Learn what you’re worth and when to outsource.

By: Chelsea  Greenwood from: http://www.successmagazine.com

Ticktock. Ticktock. Ticktock. For some, that’s what the passage of time sounds like. For others, it goes more like this: Cha-ching. Cha-ching. Cha-ching.

The most productive people—from Fortune 500 CEOs to 20-something yuppies— view their time in dollars and cents. Yet many of us persist in thinking, “It’s cheaper to do it myself,” or “Why pay someone else to do something I can do?” The answer, of course, is that your time is precious and could be spent on activities that ultimately reap great rewards—financial, as well as personal.

Even if you aren’t a victim of your own misguided work ethic or thriftiness, it’s easy to get sucked into a time-wasting task—filing, doing laundry, entering data. You think that chore will just take a few minutes, but over time, all the busywork adds up.

So how are you budgeting your time? Just as we scrutinize home and office budgets down to the last penny, it’s important to look at how we’re spending our time and whether or not each activity is a worthy allocation. (See sidebars on the following pages to help you figure out the value of your time and what’s worth doing yourself.) Seriously, why spend an hour on data entry—which you could pay someone maybe $10 an hour to do—when you could spend those 60 minutes preparing a proposal that could result in thousands of dollars in returns?

That’s just what Debra Cohen wondered. This self-described “mompreneur” started a home-improvement contractor referral business in 1997 when the first of her two daughters was born. “In the beginning, I tried to do as much as I could on my own to save money, and, in the end, it cost me in time,” she says. “I quickly realized that I needed help in order to focus on the money-making aspects of my business.”

Resourceful Outsourcing

Cohen was pleased to find outsourcing more economical than she thought. After hours spent unsuccessfully trying to design her own logo, she figured she’d have to hire an expensive agency. But she found a retired artist for much less.

When her business, Home Remedies of NY Inc., started to really take off, Cohen found herself at another critical juncture. “I couldn’t keep up with my job orders, follow-up calls, invoicing, etc. We had just planned our fi rst family vacation in more than five years and couldn’t figure out how I could possibly leave my business.” At that point, Cohen found a local mom who was looking for work. She trained and hired her immediately, and the woman still works with her as her virtual assistant.

Today, Cohen’s workforce also includes a webmaster, an accountant and another stay-at-home mom who used to practice law but who now handles structure and trademark issues. “With the help of my outsourced workforce, I’m able to focus my limited work hours [three to five a day] on client follow-up, networking and contractor recruiting—the three most important aspects of my business,” she says.

Cohen is equally judicious about her personal time. As her business thrived, she hired a housekeeper and gardener. And when work is busier than usual, she doesn’t hesitate to order dinners in or buy prepared meals. “At the same time, I try not to compromise time with my family. I may order in dinner, but we will still sit down at the table together to eat as a family. After all, they are the reason that I decided to work from home in the first place.”

Practicing Interdependence

With so many online resources available, as well as a sizable population of unemployed people eager for freelance or contract work, it’s easier than ever to outsource at work and at home. For many people, though, hiring others to do household or personal chores is a bigger stretch than outsourcing work-related tasks.

“Most people ‘get’ that it doesn’t make sense to try to tinker with your car if you’re not a mechanic,” says Laura Stack, president of The Productivity Pro Inc. “But you know how to do the laundry, so you feel guilty for paying someone else to do it. What are you working so hard for? To earn a bunch of money just to work hard again at home? When do you get to raise your children, volunteer or spend time on yourself? The money we spend on services is far better than any other ‘stuff’ we could have bought with that money. Take a deep breath, and join the millions of people who spend some of their hard-earned money to buy a life.”

Stack suggests outsourcing is a way to practice interdependence. “Service providers rely on you for their paychecks, and you rely on them to free up your time,” she says. Many workaholics have trouble practicing interdependence because it involves trusting others, relinquishing control and, sometimes, funding another paycheck, she says. (See sidebar below for warning signs that you need to delegate more.) But interdependence is crucial to productivity because no one person can or should do it all.

What Money Can’t Buy

Yet, there are some activities you cannot delegate or assign a dollar value. “The danger to putting a money value on one’s time, particularly if it is high, is that things that are important to do end up seeming too expensive,” says George Loewenstein, professor of economics and psychology at Carnegie Mellon University. “If you start calculating the effective monetary cost of doing these things, not only will you be likely to not do them when you should, but even when you decide to go ahead and take the time, you’ll find yourself distracted by thoughts about how much it’s costing you.”

