What’s the fritter-to-value ratio?

by Marissa Bracke |

Every application we use has a fritter-to-value ratio. Some are pretty low, like a (simple, non-graphing) calculator: you push the buttons, you get your answer. Basically no frittering to get the result you want. The fritter-to-value ratio is really low. But then...

Getting Wired In: How to Get Focused and Get Your Work Done Effectively

by Marissa Bracke | Last Updated: Mar 5, 2016

“He's wired in.” There are a couple of scenes in The Social Network (the movie about Facebook's creation) where someone describes one of the movie characters as being “wired in.” The character is shown typing code, headphones on, a bottle of...

Hiring an assistant or team member: How do I know when it’s time?

by Marissa Bracke |

Hiring an assistant or a team member isn't about identifying the “perfect time” to do so–there is no such thing. It's all about knowing when you and your business are ready. Here are three significant clues you might encounter, especially if you're a...

Nitpicking: Why We Do It & 2 Questions To Stop Doing It

by Marissa Bracke |

After you've handed off a task or project to a team member, there will come a point in time when you see the results of that person's work. You may be pleased. You may be disappointed. Or you may be nitpicky. If you catch yourself being nitpicky with someone else's...

Don’t delegate what you love doing. Delegate what supports you doing it.

by Marissa Bracke |

The biggest mistake I see people make when they start the process of delegating to an assistant or team member is to start looking for things that they can delegate. The mistake is understandable. If someone asks you, “What can I do for you?” your first...