3. Review Last Year's Business Goals.

Before establishing your 2008 goals, review your 2007 business goals. Did you achieve what you set out to do? If so, congratulations! If not, are those goals still relevant? Acknowledge the progress you've made, but, don't lament over the goals you didn't reach. Move forward with your new or revised goals for the future.

4. Choose a Theme.

Usually from the 1-year vision exercise, a theme (or themes) will emerge about what seems right to focus on over the next year. It may be relationship building, product development, or implementing a new marketing plan to grow your business.

Choose a theme (or themes) that you will focus your goals on achieving. (Choose no more than two themes!)

5. Choose 4 Goals to Focus on Within Your Theme (s).

Choose one goal that follows the overarching theme (s) to work on each quarter. For example, if your theme is 'increase market awareness', your first quarter goal may be to 'add 25 new business referral contacts to your business referral list'. Your second quarter goal may be to 'publish 12 articles online' or do a Podcast. Develop additional goals for quarters three and four.

6. Break Down each Quarterly Goal into Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Tasks

Now that you know what you want to focus on each quarter, figure out what you need to do each month, week, and day of that quarter to reach your goal. This is your action plan!

A good idea is to treat each goal as a project. Make a list of all the tasks you must accomplish to reach your goal. Buy a notebook with inside pockets or a clear front cover. Put your task list inside the front cover pocket. Keep all your working papers, articles, and resources you need to accomplish your goal in this ONE notebook. As you complete tasks, check them off your list so you can see and gauge your progress.

WARNING: Most people skip this step after they develop their goals. If you break your elephant goal into baby steps, I can guarantee reaching your goals will be easier!

7. Get support

Buddy up with a colleague or hire a coach to keep you on track and moving forward. Check in at least once a week with each other to ensure forward progress, and celebrate your victories!

If you follow the 7 steps, I have outlined for you, by this time next year, you will be astounded, and elated at the goals you've accomplished with Your Simple Business Plan!

Copyright 2007 Bonita L. Richter and Profit Strategies.

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