Board Nominations
Next week will have speeches by Jake Ulrich, Chuck Hultstrand, Don Ellis and Bob Busch followed immediately by elections.

Further Business
Testimonial and MABE in Community - Get your stories in to Melissa so we can build up these sections of the website.

Bob Busch suggested that our group join the Tempe Chamber of Commerce for $300 per year.  We would benefit from participation in their events and have the potential to increase our membership.  When we attend we would be representing MABE but we could still promote our businesses.

Beginning with the October dues you will receive monthly e-invoices.  We will also begin offering automatic monthly bank drafts for your convenience. (Click here for more information and to print form).  You can still pay via check or online bill pay if you wish.  You can also pay quarterly if that is more convenient.  Note that the dues amount has increased to $60 per month or $180 per quarter. 

Guest Matthew Creek, Clear Mind Consulting

Matthew Kreek is an award winning business coach, productivity trainer, and agent of clarity.

Matthew Kreek founded the national firm ClearMind Consulting, based in Phoenix.  His clients include Harley-Davidson, Starbucks, GMAC Mortgage, Valley of the Sun YMCA, and North American Title Company.  Mr. Kreek and his colleagues deliver "the power and profit of clear mind" to busy professional and entrepreneurs.

Mr. Kreek founded ClearMind Consulting with the mission of arming professional with the productivity tools and tactics to thrive in today's new and different economy.  He leads his training events and consulting sessions based on the principles of success he learned with Franklin Covey and while consulting with some of the worlds best companies.

A New and Different World of Work
Now, more than ever, it is the clarity of our thinking that defines the direction and quality of our work.

Its the quality of your thinking that controls whether your business expands or contracts.  Its about how well we can react.

The Power and Potential of a clear mind
Increase Power - your ability to act and create results now
Enhance Potential - your continuous development and growth

Sustained Success
Power Drives Today's Results

• Define Success

• Create the Strategy

• Execute Top Priorities 100%

Potential - Builds Tomorrow's Capacity

• Develop Skills

• Strengthen Habits

• Increase Power and Potential

Do we throw out our business plan?  No.  The most successful business people revise their plans frequently - monthly.

How does this affect our mission statements?  Its more of an emotional, inspiring statement that can remain unchanged.  But if it is specific to clients, etc, then you may need to change it regularly.

New rules to learn...
Keep your clarity, focus, and balance in a chaotic world

New tools to use...
Employ the essential tools of an organized life and business

New habits to build...
Create the life and business you want, and enjoy the journey

The CLEARMIND Tools
Tools 1: Personal Planner
Tool 2: Clutter-Control
Tool 3: Scoreboard

Clutter-Control System
A solid clutter-control system allow you to conquer mental and physical clutter forever,  Our powerful workflow strategy keeps your mind and your office efficient and productive.

What is "Clutter" and what's the cost?
Clutter is anything, mentor or physical, left undefined, undecided, and/or not in it's designated home.
Clutter leaches energy, limits creativity, and distracts focus.
Mental, and physical, clutter definitely limits power and potential.

Stage One:  CAPTURE the "Stuff"
"Stuff" includes all that is undefined and undecided. 
Stuff can be physical or mental.
Capturing 100% of your "stuff" is the 1st step to a clear mind.

• Email

• Voice-mail

• Paper Notes

• Briefcase of Purse

• Office Inbox

Yes, you are getting these items.  Is your mind processing all this information?  Yes.

The human mind is an inefficient reminder system.  Stop relying on your brain for reminders.  Even if you are not in front of a computer, a lot of phones now have voice recorders.  You can also use a program called Jott to help you take notes on the run.  Even using a written planner is better than relying on your brain to spit out reminders on time.

Simple work flow

First thing to do when an email comes in...read it.  Determine "what is this".  It is not about the perfect plan, it is about how quickly we respond.  Next, determine if this merits action.

There are two mindsets.  1) When in doubt, throw it out AND 2) When in doubt, keep it.  If you keep it, use folders.  Don't keep it in your inbox.  Just remember, you said no I don't need to act on this.

Babysits - Yah, you see the big ending, but how do you get there?

• No - Now now?  Not ever?

  • Trash

  • General A-Z Files -> Use calendar for reminders
     

• Yes - Clarity defines the action

  • Do it now (2-min rule) -> OR -> Delegate it -> OR -> Plan it for later
    
    What is an exceptional interruption?  Seconds, minutes?  If you stopped to read an email and decide to deal with it later, you have just wasted that time and will need to go back and read it again.

    Most entrepreneurs deal with constant interruptions.  You have to decide how best to handle them.

    Plan it for later

    • File the information

    • Place the Action Reminder

      Action Reminder

      • Appointment (block out time)

      • Dated event with no specific time

      • Undated task/project

Question:  Would your life and business improve if you dramatically increased your power to act on what's most important to you?

Question:  Would your growth and development accelerate if you had more clarity, focus, and relaxed-control?

Productivity is getting what you want.  My goal is to help you.

Quote of the Morning
"It's never over until the dog walks in."