With the end of the year fast approaching, now is a great time to take stock of 2004. It is likely that your company set specific goals at the beginning of the year. As you review the past year, the question that must be asked is, "Have I achieved my goals? Has my company achieved the outcomes we set?" If your answer is yes, congratulations! If not, what stopped you?
There are always unplanned occurrences that prevent us from accomplishing all the goals we set. However, our roadblocks are often as simple as getting caught up in the day to day activities of running our business.
Without constant reminders of our vision and goals, they probably won't materialize. It's as simple as that.
The difference between those who achieve a desired outcome and those who don't is evident. The most common causes of failure in achieving a desired outcome are a lack of goals and focus, lack of direction, lack of appropriate action and lack of being willing to risk ? and risk big. On the other hand, those who seem to get the desired result have specific goals, clearly visualize what they want, have clear direction, take massive action and are willing to take incredible risks. One of my goals for 2004 included writing and publishing another book by year's end. In creating my newly released book, 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door, this goal was accomplished.
As my co-authors and I were in the initial planning stages of the project we all expressed our desired outcomes or goals. First, the book had to convey quality to the art of selling. Second, we wanted it to be unique, like nothing else currently on the market. Lastly, we wanted to have little, if any, out-of-pocket expenses on what is normally an extremely expensive proposition.
With these goals clearly stated, we set out to create something from the seed of an idea. We were all confident we could achieve the first two goals based on our over 100 years of combined sales knowledge.
It was the goal of achieving as close to a debt free product that would add even more excitement to an already high energy project. The fact is, once we made a public announcement of our book release we had to figure out how to make it work. We did what many high achievers do - we gave ourselves no option but to succeed. We would have to figure out a way to make it work.
Although there are people who would buy simply because they know us, that was not our objective. Our objective was to reach multiple markets where we weren't necessarily known.
In a moment of high creativity, we decided to sell the book before it was published. We knew if people were willing to buy the book sight unseen we either had to deliver on our promise or lose all credibility in the marketplace and with clients who trust us.
We had to develop an incentive for buying the book before it was printed. As an information products specialist, I know that people value great information. My co-authors also know this to be true. Based on this information we decided to host a complimentary bonus training session for anyone who bought the book before it was published.
The response we received was more than we anticipated. Right from the start the bonus session created quite a few sales. This helped us to pay for a portion of our production costs up front. It also forced us to stay within our stated timeframe for delivery. After all, we couldn't very well promise hundreds of buyers they would have something on a specified date and not deliver it. Our reputation and credibility was at stake.
With these clear goals, focus, creativity and action, 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door was released on December 2nd. I'm proud to say we achieved all our goals.
As you review the past year, what accomplishments are you extremely proud of? What would you have done differently? What roadblocks got in your way?
The New Year is right around the corner, and with that the opportunity to focus on your personal and business goals. What are the outcomes you truly desire for 2005? Are you willing to give yourself no option but to succeed?
Kathleen Gage is an award-winning keynote speaker; business advisor and author who helps others gain visibility within their market. Visit http://www.kathleengage.com to learn more about Gage's newest release and to receive a FR*EE report entitled "Learn How a Salt Lake City Based Business Consultant Made over $100,000 From One Idea."
taxi o'hare Wisconsin Dells ..I want to focus our thoughts on each of these... Read More
"One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key... Read More
It's really all we have... the "Moment". Think about it,... Read More
Hope you're having a GREAT Day!Last night I was reading... Read More
Imagine you are a fire. Fires burn at different levels... Read More
Do you still keep that all important 'Inner Spark Alive'?... Read More
Are you ready to finally realize your dream? I'm talking... Read More
You've been searching for self improvement or personal development. Trying... Read More
Few books have impacted my perspective on human psychologically and... Read More
It is high time you know the truth about yourselves.... Read More
Choice isn't always a matter of being able to choose... Read More
What characteristics are common among successful people. If you analyze... Read More
All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy... Read More
An odd but frequent barrier to prosperity is the belief... Read More
Jim Rohn, the success guru and mentor, said, "Failure is... Read More
Coaching is about living great lives. It's about living lives... Read More
We must never allow a day to pass without finding... Read More
Self-improvement; A great deal has been written on the subject,... Read More
Are you consistently chasing success? Once you achieve it, do... Read More
Sometimes success is found through the things that you don't... Read More
I did it my way -Frank SinatraWhat is a successful... Read More
There is a saying that goes something like this: Getting... Read More
Affirmations are emotionally driven statements of intention and faith that... Read More
In earlier generations it was common to keep a diary... Read More
When you analyze the traits of successful people, you will... Read More
bmw rental chicago Ackley ..One of the greatest compliments I ever received in my... Read More
So, how can you succeed online without ever experiencing the... Read More
Something For You To Consider?How To Create What You Want... Read More
Opportunity is all around us and has many facets, but... Read More
There is a disquieting trend emerging among women particularly -... Read More
Want to make success a habit in your life? If... Read More
The Enlightened Warrior's 'Keys to Success' Through the Power of... Read More
The ten-year period which followed the stock market crash of... Read More
The title of this article also happens to be the... Read More
Visualize success, and what you'll do to reward yourself A... Read More
If you are not experiencing perfect, harmonious, pressure-free life experiences... Read More
My life is a bubble; but how much solid cash... Read More
"Fear Factor" is one of my favorite TV shows. It... Read More
Success is a journey and along the way we need... Read More
e-Learning is doubling yearly. Classes, e-courses, e-books on how-to and... Read More
Hello again! I have some more useful tips you can... Read More
Thoughts move faster than the speed of light.Expectations jump faster... Read More
Today I am going to tell you the #1 secret... Read More
There are certain laws that when obeyed will bring great... Read More
Dr. Deepak Chopra is a well-known author of more than... Read More
When I decided to have my web site built, I... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
It's really all we have... the "Moment". Think about it,... Read More
A number of years ago, I had the rather unique... Read More
Take a page from Eastern wisdom Meditation, martial arts that... Read More
Success |