Productive, organized, inspired, what verb comes to mind when you think of your business goals for this new year? Have you given any thought to it? Perhaps you should. Often in our excited and misguided enthusiasm we fail to plan which in turn sets us up to plan to fail. So if you haven't already done so let's look at a few ways to plan our success this year and choose a verb we can commit to.

1) Put your plan on paper and use your business plan as a tool to keep you inspired and on track. It will help you achieve more focus and keep your goals tangible.

2) Clearly describe what you want to achieve and how you intend to get there. Be realistic with your goals so you will be able to achieve them. Set realistic time limits.

3) Anticipate and avoid problems. What obstacles might keep you from your goals and how can you prepare to overcome them? Have alternatives you can fall back on.

4) Have a financial plan that is in line with the goals you want to achieve. Determine in advance what it will cost to achieve your goals. Budget for classes, seminars, marketing and anything else that will increase your chance of success.

5) Written goals give you solid criteria to evaluate progress. Check in with your goals monthly and see if you are on track or need to make adjustments. Continue to plot your course and update as needed.

6)Don't forget to plot your daily and weekly time management as well. What goals do you need to achieve to stay on track? Do you need an editorial calendar for blog posts and newsletters? A social calendar for networking events and teleseminars? Time for social media postings and article marketing?

7) Would outsourcing some of these duties be in your best interest? What can you delegate to someone else so you are free to do what makes you the most money? Determine the cost of your time versus outsourcing.

BONUS - Take time and make time to relax, recharge and spend time with friends and family.

This year I intend to organize, create and succeed! What are your action verbs?

Author's Bio: 

Monica McPherrin is a social media consultant & trainer who specializes in helping small business owners and solopreneurs integrate social media into their marketing by helping them create a web presence, build their mailing lists and drive traffic to their sites through relationship marketing. Busy business owners can also hire Monica to manage & maintain their social networks for them in order to free up valuable time and allow them to focus on their business.

www.OnlineMarketingIntro.com
Monica@OnlineMarketingIntro.com