#WSNH2015 || Monika Dixon of Monika Dixon Public Relations

No grit, no pearl.

How was everyone’s holiday?! What a week huh? Mine was fantastic but I am anxious to get back into a regular schedule and start my New Year resolutions.

In case you missed last week’s announcement, I am starting a new weekly column (beginning today!), Work Smarter, Not Harder. This series showcases Chicago’s leading ladies – think CEO’s, entreprenuers and everyday women making a difference – and how they work smarter, not harder. Show the world how you WSNH by tagging #WSNH2015 on Instagram and Twitter.

First up is someone I personally look up to and greatly admire, Monika Dixon, the CEO and founder of Monika Dixon Public Relations. MDPR is the Chicago PR Firm behind some of the city’s hottest openings and restaurants! Monika is a huge supporter of local charities and also known as one of the Chicago’s most fashionable ladies. Just check out her Instagram! So without further adeu, meet Monika and how she works smarter, not harder!

1. What time do you typically get up in the morning?
   6:00 AM
2. How do you take your coffee and what do you typically eat for breakfast?
   I usually drink a medium cappuccino. I rarely ever eat breakfast but when I do, it is a banana or a bagel with cream cheese. On the weekend I can’t say no to Tippling Hall’s “ham steak and eggs” plate.
3. Quickly walk us through your morning routine:
   My mornings are very busy because I have to get my kids ready for school, make breakfast, feed our fish, read stories, find “the elves on the shelf”, prepare lunch for school etc.  We have to be out of the house by 8 AM. I am usually at the office by 9 AM and that’s when I can finally enjoy my cappuccino.
4. What resources do you use to stay organized and remember tasks?
   Iphone calendar and notes. I have everything on my phone.
5. What mistake do you see people constantly make that they should be aware of? People tend to engage more with social media then in face to face conversations.
6. How do you conquer your inbox?
   That is always a challenge. I receive about 400 e-mails per day. I try to check my inbox in the morning before meetings with clients and then again in the evening. When I am at home I try to focus on our family but after the kids go to bed I check my e-mail.
7. How do you format your emails?
   I try to keep my messages straight forward but sweet. I know that everyone is busy and that they are mostly interested in the information they requested. I try to stay clear, specific and content driven.
8. How do you make time for working out and staying healthy?
   I have to force myself to take an hour away from my day to work out. I recently started working out again and we do it as a team activity in our building’s gym. The work out is not obligatory, but you can join if you feel up for it. Ultimately it makes me feel better, it helps straighten my back and clear my mind.
9. Any tips for keeping an organized workspace?
   Write everything down and create a report of tasks that were approached and/or accomplished.
10. What other pieces of advice would you like to share (if any)?
    Do not check your social media every hour! You will not be able to accomplish anything else.
11. Favorites…
    Websites: PRWeek, Mashable,  PR Newser, The New Potato, Etsy
    Apps: Instagram, #nocrop, UberNewsstand, Uncrate
    Books: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer; Think Like a Freak by Steven D.Levitt & Stephen J.Dubner; The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

A very special thank you to Monika and her team, who I have had the utmost pleasure getting to know this past year. I wish you nothing but success and amazing accomplishments for 2015! For more tips and tricks, you can find additional Work Smarter, Not Harder interviews here.

So what do you think friends?! Given this is my very first WSNH post, let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for future questions. Now is your chance to get behind these amazing women’s brains and strategy. Simply leave a comment below or shoot me an email. Oh and don’t forget to share how you work smarter, not harder on Instagram and Twitter by tagging #WSNH2015.

Up next? Next Monday will be the brains behind the quickly growing Chicago blogger network, The Windy City Blogger Collective; editor of the blog, The Kittchen; contributor to Coca Cola & Cheeky Chicago and author of The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Cookbook. Oh and she has a full time job. How she does it? I have no clue. But I cannot wait to find out!