Work Smarter, Not Harder!
By Tom Ossa
Get stuff done at work, be effective, get motivated, and maybe even have a few laughs.
Work Smarter, Not Harder!May 03, 2024
00:00
13:51
Guest: Joseph Baratta, Author: Balancing Act
Tom and Joe have been friends for 17 years, and counting.
Joe just wrote his first book, Balancing Act. It's a great read!
Join us for this very conversational podcast, amongst good friends and colleagues, and learn more about how Joe got started in the Real Estate Industry, as well as his background in the Home Improvement industry.
You can find Balancing Act here: https://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Act-Navigating-Estate-Career-ebook/dp/B0D1RD2J4C/
May 03, 202413:51
Open Door vs. Closed Door Policies
Tom got up at the crack of dawn this morning in order to handle several meetings with Rockland News reporters, as well as a new member of his sales team for Rockland Web Design. In this slightly random episode, he congratulates his colleague, Joe Baratta, on the launch of his new book, Balancing Act, a great quick read for Real Estate and Home Improvement professionals. He also talks about the value of the open versus closed door policy in companies, and draws a parallel from the past - how Presidents managed their time, and handled their meetings with others, while in office.
Apr 29, 202411:20
Waking Up Early Gets Things Done
Tom got up early this morning to finish a book, do a podcast and be ready for a networking meeting. This episode serves more of as a testimonial to waking up at the crack of dawn - IF you want to get more done in life.
Apr 23, 202412:14
Celebrating 17 Years in Business!
Davi’.
Apr 19, 202413:33
Driving Closer to the Music
Forward.
Apr 17, 202408:25
Getting Even - At the Right Time
Within reason, sometimes it’s ok to even the score with someone who wronged you. Of course, be legal, ethical and use your moral compass, as Tom explains in this very personal podcast. But to illustrate, Tom invokes a recent story about his Mom’s car brake issues.
Apr 03, 202411:28
Three Steps to Handling Tense Negotiations
Who knew that tapping one’s toes can help in tense situations? In this podcast episode, Tom invokes the book The Art of Negotiation, and peppers in some additional steps to keeping one’s composure when dealing with difficult negotiators.
Apr 01, 202413:44
The Shortest Podcast Ever
In this finely tuned episode, Tom Ossa gets to the heart of today’s point.
Apr 01, 202401:12
Delegate After YOU Understand The Task
The art of delegation doesn’t always include all the details necessary for successfully getting things done by your team. In this episode, Tom encourages leaders to be familiar with the systems and tasks that are delegated, so that the team can be more comfortable when you explain their responsibilities to them.
Mar 25, 202405:45
Adjusting Your Schedule to Meet Your Expectations
In this brief episode, Tom talks about the value of adjusting your schedule from time to time.
Mar 20, 202406:48
Using Math to Stay on Target
Sometimes the busyness of the day takes us off course. In this very, very brief episode, Tom talks about some algebra that helped him to stay focused on specific goals.
Mar 19, 202406:04
Time Shifting Part III - How to Condense Time (when necessary)
We all do it to a degree, shifting our priorities, in order to achieve optimal results. Wait, you don’t do that? Then tune in to Tom Ossa‘s podcast today, where he introduces real life, examples of how to use time shifting in order to condense time - to produce high performance results.
Mar 18, 202409:19
Learn AI - It Will Help You!
In this episode, Tom walks us through the importance of learning AI, in this it’s early stage of commercial development.
Mar 16, 202406:25
The Space Between Stimulus and Response.
Today, Tom talks about how he handled an email from an angry individual that demanded a retraction in his publication RocklandNews.com. And special thanks to Maven Driver Training!
Mar 15, 202408:38
How to Network at Networking Meetings
Tom is headed to the BSPN networking event today at 6 pm, at GIOS Restaurant in New City. In this episode, we review the fundamental steps to proper networking etiquette: 1. Introduce self 2. Small talk 3. Business cards. Enjoy! 😊
Mar 14, 202412:29
Don’t Give Up Your Company Value!
Most people go right to the bank to get a loan as soon as they start their business. This causes a whole bunch of problems later, if not properly managed. In this episode, Tom suggests that business owners hold onto as much equity as possible, as they are growing. It’s more painful sometimes, but eventually it is much more profitable.
Mar 14, 202404:48
Save Time by Using Video for Emails
In addition to a quick tutorial on how to use Screencastify to send video emails, Tom reviews some “fan mail” he got from a job applicant named - according to the application - “Joe Mamma”. You can’t make this stuff up. 😂
Mar 12, 202412:01
Movement: The Secret to Increasing Your Work & Personal Effectivness
In this episode, Tom explains his concept for bundling, sedentary and active work tasks, in order to achieve better personal and professional well-being.
