While developing our company’s annual plan last month, I ran across an old document that had revenue goals and monthly sales projections from a few years ago.
The products looked good. The numbers were right. Pricing was competitive. The yearly target was an aggressive number. If we were to hit that goal, we would have a break-out year. It was the perfect plan.
And we fell short.
Over the span of twelve months, we failed to follow the course we had laid out for ourselves. It wasn’t a Titanic failure. It was just 365 little pinholes in the hull that sunk our ship.
Our dream was big. Our work wasn’t big enough.
We learned, first-hand, why John Maxwell says, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”
Two weeks ago, on our first Think About It Thursday for the year, we started with Vision. Last week, it was Resolve. Today, it’s Work. They’re interdependent concepts. With no Work, your Vision and Resolve fail. Without Vision, your Resolve and Work show no direction. Without Resolve, your Vision and Work will not be consistent.
To be most effective, your work must support your vision and goals. In short, we’re talking about Strategy. If your strategies are already set for 2017, good; review them in light of the questions below. If you’re just now developing strategies, ask yourself:
- The 80/20 principle says 80% of our results come from 20% of our activities. What top things did you do – sales and marketing-wise – that produced more results than 80% of everything else you tried last year?
- If you were to focus on growing just in the areas that brought the greatest results, what are 3 things you would emphasize doing?
- What marketing strategies or ideas have you not done yet, but find interesting? Decide on 3 new tactics you’ll commit to trying in the next 12 months.
If you’re a small business owner in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, and you’re open to learning about new strategies and systems to grow your business, we are holding a live workshop event in two weeks. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we invite you to a special after-hours event at Knoxville Soap, Candle & Gifts (5201 Kingston Pk. Suite #3). You’re sure to walk away with fresh ideas for your business and some great deals on romantic gifts for your sweetheart…or just to indulge yourself!
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How to Get Customers to Fall In Love with You
Tuesday, February 7 — 6:00 to 7:30pm
Knoxville Soap, Candle & Gifts
5201 Kingston Pike, Suite 3
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919
Admission: $10
