You have had a break – it was nice. After a few day’s you found yourself asking these questions – What am I doing ?? Am I happy ?? Is my day to day business life giving me what I want ???
This is a question often asked by Business Owners after the Xmas/New Year break.
The question is a good one and there is a reason it comes up now:
subconsciously your mind has cleared – no phone, no staff interruptions, no clients hassling you – everyone else is at the beach too !!! – and you can see, more clearly, the big picture.
So….. how to make good of this time………..some simple suggestions:
Before you meet with staff for the 1st meeting or day of the year, go to a quiet place – it could be your office with the door closed and phone off…OR it may be the local library – BUT NOT AT HOME !!
- Reflections: – take a blank piece of paper and ask yourself and write down the answers to these questions….
- What did I achieve last year? ( these need to be acknowledged )
- What were the challenges from last year ??? – be candid – what did I get wrong last year? – what stuff did I do that WAS NOT going to move me forward?
- What do I need to learn from this?
- Planning: – why should I? – do I have one?
- Do I have a plan – a long term one? ( written down, simple and clear )
- Do I have a plan for this year? ( written down, simple and clear
I say to you – a goal without a plan is like a car with no steering wheel !!!
Emphasise the importance of strategic planning for future growth and success.
- Set Clear Goals:
- Look at the high level big picture stuff first – what are your long term goals.
- Set SMART goals – (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- Make sure you have your VISION Statement in front of you.
Remember the mission statements you have produced are to guide your team – when you re-engage with them.
- Evaluate and Adjust Business Strategies – in the context of your answer’s to the 1st questions:
- Did what you did last year work ??
- What’s happening in your space now – will it affect you ??
Don’t be scared to make a change – remember – continuing to so what you have always done – and expecting a different result is THE definition of insanity !!!
- Make sure ( insist ) that you, and your team follow the basic rules of Business;
- -Be clear on what your service/sales proposition is…
- – Ensure you look after your clients.
- – Prepare a trading and Cashflow Forecast and Annual Plan – make sure it is realistic !!
- – Monitor progress, measure what matters, make changes as you need to.
- – Look after your cash – get paid for what you do, eliminate wastage
- – Protect margin at all costs !!
- – Work on improving systems !
- Plan to invest in your TEAM:
- What you invest in your team will be paid back 10x over…..
- Remind your team that knowledge is power !!
When you have completed your personal business reset:
- Get the Team together and re-share your Vision for your business.
- Lay out your plan for the year.
- Make sure your cadence and communication process is in place.
- Make sure your Team know that innovation and change are key…..
Remember – you are the Leader – the Team need and expect direction from you…
Contact me for help with completing this process
Malcolm Jensen – Business Coach/Mentor
Phone: +64 27 437 7625
Email: malcolmj@blueprintadvisory.co.nz