He remembers keeping a mountain-biking date with his son rather than taking on some well-paying consulting work. “The thought of how much the biking was costing did detract from my complete enjoyment of the day, but, afterward, I was very happy and relieved that I had made what I am now certain was the right choice. Years later, the money will be a drop in the bucket, but spending a day mountain biking with one’s son is irreplaceable.”

Loewenstein’s story illustrates an important rule of thumb: “The things you should avoid putting a price on are things that involve people—family, friends, students, colleagues,” he says. “Relationships take time, and if you put a price on the time you spend building them and enjoying them, you will almost always undervalue them.”

It’s also important not to undervalue your relationship with yourself, which you can cultivate through hobbies and alone time. You need that time to recharge, and studies show you’re more effective at work when you participate in activities you really enjoy, which actually help you be more creative and better at problem solving.

“Americans work some of the longest hours among citizens of wealthy nations; we don’t take much vacation and we retire late in life,” Loewenstein says. “And the less time we take off, the less we become capable of enjoying leisure when we take it. Our leisure skills become atrophied, and our leisure time ends up taking on the frantic character of our work lives. We have developed a tremendous engine of prosperity, but now we need to figure out how to use our time better to enjoy that prosperity.”

Do the Deed from Greteman Group on Vimeo.

Join the movement  . . . DO the DEED

There it is, sitting in the middle of the room. With it’s big ears, long trunk and unpleasant smell, eating only the peanuts out the bowl of mixed nuts on the coffee table. The elephant in the room that has been making a lot of noise and has affected all of us; the economy. It has been a trying year, where we all had to re-learn what was most important to us, refocus our priorities, and conserve.  With the Holiday’s is full effect we are all having to look at our priorities and determine what is most important, the family fun holiday trip to the ski slopes or stay nice and cozy here at home. Do I need to buy a gift for my brother-in-law’s, cousin, twice removed? We don’t want to let anyone down or make them feel less important. But we feel we need to do something, something that fits in better with the new times. Something that is universal, but also has the power to spread happiness, like a smile to a stranger or flipping someone the peace sign. Just a little deed that has power! Something we can all afford to do. I encourage all of you to do just one thing and see how it works. If you need some help, Greteman Group and some other key partners started DOtheDEED.org. A website designed to inspire joy. Do the Deed is about attitude and action. Becoming more aware. Internationally doing good for those around you. This site exists to celebrate and inspire a movement fueled by simple acts of kindness. The smallest deed can change a life. Together we can bring joy to the world. One deed at a time.

Happy Holidays

Kyle Gerstner

Thanksgiving – a time for giving thanks. A time to be with family, friends and loved ones- to reflect on the many blessings that life has brought you. It’s also a time to cherish what’s most important in your life, as W.J. Cameron said, “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”

As a young company we are most thankful for all of you. The ones who have mentored, networked, marketed, and cheered us on, without you we would not be as strong.

To all of our customers and clients as we are slowly coming to an end on this roller coaster of a year, we want to thank you. Thank You for embracing us and utilizing us over this turbulent time. We were happy to lend a helping hand so you could spend your time where it mattered most.

Don’t forget Green Zebra is here to help you have happy and stress free holiday season.

Call on us for:
• Holiday Shopping
• Party Planning
• Home Preparation
• Grocery Shopping
• Valet Parking
• Travel Assistance
• Errands, Errands, Errands

And if you don’t have that gift for the person who has everything, give them the precious gift of time, with a gift certificate from Green Zebra.

Sincerely,
Kyle Gerstner
Green Zebra Concierge

When the gift of time is just not enough, what do you get  the CEO in your life? Click Here for some great holiday gift ideas.

A Green Zebra Gift Certificate can help the CEO in your life run errands, grocery and gift shop so they can spend more time where it matters.

Hello, Everyone! Welcome to My Kitchen where I hope to make dinner-time less stressful. I offer home-made entrees prepared with the freshest local ingredients and seasoned well. Crockpot entrees are placed into your crockpot… frozen…and cooked on LOW for 6-8 hours, soups are just thawed and then heated in a saucepan or slow-cooked, and casseroles are just thawed and baked. The menu changes every week. Entrees can be ordered to feed 2 people (SMALL), 4 people (MEDIUM), or 6 people (LARGE). Also, I offer a Premium Entree and the cost will vary depending on ingredients.

