For business owners, the New Year brings a time of reflection on goals and strategies for the coming year. For far too many these thoughts are quickly eclipsed by the responsibilities both personal and professional of day to day life and no formal planning process for the new year results. Consider this quick and easy three step process and answer the only question that really matters. If you were to look ahead at your business a year from today, what has to have happened within that year for you to feel happy with the progress of your business?”
Step 1: Dangers
List the aspects of your business that worry you. Start by asking yourself: what issues keep you awake at night and are based on the fear of losing something? Common responses are: not having enough profit, inadequate cash flow, flat or inconsistent sales, inability to find quality staff, not having enough time, growing too fast, poor work/life balance, and failure to build long-term equity in the business.
Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Step 2: Opportunities
Next, consider what excites you about your business by reflecting on the outcomes that become possible if existing dangers are eliminated. Some examples include: predictable income, improving your own leadership and delegation, a value-driven sales process to increase profitability, and more time for yourself to enjoy family and leisure activities. Your opportunities should be associated with the excitement of gaining something.
Find out what's happening in Carlsbadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Step 3: Strengths
Strengths: Take a look in the mirror – what are your current talents, capabilities, and skills that you would like to reinforce and maximize in your business? Some ideas are: I have a solid community, peers, and circle of influence; my work ethic will not let me fail; I have strong management and motivational skills; my clients see the value in my products or service; I’m willing to adapt and make adjustments to keep my business successful as a result of competitive or regulatory changes.
Once you have explored these three areas, narrow down your list by picking the top three dangers you want to eliminate. Follow this with the top three opportunities you want focus on as well as the top three strengths you want emphasize. Doing this will allow you to easily see what areas of your business you need to work on in order to make 2014 a great year.
Let me know what's going on in your business, mshea@advicoach.com.
or visit me at www.mshea.advicoach.com
