I asked a number of leaders in their field to share with us their ideas for coming out of the starting blocks quickly in 2009.
I’ll share their Kick-start Tips with you over the coming weeks as we step cautiously – but boldly (if that is possible) into the year in which many eternal optimists and determined opportunists look for ways to beat the world trends – or take advantage of them.
Just before that though, I thought I would give a plug for Twitter as a neat goal setting (and getting tool). It's a phenomenon- which caught my attention which has been facilitated by new mobile phones, web 2 technology and the growth of social media. It is a source of inspiration for me to link up regularly with inspired people’s thoughts. Twitter helps me to do that.
I joined Twitter last year and have been fascinated at the very personal glimpse into the minutiae of people’s days and how they go about creating and sharing thoughts with each other towards achieving their own goals. Its actually a great way to get a supportive netwprk around you to help keep you focussed on your goals as well as providing inspiration throughout the day and week. Choose who you follow carefully of course!
This online service is used to communicate and share ideas and links with groups that have similar interests. It’s fast and a form of microblogging. It’s not for everyone- but what I have taken out of it is the idea sharing part and the fact that no matter what your expertise, interests or position in life, our everyday is patterned with similar mini-thoughts and revelations. It’s what you do with these thoughts that creates the abundance and opportunities in your own life.
What we do with 24 hours is the most important plan we can make – so worry less about the whole of 2009 and focus on optimising the next 24 hours and the next and the next and create positive action that will take you towards your important goals.
Kick-start Tips #1
Step 1: Take some real time off
No pussy-footing around with excuses of “I’m waiting ‘til the weather’s better”, if you’re serious about moving at lightning speed you need to get some space between you and the last year. Take a long summer holiday and really let the past year wash over you and feel completely refreshed. This approach did wonders for my business last year and bore the concept for our newest venture. Bask in the sun and relax – it’s a vital ingredient.
Step 2: Congratulate yourself
Time to blow your own trumpet! What did you rock at? Why? What was it about that thing / project that motivated you to do well? Get a good understanding of what actually gets you out of bed in the morning then go and toast your success and get everyone pumped up about doing it again.
Step 3: Berate yourself
Enough back slapping – now what could you have done better? Who’s doing it better than you? Now, what are you going to do about it? Get together with your team and have everyone contribute to what they think they-slash-the business could be focusing on. Goal: to be the best in breed.
Step 4: Use the downtime well
I accept that January is a bit of pain-in-the-butt month where it’s difficult to get too much interaction with clients going. However, I tend to use this time to get annoying projects that are easy to procrastinate about, out of the way.
Step 5: Set directions
Time to ensure you’ve got a very clear strategy for the year ahead (which ideally you would have set last year) and measureable goals for each quarter – this will enormously motivate your team. Even if you’re only a one-man band, key performance indicators will enable you to look back and appreciate what you’ve achieved and motivate you to keep at it.
Step 6: Create a motto and scream it from the rooftops
Create a motto: mine’s going to be “embrace online in 2009” and I’m going to say it so many times that people are going to want to have my vocal chords removed.
Step 7: Positivity breeds positivity
Ignore the gloom but take heed. Efficient, well run businesses will continue to flourish and positivity is vital for the coming year. Try and shake off the continued talk of gloom, but at the same time a prudent business manager will look at how she might be able to trim costs and challenge how the business could be further streamlined.
Step 8: Diehard for your cause
Add some pressure and set high expectations. And reward! Those willing to kill their own food are going to love the next year or so. Use this to your advantage and really dial up the competitive spirit and add a bit of performance pressure. The satisfaction of achieving big things will make it worth everyone’s while.