To order CLICK HERE . Be sure to specify size.

Premium Entrees – 2 options this week

- Shrimp Diablo (SMALL $8 MEDIUM $16 LARGE $23): This flavorful shrimp entree has a little kick to it…or just tell me not so spicy. Large peeled, deveined shrimp seasoned with garlic, bacon, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of white wine, and a little chopped tomato. Serve with pasta or rice pilaf and a Caesar salad. Delicioso!
– Baked 3-Cheese Ravioli (Marinara Sauce: SMALL $7 MEDIUM $14 LARGE $20 or Meat Sauce: SMALL $8 MEDIUM $16 LARGE $23): Delicious and tasty 3-cheese ravioli topped with my homemade marinara sauce or meaty spaghetti sauce and lots of mozzarella cheese…you pick the sauce. Serve with garlic bread and a Caesar salad. Supper-Yummy!

Entrees – Be sure to specify: SMALL $6 MEDIUM $11 LARGE $16

- Cherry-Glazed Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops that slow-cook all day and this entree makes a fabulous savory gravy…you will be amazed. Perfect with stuffing, mashed potatoes, or rice. Serve with a garden salad and green beans. Comfort food at it’s best…
– Chili Soup: Made with lean ground beef and 3 different kinds of beans, a little onion and tomato, and a savory beef broth. Smells wonderful…just garnish with shredded cheese and serve with cornbread or oyster crackers. Mmmmmmmmm…..
– Coq au Vin: This classic French entree combines chicken and red wine, lots of mushrooms and a fragrant blend of seasonings. Serve over white rice or egg noodles and a chopped green salad. Low-fat and Delicious!!

Breakfast: – Be sure to specify: SMALL $6 LARGE $11

Quiche w/Sausage & Cheese: What could be better than breakfast in a piecrust? Plenty of crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Small serves 2 to 4 people and Large serves 6 to 8 people.

Dessert: – Be sure to specify: SMALL $7 LARGE $13

Turtle Cake: This amazing chocolate cake is topped with a chocolate glaze, drizzled with caramel, and sprinkled with chopped pecans. Small serves 2 to 4 people and Large serves 8 to 10 people. Great for company and can be frozen.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, just e-mail me at greenteam@greenzebraconcierge.com. Thanks so much for your interest. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me or e-mail me…I love to talk!!

Orders are due by Tuesday evening 11/17, and there is no minimun to order. Just order whatever you like. Pick-ups and deliveries are on Friday 11/20. If you would like to receive delivery at your workplace, the delivery charge is just $2 and if 5 employees or more place an order for delivery, there is no delivery charge (I hope this offers everyone a convenience you just can’t find anyplace else). The other option for receiving your items is to come by my home between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday to pick-up your items (I live in NE Wichita, near 13th and 127th). Payment can be check or cash and I will e-mail your total including sales tax (6.3%).

The economy is slowly recovering, yet consumers remain nervous, leading retailers to offer more items for $25 or less, experts say.

“A few years ago there was no price barrier for most retailers and most consumers,” said Kathy Deane, president of the New York-based retail consultancy Tobe. “Now consumers are looking for value. This is the year of $25 and under gifts.”

In the past, stores and malls focused on presents less than $50 or less than $100, said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at market research firm NPD Group.

“This year, the $25 price point really has resonated,” said Cohen. It’s what most people will spend for stocking stuffers or gifts for people outside their immediate family, he said.

“That’s the magic price point line which retailers recognize is their target zone,” he said. “Twenty-five dollars buys someone a gift that says, ‘I thought about you.’”

This year’s holidays will be cautious ones, said Cohen, with stores offering traditional, practical gifts.

“The retailer is going to say, ‘We understand the economy is challenging. Instead of trying to shove a $100 cashmere scarf down your throat, why don’t you give a $19.99 special lambswool scarf that feels like cashmere?’”

