Happy holidays to everybody. In looking for some words of wisdom I could pass along to everyone about how to make their 2012 a success, I came across an article written by Canadian business consultant Andrew Miller.
He provides what he called “ways to accelerate results in 2012.” The list of tips covers both ideas to improve one's sales results and to have a better work-life balance.
He suggested choosing one thing that you dread doing and just do it. “That might mean calling a customer or writing an article, but you need to get over it. Just do it and commit to reducing procrastination in 2012.”
Select five companies that you want as customers for 2012. Use a connection that can introduce you to those companies by combing your network to find an entry point. Stating the obvious, Miller said, “Referrals are the quickest way to accelerate the sales cycle.”
Write down three goals or principles and once they are written down, “start thinking about how to achieve them and incorporate them into the way you do business immediately. Review them every month to ensure you are following them successfully,” he said.
Pick two areas you want to improve on. Develop a plan on how to improve in whatever areas you choose and start executing it now, Miller said.
“Find a new way you can better serve your customers and clients. This might be a new service or product offering or enhancing a current one. Have some new and fresh insights to discuss with customers and prospective customers the next time you speak with them,” he declared.
The last build your business tip is to pick one new way you are going to reach out to prospective customers.
On the work-life balance side of the ledger, Miller said to plan to take at least one vacation in 2012. “Start looking at dates and locations now so you have something booked on the calendar and a trip to look forward to. No one is too busy to take a vacation (although you may think you are).”
Another work-life tip: “Treat yourself to something nice. Go out for a nice dinner or buy that iPad you have been thinking about. It has been a hard year and you need to reward yourself for a job well done.”
