Already the year is zooming by…it’s getting towards the end of January and plans for February and beyond should already be in place.
New Year resolutions are probably being stretched to breaking point or already completely abandoned and it’s looking like some of the old ways are taking over again..
I’m writing this as if a question but I know that I am guilty of falling behind my 2013 game plan,it’s not easy to stay motivated and on track..it’s even harder to back track and try and catch up.
Organisation
Over the last few weeks I’ve started to read more and get into Podcast’s, of which there are some great ones on marketing,motivation and social media..Social Media Examiner Marketing Over Coffee and Duct Tape Marketing are but three of many out there.
One thing that has struck me is that organisation is the key to a successful day.Many successful people swear by routines and approaches that allow them to define and control their day rather than have it hijacked from under them.
Plenty has been written and talked about in Podcast’s that relates to having a clear Focus and goal and to be able to get back in the zone of that focus on a daily basis.
F.I.R.M
To help with that I’m joining a new Firm every day…
I’m making sure that I work in a place that delivers the goals that have been set for my business and family..to do that focus is required..
This new Firm is a powerful place and keeps me on my toes..
F – Focus, Fundamentals, Fantastic..
To get where I need to be takes Focus, a clear set of objectives not a scribbled back of fag packet.Goals that are milestones not millstones..
Fundamentals such as getting and keeping customers is top of the list..spend more time on this and everything else will follow.
Fantastic objectives not wishy washy ..” in 6 months I’d like more clients..” more like ” the business will allow me to take more time off whilst earning more next month..”
I - Investment,Implementation,Impact,Internet..
To progress investment is important..not just in good equipment and suppliers but in Learning and development..spend time and money on you..
Implementation is vital to most things and have to say that the Entrepreneurs Circle and Nigel Botterill have been mazing in turning that light on
Impact, if my marketing lacks this then how can I help others increase theirs? There is a great book by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith called The Impact Equation which talks about the key elements of what makes marketing or you have that Impact factor.
Internet, understanding how key factors work and the importance to keep up with Social Media and SEO
R – Research,Recommendations and Resistors..
Research,to stay ahead of the pack it’s imperative to know what customers and the competitors are up to. There are many combinations of what works best here but Business Social Media ( Linkedin, twitter,Pinterest, Facebook) as well as tools such as Mention and the old fashioned Telephone all have their place. Intelligent Business decisions based on Business Intelligence is the aim.
Recommendations are crucial, there is no point you telling the world how good you are it’s about the world shouting just how brilliant you are that counts..World of Mouth,yes WORLD of mouth should be the key watch word here. Give them to those who deserve them and and give them because you want to not for the thought they may just endorse you back..
Resistors or in the Net Promoter terminology Detractors need looking after..make sure all that would not actively promote you to another business or work colleague are followed up on..find out what stops them and over come the issues by putting them right.
M- Marketing, Mobile, Measure, Management
Marketing is the engine that derives a business so it’s a good idea to keep it well oiled and in good working order.
Mobile, is your web site set up to be seen on mobile devices? More people are looking at sites from smart phones and tablets than ever before.
Measure relates to metrics..have you got those Google Analytics set up? Do you know how to read them? Do you read them?
Also important to make sure that you have thought about which links do best in your social media marketing.Do you check or just send out tweets etc in the hope that they will hit the right mark? What about making sure that you know which bits of marketing gets the results by using tracking numbers,goal conversions etc?
Today has been a good day at my new F.I.R.M and I’m looking forward to making more headway tomorrow. There is always something to focus on that makes a significant difference to progress.
What will you Focus on first tomorrow?
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