Skip the Resolutions!
Did you take some time this past week to think about and perhaps even write down your resolutions for 2007?
To be honest, I'm not exactly a fan of resolutions - really, what's so different about December 31 than January 1 that's going to make a dramatic difference in whether or not you keep your resolutions? If you just have a list of things you'd like to accomplish, well, the answer is 'not much'. But if you have a PLAN to go along with your list, well, that can make ALL the difference.
What I've done for the past several years, as part of a much larger strategic planning process, is create what I call My Simple Business Plan. It includes just 4 goals that I I want to achieve in my business within the next year. I review the previous year's goals before setting down the next set for the upcoming year, and what I've found from doing this process over and over is this: I've reached AT LEAST those 4 goals within the year (and usually qutie a few more). How? Because those were the ones I created a plan around to achieve.
So even though 4 goals may not seem like a lot, if it's 4 more than you usually reach, wouldn't that feel great? :)
This year, instead of creating resolutions for your business, try the following steps to create your own Simple Business Plan:
1. Create your 1 year vision
One of my favorite exercises is creating a vivid vision of what I want my life to look like over the next year. I include anything and everything I can think of, letting my imagination run wild while my fingers try to keep up with my mind.
If you've done this or a similar exercise before, review what you've written previously. Acknowledge the progress you've made, but don't get stuck on the goals you didn't reach either. Move forward with your new or revised goals for the future.
2. Choose a theme
Usually from the 1-year vision exercise, a theme will immerge about what seems most right to focus on over the next year. It may be finances, relationship-building, or a specific piece of my marketing efforts that I want to implement or increase.
3. Choose 4 goals to focus on within that theme
Choose one goal that follows the overarching theme of your year to work on each quarter. For example, if your theme is 'increase market reach', your first quarter goal may be to get exposure in a media outlet you haven't tapped yet. Your second quarter goal may be to develop 3 new strategic alliances.
4. Break down each Quarterly Goal into monthly, weekly and daily tasks
Now that you know what you want to focus on each quarter, figure out what you need to do each month, week and day of that quarter to reach your goal. Then write down those tasks in your planner.
This step is huge - and it's also the step that most people skip. But I promise if you set aside the time to do this, you will reap the rewards. Doing this will almost effortlessly PULL you forward towards reaching your goals.
5. Get support
As entrepreneurs, we have a tendency to want to go-it-alone. But nothing will increase the likelihood of actually reaching your goals more quickly and easily than if you have someone else holding you accountable.
Buddy up with a colleague, or hire a coach, to keep you on track and moving forward. Check in at least once a week to ensure forward progress. And don't forget to celebrate your victories, whether they be big or small, along the way.
I know this sound simple, but for some reason, we have a tendency to make everything much more difficult than it needs to be. If you follow the 5 steps I've given you, when this time comes next year, you'll be astounded that you actually reached, at the very least, your 4 goals of your Simple Business Plan.
© 2006 Alicia M Forest and ClientAbundance.com
Related Tags: internet business, online business, increase sales, small business marketing, online marketing, get more clients
Alicia M Forest, MBA, Multiple Streams Queen & Coach™ and creator of "21 Easy & Essential Steps to Online Success System™, teaches coaches, consultants, and other solo professionals and online entrepreneurs how to attract more clients, create profit-making products and services, make more sales, and ultimately live the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to create abundance in your business, visit http://www.clientabundance.com/ Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Many Different Content Management Systems Are Available ( Cms)
At this time the rule is that going to the content management system open source and a commercial. H - Establish Your Credibility Online
Shoppers are now careful these days. They are more conscious that there are fraud sellers lurking on - Make Money Online Fast - Is It Possible?!
When you see the phrase "make money online fast" you may wonder to yourself, is this for real?! And - What Is Auto Traffic Avalanche?
Many people is talking about this great tool, and that became an excellent software, that can genera - Beginners Guide To Blogging
A blog is basically an online journal wherein you can digitally pen down your thoughts, ideas, opini - Say No To Just Having Enough To Get By...look For Wealth After A Fixed Paycheck
For the last year, I am proud to say that my regular weekly salary was earned through direct deposit - How Outsourcing Works - Hiring An Outsourced Virtual Assistant
Outsourcing is a proven means of helping businesses cut resource costs while getting the same level - How, Where Should You Start And Get Paid In Affiliate Marketing?
Before internet, freelance jobs like insurance, network marketing and real estate used to be the onl - Saratoga Builders Help You Make Informed Decisions
Numerous American central heating designs implement a furnace which blows forced hot air by means of - Basic Features Of A Good Web Hosting Plan
There are a few features that you should look for when you are picking a good web hosting plan, ther
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Tools for Adsense
If you're just boarding on the AdSense train, and looking to find a quick way to make the profits yo - Information Products - Your Action Plan
If you've been thinking of writing your own information product, here are a few tips to help you get - Are You Missing Out On This Method Of Generating Instant Cash?
If you have not yet heard of Bum Marketing, you're missing out. It's a great online marketing metho - How to Find a Home Based Business Internet Opportunity Thats Right for you
Copyright © Jagraj Gill http://www.payitforward4profits.com/jaggiegill Finding the right hom - Can It Be True? Can You Really Use The Internet to Create Money?
Is it hype? Or is it real? Is dramatized and exaggerated? Or can I really use the internet to cre - How to Create a Virtual Grand Opening
Copyright © 2007 Donna Gunter Grand openings and ribbon cuttings don't have to be limited to bu - What Is The Hottest Product To Sell Online
After going through a survey from all the internet Guru Alex Mandossian, Armand Morin, Derek Gehl an - Web Based Employee Time Clock
The power of the internet is in its connectivity. Many people think that the internet is great becau - Driving Hordes of Traffic to your Site
Getting enough traffic to your site is the overwhelming problem for anyone new to Internet or Affili - So You Want to Start an Online Business Part Two - Analyzing Keywords
Analyzing Keywords Continuing on from Part One of 'So You Want to Start an Online Business'; we wil