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December - Time to: Analyze. Think. Commit. (Then Write it Down)
| Posted on November 28, 2011 at 2:25 PM |
December is one of those pivotal months. It heralds the end of one year and the dawn of another. For many of us, it’s a month when business slows down. If you live a hectic business life like I do, this is a great time to find some breathing space and think time. I like to spend this time reviewing my year so far against my goals.
I’m a big fan of tracking my marketing and sales activities throughout the year. What worked? What didn’t? Once I’ve done some analysis, it’s time to set some goals and plans for next year. To make sure I don’t lose sight of them, I write them down as updates to my business plan.
For example: Last December, I realized that, though I was networking, I wasn’t devoting enough time to it. I made a goal of attending an average of two networking events each week. I added joining a formal and targeted networking group as a way to reach that goal.
How did I do? I’ve consistently met my target of two per week and often exceeded it. I joined BNI and this past September helped launch a new business networking group. How does that translate into results? As of writing this article, 47% of my revenues can be tracked directly to networking activities.
Analyze. Think. Commit. That’s the process that works best for me. And, a big part of the “commit” is writing it down. There’s something about putting words to paper that makes it real and concrete.
So, what will my plans for 2012 be? For sure, they’ll include networking. But I don’t think I’ll plan to do more of it. There’s just so much of me to go around. But I am going to get better at it. How? I’ll have to analyze and think on that. And then, you can be sure, I’ll commit by writing it down.
Do you have any favourite planning strategies for December?
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8 Comments
The first time I put together my business plan, it was a bit daunting. After that, though, I'm just updating the things that I need to consider for the next year. It's always going to be a living breathing document that changes with my business. I think the real benefit of writing a plan is that it makes you think about what you want to do.
Katherine says...
Great advice. I like your message about writing down your goals for next year. Make the updates on your business plan. Now about that business plan!!
Nancy Newton says...
I'd like to think that I could also 'Analyze.Think. Commit.' My problem is choosing one or two items. Sometimes life seems so overwhelming that to choose that one or two items to improve on seems to be a daunting task....or is it just me?
Scott Gingrich says...
Great article Debbie. Networking is a powerful addition to the marketing mix. I think tracking the effectiveness/results of where we invest time and money is critical to making good business decisions.
Jessy says...
Oh wise one (with the beautiful wardrobe) wish I had your succinct talent for words. Good point I've always just flown by the seat of my pants, waking each morning and asking God who I will be helping that day, but now with my own "Clinic" I need to formalize and structure. I too have cut back from 4 networks to 1, but am focusing on strategic alliances. For instance I meet a lot of stressed entrepreneurs and release them from overwhelm, pain and limiting emotions so referring entrepreneurs to you who can help em articulate and blog is a natural... you on the other hand write for a lot of entrepreneurs who need assistance with articles etc is also a natural fit. Wanna be "friends" that way you have access to my network as well,and we run around less! Lets talk more in the new year after I take time to analyze my year! Love you.
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