Mar 11, 202410:03
Do What You’re Supposed to Do!
Warning! Tom is a little hot under the collar today! Today, he talks about how people should be responsible for their own tasks. He also cites examples from today, but as usual, without naming names. Time will tell if it resonates with anyone.
Mar 07, 202412:25
The Relationship Between Your Tasklist and Calendar
Knowing where to put your tasks is an important part of your overall productivity. In this podcast episode, Tom breaks down his strategy for blocking together tasks with calendar time.
Mar 06, 202412:29
How to Ride a Wave - Eyes Forward!
If you have ever watched a surfer riding a wave into the shore, you’ll notice that they don’t look behind them, to pay attention to any waves other than the one that they are riding! In this episode, Tom draws a business analogy to help you keep on focus with your goals for the day.
Mar 05, 202407:22
What Drives Your Soul in Business?
A special unexpected guest appearance by Tom’s dog Watson couldn’t stop his enthusiasm, talking about finding ways of following your unique purpose that drives your soul. A good Monday morning kickstarter! This episode is dedicated to Father Thomas Madden, who passed away in February of 2024. May he rest in peace, in God’s arms.
Mar 04, 202410:52
Keep Your Emails Brief and to the Point!
In this episode, Tom introduces another important concept in email communications, keeping it brief! Also, we have a special quick guest appearance from Billy Keenan, the author of the book the Road to Resilience. He will be a guest on the show in weeks.
Feb 07, 202406:15
Special Episode: An Interview with the Stony Point Seals
In this episode, Tom sits down with the Stony Point Seals for an interview, in advance of their 25th annual Polar Plunge, scheduled for the Big Game Day, Feb 11, 2024.
Feb 07, 202415:13
Never Miss an Opportunity!
In this emotional episode, Tom reveals one of the turning points in his business life, which oddly came as a result of a failure in a classroom exercise.
Feb 05, 202416:53
From Good to Great - Taking Time to Cultivate Good Ideas
Tom got an email from a well-intentioned individual, who was pointing out a discrepancy on one of the community groups that his company manages. In this brief, but personal podcast episode, Tom responds in a logical, but thoughtful manner. The overall point for this episode: When you have a big idea, it takes time to cultivate. Kudos to the cultivators.
Feb 03, 202406:40
Focusing on Your Important, Long Term Goals
In this brief episode, Tom draws from the wisdom of the late Stephen R. Covey, author of the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - to show you how to block out time to get the important long term goals accomplished gradually, each week.
Feb 02, 202401:54
10 Steps for Surviving Emotionally Challenging Days
Tom had a difficult day on Wednesday, but it was a bit easier with the stop gap routines that he has implemented for nearly 20 years. In this very special episode, he will discuss the 10 steps that he uses to stay on target, and maintain an inner well-being, in the hopes that you can subsequently experience a better tomorrow. ;
Feb 01, 202422:57
Setting Boundaries for Your Customer Service Time
Tom had a client that was contacting him way out of normal business hours. His advice today, is to set boundaries, use technology to schedule appointments, and sometimes - when boundaries are crossed - have the bravery to not respond.
Jan 31, 202408:06
Regain Total Control of Your Calendar
It is no secret that Tom has more appointments in his calendar than the press secretary for Azerbaijan. Somehow he manages, and in this brief, four minute podcast, he reveals a secret that he has used for the past year, that is so simple, that anyone can implement it in less than 15 minutes.
Jan 31, 202406:30
Get Your Work Done Anywhere!
Tom was on site at a concert, despite being pressured to work from the office. Enter laptop, tablet and backpack. Also, a Peruvian restaurant. Plus, Tom introduces Father Steve from the Marian Shrine to the podcast world. Tune in for his new podcast, Hang with Jesus!
Jan 29, 202406:42
Use Technology Right - And Go Anywhere You Want
Tom is onsite with one of his favorite bands, Live and Unplugged, doing some imagery and reporting for RocklandNews.com. In this episode, he talks about how to work onsite - anywhere…with just a phone and tablet.
Jan 26, 202404:29
Using Ai Art to Safely Express Your Feelings
Tom sucks at talking with people on social media. He realizes this. But he’s come to peace with it, by using art to better present his ideas and feelings. Of course, sans actual art talent, he found and started using Midjourney, one of the most popular Ai tools available today for the consumer. In this episode, Tom explains the usefulness of Midjourney, and also posts a friendly warning to his colleagues about how Ai could next come for the commercial photographers in the digital space.
