting a business and has paid for marketing classes and business classes and coaching classes and accounting classes (do you see where I’m going with this?). She has barely gotten her business off the ground and she is in a world of credit card hurt for all of the classes she’s bought to launch her business.

Did you know that some of your Federal taxes actually pay for the same kinds of training? And that you can get them for free or low-cost? Right in your own neighborhood? I swear to you, this is not a gimmick.

Almost every community in the country has a Small Business Development Center that is funded, in part, by the Small Business Administration.Yes, your tax dollars.

SBDCs provide excellent, free advising from a knowledgeable business experts and offer a wide variety of business classes and workshops – sometimes for no charge. They help businesses owners feel more confident and committed to growing their business.

In other words, think twice before spending thousands of dollars on the same information you can get for free. If you’re feeling stuck in your business (whether you’re starting up or established), check out your SBDC. You’ll be glad you did.

The ADDness goes on, but I’ll stop right here. Have a fabulous weekend!

Warmly,
Jennifer