Interviews are fun way to learn and share information.

 

If you are a content creator (i.e., blogger, vlogger, podcaster), ask others to let you interview them and say yes when you are asked by others.

 

I met Terrass “Razz” Misher when we set up an interview for WRUU Savannah. Razz is a podcasting and small business expert in my community.

 

We had a great interview that I hope you enjoy as well. In case you want to skip forward to sections of the show in which you have more interest, I have included notes and times below.

 

 

 

The biggest productivity problems I see in my clients (2:05):

• Most adults were not taught in school how to manage our tasks and time. Often, it is assumed that smart people are automatically productive.
• Too many people follow the “drop everything and do it now” method of prioritization
• Task management systems are the most important productivity tool that is the least-well-understood in business today

 

How to work with your administrative support (4:00):

• Two ways to manage this relationship:
  • Demand and response; ask and get. Your support team is not active until they receive work and instructions from you.
  • Delegate tasks and appropriate decision-making authority. Instruct support people to look for the “triggers” of a process so that they can begin work without you asking for them to do so.
• It is important to document processes in order to empower your team to do work that currently depends on your knowledge and/or intervention
• Give your administrative support the knowledge and ability to do tasks that you currently do yourself.

 

My new book Seraphina Does EVERYTHING! (14:54)

 

“It’s a beautifully drawn, beautifully-written book that speaks toward productivity.” ~Razz

 

Here’s the story:  Seraphina is a wonderful young girl who does not want to miss out on anything, so she does everything! Soccer, ballet, French club, youth group…everything. Dad drives her to her activities. Seraphina realizes that something is missing from her life, and she gets sad. With help from her Dad, Seraphina realizes that she needs to focus on the things that are most important to her and let some activities go. In the end, Seraphina realizes that what is inside her makes her everything, not what she does.

 

We are not pulled aside in school and instructed on what happens when our lives are out of balance. These patterns and behaviors need to start early.

 

“My hope is that Seraphina can frame some important discussions between parents and kids, and maybe give parents something to think about, too!” ~Melissa

 

“Let’s teach kids that it’s okay to say yes AND no.” ~Melissa

 

“The Lightning Round” questions:

• What did you want to be as a kid and how does it relate to your current business? (28:13)
• How have you approached failure in life? (29:49)
• What advice would you give someone who has an unpublished book or other content they want to release into the world? (33:35)
• Who influenced your earlier life and who’s your mentor now? (36:19)
• Favorite book? (39:29)
• Is there a quote or a mantra that you live by? (40:59)
• If you had a superpower, what would you choose? (43:25)

 

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In today's world, kids are often as over committed as adults. Seraphina does EVERYTHING! helps children, and the adults who love them, understand that life isn't all about doing. It's also about being!

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Melissa Gratias (pronounced “Gracious”) used to think that productivity was a result of working long hours. And, she worked a lot of hours. Then, she learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait. Now, Melissa is a productivity expert who coaches and trains other businesspeople to be more focused, balanced, and effective. She is a prolific writer and speaker who travels the world helping people change how they work and improve how they live. Contact her at getproductive@melissagratias.com or 912-417-2505. Sign up to receive her productivity tips via email.