In running one's business, besides creating a marketing plan for the New Year, it is important to determine what one is trying to achieve.

Are we just looking at business from just a transactional point of view? Are we looking at our business with an insight into the future? Are we thinking about creating a reputation/legacy, by which, peers and associates in the business community will respect and remember us by? How do our past clients and their sphere of influence play into all of this?

Sometimes we look at our business as a transactional situation, without seeing the bigger picture. We need to remember to look at the bigger picture, and to position ourselves so that we do not have to look for a new customer for every transaction.

Repeat business and referrals are where we want to be. That takes treating people in a respectful and responsible way, and it takes follow up.

Building a business is like building a building. If the foundation is not solid, the building will not be very solid and will not weather the test of time.

Think of your future......it is yours to create!