First, think about where you want to be in the next year or two; set your goals or objectives. Are you striving to get to breakeven, grow at a 3 percent rate, etc.?

Second, lay out the actions needed to accomplish that. How many new clients do you need at what average sale? What needs to be done to stop client defections? What do you need to do to get them to visit or call your business? What activities are time wasters? This process helps identify those factors that are critical to get right to ensure success.

Third, assign responsibility and a timeline for each activity. Look at what things you need to continue to do, what things you need to start doing, and what things you need to stop doing. The secret here is to work on only those things that are critical to your business’ success.

Fourth, set up an ongoing reporting procedure to ensure the plan’s execution and to hold those responsible accountable. Tracking leading activity indicators will tell you in advance what your results are going to be and what adjustments need to be made. If you are on your own, report to your CPA, attorney or other business advisor.

I found this and tons for on ROCG Consulting website, and understand the ROCG LinkedIn Group is jam packed with lots more. Check them out entrepreneurs!

David Drane is a writer for CREATIVE LIFE LINE, an inspirational speaker and story teller. For more information about David and CREATIVE LIFE LINE, go to his web site at www.drane.ca.

What would you say if I told you that you have in your possession right now, the piece of the puzzle that will move your business into its next growth phase?

That’s right. Almost every one of us has the key to our own success. We just don’t recognize it.

We get so wrapped up looking at the new technology, the latest trend in networking, a better web site, improved brochures and a myriad of other things. But what do you have, what do I have that will help my bank account catch up with my success?

Here it is. You’ve heard it before and you probably haven’t really acted on it yet.

What ever the mind believes, the person can do.

When you really believe it, you will achieve it.

Unfortunately, really believing might be the tough part. It takes about a month for the mind to accept a new habit. Make your success a new habit. After your mind accepts it, the rest of you will do what is necessary to catch up.

Here are the steps to convince your mind of what ever it is you want it to believe.

1. Decide in specific terms what it is that you want.
2. Write it down in specific terms in the present tense. Write it as if it is all ready accomplished.
3. Put your written statement some place where you will see it every day.
4. At least twice a day, preferably more often, read the statement out loud. If you miss a day, you will need to start over. (That’s not my rule. That’s your mind’s rule.)
5. If anyone does or says anything to cast doubt on your statement, turn them off and go read your statement out loud.

If you follow these five easy steps, you will be amazed at the results.

I believe it was Samuel Clemens who said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

And I don’t recall who it was who said, “Use it or lose it.”

So now you have the next big thing. Use it and grow.

David Drane is a writer for CREATIVE LIFE LINE, an inspirational speaker and story teller. For more information about David and CREATIVE LIFE LINE, go to his web site at www.drane.ca.