Changing Lanes - Really!
Last night, I returned from the annual "close up the summer camp adventure" and drove 200+ miles through Michigan on Interstate 75. At some points this road is 2 lanes and several place 5 lanes and in case you haven't driven this highway, I believe the majority of those traveling believe that 75 is the minimum speed limit. What I noticed is that many people change lanes much like they change directions on their business.
1. Impulsive - puts on blinker and changes lanes all at the same time. Often this can cause havoc for those in the immediate area. They don't intend to cause problems but there lack of planning does.
2. Focus Challenged - thinks about changing lanes, puts on blinker and never changes, just blinks. If you go by them you will usually see they are talking, singing with the radio, talking on the phone or just day dreaming. Remember - wishing and dreaming are not plans.
3. The Dervish - Just changes lanes whenever they think they can go faster - no blinker and you will see them weaving in and out of traffic. They seldom arrive any sooner, just more stressed.
4. The Thoughtful Planner - looks, puts on blinker, waits and then changes and usually very successfully. These drivers are aware of their surroundings.
Such is the way with business, the thoughtful planners are not adverse to the risk of entrepreneurship or changing the direction of their business, they just plan it out. They calculate the risks, put on the blinker and commit to change. They don't live in their business, they live with their business as part of the competition, landscape and their lives.
I have to admit that at various points in my life, I've been all four of the above in business, but last night with two precious packages in the car (my daughter and grandson), I am proud to say I was number four when it came to driving.
Getting a plan before you change lanes is one proven key to success. Where will your business take you?
Copyright 2009 Linda Fayerweather
What's working in your Business?
Changing Lanes LLC
http://www.changinglanes.biz/
Awakened Entrepreneurs Face the Truth
We are in the final stretch of 2009; do you know how you are doing compared to your plan for 2009? Have you kept your accounting records up to date so you have a clear picture of where you are at this point?
Many entrepreneurs claim they are just too busy to keep up their monthly records and compare their results to their plan. Really, too busy? OR maybe they just don't want to have to face the truth.
Awakened entrepreneurs know that denial is like holding a finger in the dike. Eventually, it'll break down and then it will be too late to self-correct. When we fear the truth, we become defensive and constricted and waste energy that could be spent on seeking opportunities or solutions.
If your receipts are in a paper bag (think file folder, drawer, top of dresser, etc) all smashed together, maybe it's time for you to get some help before the year is over. Get your records up to date, so you can create a plan for 2010 that is based on accurate information from the current year.
Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds
http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
http://www.healthytalksformoms.com/
419-344-6613
