Sounds like a plan! Start setting goals like a pro!

I’m a big fan of spontaneity! "Wanna go for drinks in a few minutes?" Sure! "How about if we go get donuts this morning instead of making oatmeal?" OK! "Happy hour at the donut place, right now?" Now we’re talkin’! Little surprises are what makes life fun, don’t ya think? So why does that philosophy not always translate when it comes to running a business? Would be nice, wouldn’t it? But who said we always get what we want? Some spontaneity, a little winging it, are fine, but in SMALL doses! Having a plan and following it is a waaay better approach. Even if planning is the kind of thing you know you should do, but don’t, you can learn how to do professional goal setting like, well, a pro!

So, let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start... Wait, I'm talking about professional goal setting, not The Sound of Music. But seriously, you need to first define where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Know what you're working towards and you'll be better able to set small goals that can help with the big-time goals. Once you put your goals on paper — or on "paper," if you prefer all things digital — you should also identify some weekly tasks that can keep you on track. Tangible things like reviewing P&Ls, and getting feedback from customers and staff are key, and so are some more thoughtful "tasks" such as making sure your marketing plan is relevant and identifying ways that you can increase sales or reach more customers. Those might take longer and require a little more brain power, but they're all part of the process in developing a sound plan for your business.

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

This week I shared some quotes from one of my fave authors... moi! And from Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, the authors of Think Like a Freak. Hopefully you liked them and maybe they even got you thinking about how you run your company and how you can improve your professional goal setting.

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Professional Goal Setting – Tip #1:

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"Define what you want, then you know what you are working towards."

Professional Goal Setting – Tip #2:

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"The key to learning is feedback. It is nearly impossible to learn anything without it."

Professional Goal Setting – Tip #3:

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"Define your dreams."

Professional Goal Setting – Tip #4:

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"The information gleaned from expense coding leads to change that can easily increase profitability."

Professional Goal Setting – Tip #5:

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"No matter how out of whack, you can't become more profitable until you get to the real root of the problem."

Let's talk! I'd love to hear YOUR stories about professional goal setting!

I'm sure you have a thing or two to tell about how you've become a professional goal setting wiz. Which tips above did you find helpful? I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week! And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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