Extraordinary Business

I talk to a lot of people that want to change something about themselves or their businesses to become more successful. Many say "I will start working on _______________ when the time is right." My question is, "Is the time ever going to be right?"

If you recognize something that isn't working now, and you know that by changing it you will be able to accomplish more, be more efficient, have more free time, become more successful, make more money, or spend more time with your family wouldn't you want to do it now?

It's common for us to want to wait for the perfect time. That time is when we have more money, when we aren't as busy, when it's an off peak time. There are lots of reasons for waiting. However, what happens while you are waiting for that perfect time to start? Does it ever happen? I will guess no.

The perfect time will never arrive. When you get one bill paid and have extra money, another bill seems to appear. When you reach a point where you should have more free time, another project comes into view. In the end you are still dealing with the same challenges that you didn't address plus maybe a few new ones. In the end the unrealized potential remains unrealized and your dreams of a better job, a better business, or a better life.

Here are some steps to help you:
- Take action now. A phrase I often hear used is "Ready, Fire, Aim!" Take action and adjust along the way.

- Avoid procrastination. If you put it off, you may never do it.

- Focus on positive results. If you stay focused on the positive outcome, and it is truly important to you, go for it.

- Address the obstacles. Whether it's money, time, or something else, discover what is in they way.

- Find a way. Once you know all the obstacles, find a way to get around them or work through them. If it's important to you, work the problem and find the solution.

- Seek outside help. Find someone who can help you accomplish your goals.

- Believe. Believe in yourself, believe in your company, believe in your products or services. Until you fully buy in to your success, you will only dream about it.

-Overcome fear. Most people fail to act because of a perceived end result. Usually we look at the worst case scenario instead of what may actually be achieved. If fear of failure is blocking you, understand that fear and take action anyway.

So the next time an opportunity comes along, or you see something that can benefit you greatly, identify what is blocking you and take action! If you do so for the right reasons, you'll be glad you did.

I read or listen to a number of books throughout the year on business, sales, wealth, and motivation. Most of the books have different authors and focus on different subjects, but you would be surprised at the similarities in the messages. Whether your in leadership or sales, you will need to achieve the following to get ahead and stay ahead:

- Attitude: When they say attitude is everything, it's true. Don't take my word for it. Pull out any self help book, leadership book, or corporate biography. All will say its about attitude.

- Skills and Knowledge: Getting the right people in the right places and doing the right things. Line your people's strengths up with the jobs that will best match those strengths and challenge them, and place them in the areas where they can best benefit your business.

- Goals: You need a measure to compare yourself to. Goals provide a direction and a measurable result. Make sure your goals are SMART goals. Specific, measurable, Attainable, Realistically high, and Time constrained.

-Repeat: It's not enough just to write it down. You need to review your goals daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. This helps keep you on track and incorporates the goals into your culture.

There are other things we can add to this list, but by working on the areas above, you can begin building a business that will last.