Applause!

New hires, promotions, certifications earned, and announcements

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International for three years.

This is the highest accreditation an organization can receive.

The accreditation was awarded for community employment supports and community employment job development and employment planning services.

Congratulations, MCBDD!

Has your business or an employee done something that should get applause or does your nonprofit have an announcement? E-mail the information to Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com and put “Applause” in the subject line. This is a free service for this magazine’s advertisers. There is a $50 charge for all non-advertising businesses.

BUSINESS: THE INBOX To Do: Tackle To-Do List

by Rachel Shepard

Does your to-do list seem never ending?

We all have a list of tasks and work that needs to get done.

My long to-do list usually includes everything from laundry, kids’ activities and volunteer responsibilities to client work, marketing and reconciling the financial books.

There are times that I add things to my list that I have already accomplished just so I can cross them off and keep a record of completion.

Can you relate?

When overwhelmed, we tend to start with the easy tasks. It provides a sense of accomplishment when several easy and quick things can be crossed off the list.

The problem with this method is that the most important and hardest work gets pushed off to another day.

In 2024, I am challenging myself to start the workday with the hard “scary” thing first.

Sometimes, this is the thing that will take the longest. This is where block scheduling, which is blocking out sections of the day to cover specific tasks using the calendar, helps.

Prioritize tasks by using the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple matrix of four quadrants. At the top, there should be two columns that are labeled Urgent and Not Urgent. On the left side, the two rows are labeled Important and Not Important. Tasks are then placed within the quadrant that fits best.

Start with tasks that are urgent and important. Once the urgent and important tasks are complete, move on to the ones that are important but not urgent.

Urgent, non-important tasks can be delegated. Consider deleting the tasks that are not urgent and not important.

Once the to-do list is prioritized, narrow it down to the power list of the day. This power list will focus on three to five of the most critical tasks of the day. Then plan the most important activities during your most productive hours of the day.

Taking control of your to-do list and feel the satisfaction of a productive day and a job well done!

Business Owners and Decision Makers: You know reputation is everything and whom you hang out with matters. Want your company to be seen with the very BEST area companies and get your message to our readers?

Call 330-461-0589

Rachel Shepard is the founder of LonaRock, LLC, and a Medina County resident. She specializes in helping businesses understand financials and access capital. Learn more about Shepard at https://bit.ly/3h0LFEY Shepard can be reached by email at rshepard@lonarock.com

Networking Through Illness

by Bob Arnold

When feeling under the weather or have a serious illness going on, networking can be challenging.

Of course, you may not be thinking much about networking in that situation, but there are some real benefits if you do.

What does it take to network successfully when under the siege of an illness?

1. Determine that you will network.

The mindset you establish will determine all that follows. Your attitude comes into play here and so does your determination to not let an illness deter you. You can actually make some very interesting connections while ill.

2. Go stealth/cancel meetings.

Obviously, you will not be able to attend physical meetings. Let the other person(s) know you cannot be there, and you will need to postpone the meeting. I had to do this for several meetings lately since I organize and run them. If you do not run them, it is much easier to not attend!

3. Return to the basics.

Have a conversation with someone you want to get to know better. This conversation should be structured more around getting to know them personally rather than working on a project together.

4. Use email/text.

Have conversations through emails and/or texts. Do not put pressure on yourself to answer immediately when someone sends you a message. Notice I did not bring up social media. It can be another avenue; however, it also comes with more stress and feeling more compelled to answer immediately.

5. Do not try to do too much.

You will, especially if you are an industrious person! Your top priority is to get well again, not to be conversing, and to do so you really do need to hold back. You do not need to tell anyone that you are sick. However, if you do, it will bring the conversation into a whole other dimension. Could be good.

6. Do it!

Yep, limit how much you do but remain determined that you will do it and that you will have fun and be productive, even while you are going through an illness.

Bob Arnold is the founder of ONward Networking and the international best-selling author of “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil,” which can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KSy3Xm. Learn more about Arnold at https://bit.ly/3VLzr1S Contact Arnold at TheNetworkingPencil@gmail.com