As we approach the end of the year, it is time to review the results from 2007 and plan for next year. Your 2007 self-assessment should include:
• What were your written goals?
• Did you achieve them? Take note of what was successful and what wasn't. Why was it successful or not?
• Put it down on paper.
• Be brutal in your self assessment. Use someone you trust to help review your results, like an accountability partner, mentor, adviser or friend.
Your 2007 assessment forms the basis for next year's plan. To plan for 2008:
• Dedicate some time when there will be no distractions or interruptions.
• Think and dream about what you want to accomplish this year. Think big!
• Your lifestyle comes first. Fit the business into your lifestyle, not the other way around.
• Next comes profit or process improvement, in most businesses, a dollar saved is worth at least $10 of increased sales.
• Sales.
• Marketing.
• Organizational Development.
• Training.
Now prioritize all your issues and plans. Then pick your top three to five. Make sure you don't over-reach, make your plans achievable. Schedule them out by quarter and then by month to ensure that you have achievable milestones. Then, as Chet Holmes says, go after the plan with pig-headed determination and discipline.
Kris Sinderholm is the president of SBS Associates, a small business adviser, specializing in strategic planning and implementation, revenue growth, process improvement, cost reduction and cash flow enhancement.
• What were your written goals?
• Did you achieve them? Take note of what was successful and what wasn't. Why was it successful or not?
• Put it down on paper.
• Be brutal in your self assessment. Use someone you trust to help review your results, like an accountability partner, mentor, adviser or friend.
Your 2007 assessment forms the basis for next year's plan. To plan for 2008:
• Dedicate some time when there will be no distractions or interruptions.
• Think and dream about what you want to accomplish this year. Think big!
• Your lifestyle comes first. Fit the business into your lifestyle, not the other way around.
• Next comes profit or process improvement, in most businesses, a dollar saved is worth at least $10 of increased sales.
• Sales.
• Marketing.
• Organizational Development.
• Training.
Now prioritize all your issues and plans. Then pick your top three to five. Make sure you don't over-reach, make your plans achievable. Schedule them out by quarter and then by month to ensure that you have achievable milestones. Then, as Chet Holmes says, go after the plan with pig-headed determination and discipline.
Kris Sinderholm is the president of SBS Associates, a small business adviser, specializing in strategic planning and implementation, revenue growth, process improvement, cost reduction and cash flow enhancement.