Planning for success, the success of your business in 2012, is a massive undertaking. It requires a lot of time and a lot of effort – and quite frankly – it can be very intimidating to think, “Wow, I need to sit down and think about the big picture for my business.”
In fact, it can be overwhelming enough that we do not have the foggiest idea where to start on a thinking process like this, so we don’t. We go on as we have, without any clear thought or precise direction in mind. Not knowing exactly where you want to go sure makes it hard to get there!
Having a clear focus on what we need to accomplish to achieve our dreams, our success, helps us stay on track and not get distracted by other tasks.
How do we stay on track, in the bustle of the day to day of our business? 
Try this – SHORT To-Do lists. For anyone that has ever met me in person, this will make you chuckle. I ALWAYS have something with me to write upon, and inevitably, it is filled with a VERY long list of things I need to do. And, I never, ever get it all done – and that is so frustrating for me! Less on the “To Do” list for TODAY = more SUCCESS for me today and over the life of my business.
So, my new habit to master this year is SHORT to do lists. A small piece of paper with two to four things on it that have to be done today. Not an ongoing laundry list of all of the tasks, that now needs to live somewhere, but not on my person, not as my goal for today.
I have accepted (or I am trying to learn to accept) that this monster list is important (I can’t sleep when it is in my head…. once it is on the paper, my head quiets down, you know?) – but it is unreasonable to use as my objective for today. I need to prioritize – what has to be done TODAY? Pick a few things – and get them done.
And abstract stuff is not allowed. “Clear my email inbox” – nope – not realistic. “Process all Member sourcing emails” – realistic and specific. Only include tasks that are achievable that you will complete that day, very specific, very concrete. I will write a blog post for NNEP members on business management, and email members to let them know it is available. I will call 5 industry suppliers about exhibiting at NNEP shows.
These are much more focused than “write something for members” or “market the trade show” – see the difference? These vague directives may prevent you from actually starting, or completing these tasks. You don’t know where to start, it is unclear when you are done. By being clear in your assignments allows you to focus in on what you need to do and what you need to complete these tasks, and only these tasks.
Here is an example of good To Do List:
1. ABC customer order – finalize for production.
2. Call 2 customers to set up appointments or determine what catalogs to send.
3. Embroider, trim and invoice 3 orders - XYZ, RST, baby gift .
I know that this list doesn’t seem like much, but you would be surprised how difficult it can be to get some of these seemingly simple tasks done. If you complete them before the end of the day, great! Call it a day or add another task to the list; just make sure you add something that you feel you can complete before the end of the day. Do not start something that will take four hours if it is 3:45 PM and you want to be done by 5:30 PM.
This is a great way to ensure that you are getting done what you need to everyday, and feeling good about it. If you are able to identify what you need to get done and work hard to accomplish those items, enjoy the rush of success which comes by finishing your assigned tasks, ten minutes early to boot.
Create Your To Do List:
1. Break items down into achievable tasks for the day.
2. Do not clutter the list with too many items.
3. Focus and work to complete your list by the end of the day; have a specific ending time.
4. If you finish early, go home or add another achievable item that you can accomplish that day.
5. Repeat from step 1 tomorrow.
I am trying to use this technique on a daily basis. I hope it helps me break down larger projects into manageable tasks as well as keep me focused on what I really need to get done.
I will let you know how it is going. If you try it, let me know how you are doing – leave a comment here. I will cheer you on – we CAN do this!
