Happy New Year! Yesterday, I mentioned I would be writing about Planning to Plan, but an email from my mother this morning has pre-empted that message. Here's what she had to say:
We've had quite a decade as a family and we have much for which to give thanks. I hope you will each take some time to make a survey of the past ten years and see how accomplished you all are, how well you have negotiated the tasks of your lives, and how much you have done to make the world and the human race advance toward a brighter future. I wish for you continued optimism with which to fuel your next ten years of reaching for your highest and best goals.
I love you, Mom
Before I wrap up things at the office for the year, I am going to take my mom's advice. (Now that I'm over 30 I've realized she is seldom wrong...)
Day 2: Know where you are.
Today I am going to take some time and look back at 2010 to see if where I've ended up is where I wanted to go. My CEO has often commented that it is hard to know how to get where you want to go if you don't know, really know, where you are.
What does this have to do with getting more referrals? It establishes a baseline so that you'll know where you're starting from and will also show you how much potential there is to earn more next year.
Here are some of the things I'll be taking a look at:
- What did I do well? - What are the things I'm really good at and should do more of? Which of our efforts were most effective? Once I know what these are I'll be scheduling time to work on them. Was there a time when I achieved something I didn't think I could? What helped me do it?
- What mistakes did I make? - Yep, I'm human too and I know there will always be more to learn. By taking some time to reflect on my 2010 foul-ups I'll be less likely to make those mistakes again. What deal(s) did I lose? What could I have done differently? How can I make sure not to do these things again?
- What are the most important things for me to do next? - Each of us has our own unique talents and gifts. When we're using those skills to achieve our goals it feels great and it really sets us apart from our competitors. Keeping in touch may be something that's in your DNA. Most people working in sales are good at this, they're just too busy to do it as well as they can. That's where we come in - so if you haven't started your free trial yet, go ahead and do it!
I'll post about anything I learn that is surprising. I'd love to hear what questions you ask yourself as you take your survey. I know that every time I do an exercise like this I find something I never would have suspected.
Here's to a happy, healthy, and profitable New Year. Check back tomorrow for Planning to Plan, sorry it got delayed. (Mother knows best!)
You can follow me here, please let me know if you need anything by emailing me here.
Best,
Celeste
Comments(1)