Are You "Set Up" For Success?

Believe it or not, 2004 is already here. Yeah, I know, where has the time gone? My mom always told me that as I got older, the years would start to fly by. Did anyone ever tell you that? Did you believe them? Well it is happening to me right now.

Before I get too deep into this article, just let me say that the intention of this article is NOT to make people angry or depressed. The real purpose for this article is to help the reader determine if he/she is doing a few key things for their business. Let’s take a look at the three main things that I feel any business owner needs to have in place if they are serious about making their business a success.

Setting Goals: Sound familiar? Of course it does. Have you done this? If you ask a lot of people, the answer you get may vary from “I know what I want to accomplish” to “Do I really need to set goals? I’m here to say that if you have not set your goals for you business, then take a few moments and write them down. Yes, I said write them down.

Be sure to set your goals realistically. Goals should be reachable. If you set unrealistic goals, then don’t meet them you are setting yourself up for failure. You need to set short and long term goals. If you don’t meet your goals on schedule, do not feel defeated. Re-set your goal and strive harder to reach it.

Setting a Plan of Action: Okay, you have set your goals. Now what? How are you going to get there? This can be the real tricky part for some. You need a plan of action that is going to keep moving you closer to your goals on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

If only there was a “master plan” we could all use. Since there is not, only you can know what needs to be done in your business. Look at your goals and determine what action you need to take. Set your plan of action according to the goals you are striving to reach.

Be specific! Being too vague in your plan of action can leave you sputtering along. It is very important that your plan be detailed. You need the “how” and “when” of your business plan.

Implementing your plan of action: Now that you have a written set of goals and a detailed plan of action, the last key element is implementing your plan. After all, what good are your goals and plan of action without acting on them?

For most, this is the hardest part. In my mind, it can be even more so in the home business sector. If you work for some one else, you probably have that constant “some one is watching over you to make sure you get all your tasks done on time.

In the home business field, it can be very easy to procrastinate. Yes, we have all done it. Some more than others though. This is where you divide the men from the boys. While many of the “boys” are preparing to find the perfect time to get ready to get started, the “men” are already in action.

We know that there is no “perfect” time to get started. If you are waiting for this, do yourself a favor and give up. It is never going to come. To be successful, you are just going to have to do it. And do it now!

In conclusion, let me say that although these three key elements are all very easily done, doing them does not guarantee success. There is another intangible, YOU! Add your own personality to your business and let it grow.

Here’s to you and your success. Today, not tomorrow!