Can you believe 2016 is all but gone? The election is over, and now here we are, one the brink of 2017. What does next year look like for you? Are you prepared? What’s your plan?
Here is my recipe to help you cook up the most enjoyable and profitable new year!
Have a Plan or Rework Your Plan
Clients that I work with that are serious about moving their businesses forward all have a plan – a written plan. They know all of their costs, sales and profitability targets, allocated budgets of savings, marketing, capital improvements etc. They evaluate and reevaluate their business models and make the changes needed to hit their goals. They know down to the DAY, what they need to sell and at what profit margins to be success – they PLAN for success and then they execute the plan. Without a plan you will flounder. I have several clients that have had explosive growth due to their commitment to this process. It is very rewarding to me to see the success that can be achieved when you work your plan.
Create a Strong Life/Work Balance
Notice I wrote “Life/Work” not,”Work/Life” Balance. One of the most critical aspects of your plan is to create a Life Work Balance… key sequence is “life” first then “work.” The way it works is (1) I come first; (2) my wife and children come second; (3) family third; (4) friends fourth and; (5) job last. I remember telling my son this philosophy and he didn’t quite understand until I explained it further. You see, I believe that if I am 100 percent whole, mentally, physically and spiritually, then everyone I touch and come in contact with: wife, children, family, friends, colleagues, clients, vendors all get the best from me and benefits, that’s the way it should be. The other side of that is me potentially being grouchy, sour and disconnected, obviously not the best idea. Therefore take care of yourself – your family and business depends on you being both physically and fiscally fit.
Educate Constantly
Our amazing industry offers a bounty of educational opportunities so learn as much as you can – this can be an amazing differentiator. Here is a great example. PPAI has done an amazing job spearheading the Product Safety Awareness by offering a massive education initiative to create a very in-depth understanding of these issues. This education prepares you to work more effectively with your clients and prospects to ensure that the vendors and products you choose reflect your clients brand in a meaningful and proper manner.
Technology has changed our industry; don’t sit on the sidelines any longer – actively participate in furthering your education – it truly is a deal maker!
Know Your Numbers
Business owners that work their business know their numbers. Through their goal setting, they know exactly where they want to end up and what it takes to get there. They know down to the month, week and day what they need to sell and at what profits in order to achieve their goals. Make sure you actively work with your accountant, bookkeeper or CPA and review your numbers consistently, this too should be part of your plan.
Focus – Dig Within
Don’t try and fix the past that is behind you. Certainly learn from the past but don’t dwell on what happened. Distance yourself form the past by staying completely focused on the goal – even when things seem to be falling apart, stay the course. Part of focusing comes with how you structure your business. Don’t be all over the place by being a generalist, taking any and every order that comes down the pike, analyze your client base, focus on four to five key vertical markets, make every contact and touch point relevant to those audiences and watch your company go viral in those spaces. It has worked for SO many that I have worked with over the years; in fact, it’s how I got my business to the level I had.
Be Accountable
I find this to be one of the most difficult tasks for people to follow. Being committed to being totally accountable for every decision, every action, every outcome, it’s difficult but no one else is going to do that for you. I remember when my children, Alex and Cait, went to college, both very bright, great athletes, they asked me, “Dad, what things do I need to know to be successful both at academics and sports while in college?” I had a very simple answer, “…be eligible and be coachable… you won’t fail if you follow those rules.” I’m proud that they both graduated on time with the respect and admiration of both their teachers and their parents. Accountability begins with you!
Get Involved – Give Back
I learn so much from others and I love giving back anytime I can. Get involved in your community, civic organization or your local regional trade association. There is where you will find contacts and rub shoulders with others of similar styles and viewpoints and there will be those that have varying viewpoints which is great too because it gives you a different perspective on things, possibly one that could create a whole new opening for you. ALWAYS be open to the possibilities
Have FUN!
Need I say more here? Life is so short it is so important to love what you do. Will Rogers words ring so true here, “Find a job you love and yo’ll never work another day in your life”.
Following these principles will be a great recipe for success for 2017 and beyond. Work your business, don’t let it work you. Make sure you take care of you first at every level through a strong life work balance. Your success will follow.
Until next month, continued good selling!
For more than 30 years, Cliff has been speaking, training and consulting internationally to associations and national business groups on more effective ways to market themselves, their products and services, as well as motivating their personnel. Recognized by PPAI for his creativity, he has won the prestigious PPAI Pyramid award 25 times, and the Printing Industry’s PSDA’s Peak Award for creativity five times in three years. He has also received PPAI's Ambassador Speaker of the Year Award six consecutive years and was the inaugural recipient of PPAI’s Distinguished Service Award. Named one of top six industry speakers and trainers, he also was recognized by PPAI in the book, “PPAI at 100,” as having a significant influence in education. He has also been recognized by Counselor Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in the Promotional Products Industry. You can engage with Cliff at http://www.myengagepage2.com/cliffquicksell.