In business it’s vitally important that you have a clear idea of where you’re going and what you’re looking to accomplish before you ever start taking action steps.  Countless business owners have sat across from me in coaching sessions describing a business (often financially successful) that they have completely lost control over. They were so focussed on the business ‘making it’ and surviving that they forgot to set their own goals and objectives for where they wanted it to end up. They accommodated even the most difficult of clients so as to capitalize on every opportunity to turn a profit. They tried to do everything themselves so as to save the bottom line. And now, they are burnt out. They are starting to resent the business they worked so hard to build and the idea of walking away seems much more appealing than any of the other alternatives they can think of. The good news is this: money buys solutions. 

This business owner’s mentality is quickly turned around when I start to build in simple and cost effective systems and solutions to the mistakes they had made along the way.  Suddenly their spirits are lifted as the things they dreaded about their business have been eliminated or outsourced. And now we tackle the issue that would have saved them all this trouble in the first place – their business goals!

This process does not have to be hard.  It starts with one simple question: What do you want? And this applies to all the areas of your business. 

How much money do you want to earn this year? (Then chunk it down to quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily and hourly targets.)

How much time do you want to spend working?

How many staff do you want to bring on? By when? To do what jobs?

How much vacation time do you want to take? When will you take it? Who will cover you while you’re away?

What will a successful year look like to you? Describe it, define it.

Your business can be whatever you want it to be. But, you must be willing to do the hard work of clearly defining it. You must take the time to ask yourself what you really want. You have to write it down. You have to share your plan with someone objective who will hold you accountable to it. Your plan must be measurable so that you know whether or not you’re on track. And, you must be willing to reward yourself for your hard work. Start today! Sit down and set your business goals – you won’t regret it!

All the best,

Heather White, CEO, 2020 Communications Inc.

With the theme of New Beginnings and the spirit of the New Year in the air there’s no question that this is a time of change. The local gym that I go to is always a total gong show in January as everyone who’s ever thought about working out is there trying to start fresh and give themselves the healthy body they desire. What so many people miss however is that whenever you make change in your life, it’s not like flicking a light switch. You will not wake up, having not exercised for the past 5, 10, 15 years and begin a five day a week work-out regime from now to forever. You will be enthused and energetic in the short term, and then something will inevitably happen and you’ll miss a day, then you’ll miss two, then three, then you’ll think – ahh, screw this work out thing – I’m too busy to keep this up.

What I see happening too often when women try to make healthy change in their life is they take the ‘all or nothing approach’. You’re either leading the aerobics class, or, you never go to the gym. You have great intentions of a healthy diet, have two oreo cookies, beat yourself up, figure you’ve lost the battle and eat the whole box. This ‘all or nothing” b.s. doesn’t work. Here’s some tips on ensuring success for whatever changes you want to make this year.

1. Be gentle and kind to yourself as you attempt to change. You are going to fall off the wagon – it’s a given – and when you do, don’t beat yourself up, see it for what it is, a slip up, and get right back on the wagon. Don’t use a blip on the radar to give up all together.

2. Keep a record of your progress. It’s too easy for your ego to get you all wrapped up in keeping you dissatisfied with your progress. By keeping a record you can silence your ego and it’s ridiculous banter by looking back to how far you’ve come.

3. Get an accountability partner. If you can’t afford to hire a personal coach, business coach, personal trainer, wellness facilitator (depending on what changes you are making this year) get yourself an accountability partner.- click here to read an extended post on how to get a great partner.

4. Set a goal. It’s important for your sub-conscious mind, your ego and your motivation to ensure you know exactly what you’re working towards. Click here to read more about how to set effective goals.

Wishing you a successful, healthy 2009!

Heather White, CEO, 2020 Communications Inc.