The first half of 2010 is almost over and we are approaching the summer months.
This is a great time to access the first half of the year and review your business goals for the year. Are you on track? If not, Why? What do you need to do to ensure success for the balance of 2010 and the start of 2011?
I’ve had many discussions with Start Ups, Entrepreneurs and mid size businesses just like you who are struggling to find new leads, close sales and market their business.
When I ask if they’re experts in their field, I get all types of odd answers from, No!!!!!! To, well I don’t have a university degree or even worse I don’t know.

If you’re not an expert in your field and fully confident of your products and service your potential customers will sense your weakness and not be moved to desire your services.

Many businesses are held back because key people in the organization lack the proper skill set to either manage their business effectively or they lack the skills to utilize new technologies like the internet to leverage their business.
To be a successful business today you need to continue the learning process and learn new skills. You are the key to your success. You need to have an open mind and become and expert in your field and the only way to do this is to continue learning.
To do this you must take stock of your business:
1. Write down the top ten must improve areas of your business for 2010
2. Now divide the top ten in to the following areas of Sales, Marketing and Business Operation.
3. You will notice that one area will become painfully obvious
4. Now go buy a couple of books to read in that obvious area. (Possibly Marketing)
5. Monday to Friday get up early every morning or shut off the TV early at night and read every day for one hour.
Five days a week for one hour. Take notes of the things you like and implement as soon as possible.
5 hours x 26 weeks = 180 hours dedicated to learning.
To really achieve any goal or to learn a new skill that is worthwhile, we need to discipline ourselves to keep it on track until it’s accomplished. There are several ways to effectively track your goals.
• Keep a list and review your goals regularly, preferably daily
• Break down a goal into actionable steps
• Break down a goal into quantifiable results
• Track a goal by the amount of time you spend on it
The investment in learning will pay multiple dividends for the balance of 2010 leading into 2011 and help you to “Build your Business”

Donald Robichaud is the President of FloodLight Consulting and can be reached at 250-768-9415