Click HERE to continue reading

Orders due by Tuesday 11/10

Hello, Everyone! Welcome to My Kitchen where I hope to make dinner-time less stressful. I offer home-made entrees prepared with the freshest local ingredients and seasoned well. Crockpot entrees are placed into your crockpot… frozen…and cooked on LOW for 6-8 hours, soups are just thawed and then heated in a saucepan or slow-cooked, and casseroles are just thawed and baked. The menu changes every week. Entrees can be ordered to feed 2 people (SMALL), 4 people (MEDIUM), or 6 people (LARGE). Also, I offer a Premium Entree and the cost will vary depending on ingredients.

Premium Entrees – 2 options this week

Salmon w/Brown Sugar & Mustard Glaze (SMALL $9 MEDIUM $18 LARGE $25): This tasty salmon fillet is just thawed and baked…a little sweet and a little tangy. Serve with brown rice and glazed carrots. Delicious!

Spinach & Ricotta Manicotti (SMALL $7 MEDIUM $14 LARGE $20): This amazing Italian stuffed pasta combines a little spinach and a lot of ricotta cheese and is then topped with my home-made marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese. Serve with a Caesar salad and garlic bread. Delicioso!

Entrees – SMALL $6 MEDIUM $11 LARGE $16

Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie: Lean ground beef seasoned and combined with green beans and corn and topped with lots of tater tots…I know you will just love it. Serve with dinner rolls and sliced tomatoes. Supper-Yummy!

Cajun Sausage & Black Beans: Great flavor and a little spicy…this crockpot entree combines smoked sausage, black beans, corn, onion, bell pepper, and tomato (I’ve heard some Kansans call this Jambalaya). Just place into your crockpot while frozen and cook on LOW 6-7 hours. Serve with crusty rolls or cornbread. Mmmmmmmmm…..

BBQ Chicken: A delicious combination of boneless skinless chicken breast and home-made bbq sauce. Serve with coleslaw and baked beans. Low-fat and Delicious!!

Breakfast: – SMALL $6 LARGE $11

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole w/Lil’Smokies & Cheese: Perfect for the weekend…lots of tots, plenty of lil’smokies & shredded cheese. Small serves 2 to 4 people and Large serves 6 to 10 people.

Dessert: – SMALL $6 LARGE $11

Pumpkin Pie: I just can’t wait until Thanksgiving! I love this recipe…it is the best pumpkin pie I have ever eaten. Small serves 2 to 4 people and Large serves 6 to 8 people. Great for company and can be frozen.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, just e-mail me at cookingkelly@greenzebraconcierge.com. Thanks so much for your interest. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me or e-mail me…I love to talk!!

Orders are due by Tuesday evening 11/10, and there is no minimun to order. Just order whatever you like. Pick-ups and deliveries are on Friday 11/13. If you would like to receive delivery at your workplace, the delivery charge is just $2 and if 5 employees or more place an order for delivery, there is no delivery charge (I hope this offers everyone a convenience you just can’t find anyplace else). The other option for receiving your items is to come by my home between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday to pick-up your items (I live in NE Wichita, near 13th and 127th). Payment can be check or cash and I will e-mail your total including sales tax (6.3%).

5 Ways Your Concierge Company Helps Your Bottom Line

Decreased Absenteeism – no one can be in two places at once.  Workers are able to remain on the job knowing Green Zebra Concierge will be handling their personal errands.

Greater Productivity – industry figures estimate it takes two hours to complete a personal errand during office hours.  Two hours equates to 25% of a business day!

Improved Morale - give a one-time bonus in February and it’s forgotten by October.  Concierge service is a year-round way to show your valued employees how much you appreciate them.

Increased Loyalty - U.S. labor statistics show 25% of the workforces have worked for their current employer less than 12 months.  In an environment that encourages job-hopping, what will you do to keep your best talent from going to the competition?

Lower HR Expenses - the total cost to recruit and train each new hire can be thousands of dollars over their budgeted salary.  By cutting down on turnover expense, you have a means of economizing during a challenging business climate. Adding concierge service to your benefits package is a proven ROI.  Contact Green Zebra Concierge for a quote on group rates.

High Cost of Lost Productivity According to a survey by Circles Concierge…

75% employees take care of personal responsibilities while on the job 36% say they do so every day

2 hours: the average time spent running personal errands Two hours = 25% of a work day!
If 36% of workers spend 25% of every day doing personal errands, your company is losing 9% productivity daily!