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Posts with work tag.
The First Half Is Done…Are You On Track Or Betting On The Second?

It is always a reality check (especially in sales) to review the mid-year numbers against goals. Even the most sophisticated of salespeople take the opportunity to evaluate, adjust, reassess, communicate and plan. Many others blame, accuse, defend, deflect and compromise, but rarely do what it takes: listen and learn. It's also the time of the year when middle-management does the infamous 'dance' (you know what I mean if you are in middle-management or deal with them).

Consistency is the key, learning is the foundation, staying up to date and applying methods are the tools, guidance is the framework (read: not management), teamwork is the conduit, commitment is the path and success is the goal. For those that truly stayed on the road to their goals, using everything just mentioned, the first half was likely less of a mystery than for everyone else. Maybe you even are ahead of the game!

Success never comes overnight, rarely is seen in the company of also-rans, doesn't hide from the real work and tends to stay around a great circle of influence (read: not the water cooler). If the first half of 2009 wasn't good for you, it's time to see the opportunities that exist for change, improvement, growth and dedication. All of us fail, which is a huge part of success. But if you continue to fail perpetually, it is time for more than self-talk and a spa day!

The second half of your year is in your control, up to you and completely dependent on what you believe will happen…plus a whole lot of action on your part! One of the benefits I continue to enjoy is the input from some of the best minds that anyone would want around them. People that all believe the second half is their half and are willing to do what it takes to make that happen.

Having missed my 'numbers' in the past, having been on 'losing' teams, having decided not to give it that little 'extra' effort and knowing from personal experience both how far and how close I've been to having that great half, it would be in your best interest to do whatever it takes to be part of the group of people that finish 2009 with a smile on their face.

So are you on track? Are you on the right track? If you just had to look down, find someone that will help you to win. If you're headed to your goals and dreams with nothing stopping you, that applause you hear is for you…rip up the second half!

Best practices: Professional Insight, Powerful Results

Success: A Four-Letter Word? Not Today

It used to be, by common knowledge, that success was defined by work (and how much you did). Now days it seems success is defined by smaller multi-million dollar losses, one more gizmo sold than the competition, not spending anything compared to what you did last year and more or the like.

I'm not the first to remind everyone not to lower the bar too far or get to the point where goal setting is replaced by complacency. But I may be one of the first to say: just remember why you got into business in the first place! Now, you may have been fortunate to fall into a highly profitable business/niche just because you had the money to get in. Good job (not great, though).

If you have built your name, presence and equity with a solid foundation, it's time to kick yourself into high gear. Maintain your business plan, don't create a new one for hard times. Adjust, don't start over. Keep your edge and aim to do better than 'just maintain'.

Right now it's more important than ever to:
1. Talk with EVERY prospect and client (don't talk at them)
2. Validate EVERY opportunity you have (people do things for their reasons, not yours)
3. Set goals and write EVERY one down (you can't hit what you can 't see)
4. Follow up with EVERYONE (the ones you don't stay in touch with become someone else's best client)
5. Support EVERY aspect of your business (not just what you're most comfortable with)

Hard work is more important than ever, just remember why you're doing it and what kind of results you're looking for. If you're determined to succeed, have all of your employees, vendors and clients supporting you, continually deliver products/services and great value on time and per your commitments, chances are you'll win.

What ever you decide to do, do it well and do it every time. Here's to success!!

Best Practices: Professional Insight, Power Results