Jan 24, 202410:23
New Blog Series! Rockland.Ai
As if there isn’t enough for Tom to handle in his two companies, Tom announces his new blog series, Rockland.Ai - which is focused on education about the emerging commercial technologies that assist its users to be much more productive in their professional and personal lives.
Jan 22, 202410:24
Is it Really “AI”? No, it Really Isn’t!
The term AI is being thrown around more lazily than a dog chewing on his favorite squirrel toy. In this episode, Tom talks about an example of a new feature that Google has, showing that it is not true “Artificial General Intelligence”, which will take much more time to achieve.
Jan 22, 202410:29
Emailers: Stop Replying All!
In this episode, Tom passionately rants about email, and all of its many flaws. He also provides suggestions for handling email better, primarily by refraining from several bad habits.
Jan 15, 202411:25
30 Days to a Better Brand: Book Intro
If you are wondering whether Tom Ossa’s new book, 30 Days to a Better Brand is worth your time, listen to this episode, where Tom reads the introduction of the book to you. Feedback is welcome!
Jan 13, 202410:07
When to Promote Events - Part 2
Tom followed up today with his explanation on when to promote events
Jan 11, 202405:09
Competition is Good. Here’s why.
Tom was talking with someone about the nature of business, and on this episode will discuss why competition in business is a good thing. A very good thing.
Jan 11, 202407:03
Plan Your Promotions in Advance - Part 1
In this episode, Tom briefly discusses how to go about planning your promotional campaign for upcoming events. More to come tomorrow.
Jan 10, 202405:37
Introducing Rockland.Ai - A New Blog Series
Tom has been fascinated by Ai since the commercial release of ChatGPT and Midjourney. In this episode, he announces a new blog series, Rockland.Ai - to help small businesses to use the best tools for their business’ ongoing development and scale.
Jan 08, 202406:46
One Thing Led to Another - How to Start Your Goal
In sales, projects, administrative work, and much more - there is a workflow that can get you in the mode of getting things done better. In this episode, Tom quickly discusses how to start with just one thing, so that it leads you organically to the next thing. Simple concept, with examples.
Jan 05, 202405:56
Happy New Year! Keep Your Web Address Short!
We hope you are having a good start to the New Year! Here is a short episode from Tom on the importance of keeping your domain name as short as possible. Also, download the first three chapters of his book, 30 Days to a Better Brand, for free!
Jan 04, 202405:45
Setting Up Your Schedule for 2024
As we get into the new year, consider setting up your schedule to use your energy and time in the best possible way. Also get a free copy of Tom‘s new book, “30 Days to a Better Brand“, available on Amazon.
Dec 27, 202306:24
Life Hack: Start Your Next Task Before You Stand Up
We all suffer from it if we work in front of a computer. Getting tasks done in an orderly and timely fashion. In this episode, Tom provides a really, really simple way to get more tasks done, so you increase your rate of productive success.
Dec 20, 202306:15
The Challenge of 2023
A quick 5-minute check in, wishing you and your colleagues a good rest of 2023. This one is unformatted, raw and real. No guests, no agenda, just getting back on the airwaves with you. Have a great week.
Nov 13, 202305:09
MT Vessels 4 - Mike and Tom Are Back!
It's been over six months since Mike Kluger and Tom Ossa did a podcast with each other - today they finally got it together and sat for an hour to recap some of the things they've been up to, including Stony Music Fest 9, plans for making a larger event at Clover Stadium, and how to brew a righteous coffee.
Aug 15, 202301:07:46
Amy Stern (WMC Health) - Rockland Duck Derby
On this episode, we talk about ducks. A lot.
But it's for a good cause. Amy Stern of WMC Health, and longtime Rockland County resident and volunteer has organized a family friendly fun event, the Rockland Duck Derby. Website is https://rocklandduckderby.org.
You can sponsor a single rubber duck for just $10 - and if your duck wins...you can win one of three prizes ranging from $500 to $1000! How cool is that, and also support not one...not two...but FOUR local, great charities in Rockland County NY.
Push play and enjoy.
Jun 22, 202338:45
Interlude
Just a brief overview of some great upcoming events.
Jun 22, 202306:19
Ultimate Sacrifice Foundation - with guests Mike Doody, Barry Dorfman and Erica Siegrest
The Ultimate Sacrifice Foundation is dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and resilience of our Nation's Service Members, Veterans, and Gold Star Families. On today's show we have Mike Doody from the Foundation, along with Barry Dorfman and Erica Siegrest, talking about the upcoming Freedom Ride, at Clover Stadium on July 8th.
Jun 07, 202317:50