7 Months Ago…

I can’t believe that it has been 7, yes 7, months since my last blog…

Wow, how things have changed.

This week I have been thinking more and more about blogging and how much I enjoy it. I want to do more though…

I have so many thoughts and ideas, but I am supposed to be studying for my dentistry certificate!

I think I want to start a new blog…

100th Post

In celebration of my 100th post, I would like to reflect on a few posts. But, firstly I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. I look forward to writing posts and the whole blogging process has been greatly beneficial.

1. My a-block-a-week project has been put on hold, due to us moving to the UK and wanting to take a little as possible with us, but as soon as we are settled I will be back to my obsessive knitting habits…
2. In June I made some birthday resolutions and this is how I have been doing…

• I have not been going to yoga and I feel terrible about it! I know that I should have been more strict on myself with this one… In England I will make a conserted effort to get back on track.
• I did not enrol in the magazine journalism course for a few reasons, but I will be doing a freelance writing course in London from 10 January 2009.
• I have dramatically increased my water intake and this was confirmed yesterday by my homeopath.
• I have worked on my Orangebloom brand as promised and plan to start a handmade range once settled in England.

So all in all I didn’t do very well, but at least it’s on my radar and I have a plan to get back on track.

3. My sewing machine is now fixed, I am giving it to my sister, as it is not practical to take it with me to.

4. Pay it forward, I still have 8 months to complete this task, so watch this space…

5. Handmade network – I did a few chalenges and then stopped, it wasn’t for me, I didn’t enjoy it…

• Photography – even though I have a keen interest and my Dad is a photographer, I just can’t seem to get my shots perfect. I have built a light box (note to self: do a post on this) and have really been trying!
• Etsy Shop – I would love to have a beautiful and successful Etsy shop. I have done some planning, but when we are settled in England, this will become a main focus area.

I have acheived quite a bit with this blog, but I have some big plans for the future, thank you for reading my ramblings…

Ps. I love to hear from you, so leave a comment, if you’d like…

Effective Goal Setting

I am busy working on a project that I mentioned that I would like to start in a previous post. I would just like to test out my writing style, relevance of content and interest. So, let me know what you think…

“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” – Zig Ziglar

What are your business goals? Have you written them down? Do you focus on these goals? Have you broken down your bigger goals into smaller shorter goals? Do you review them every day?
These are just some of the questions every small business owner should be asking themselves.

Here is a simple guide on how to write achievable goals and increase your potential to achieve them and increase the success of your business.

1.    How much, by when?

State your goal in a way that only you could measure; this will make sure that it is powerful. For example, I will increase sales is not as powerful as I will sell 1000 books by 31 March 2009. You will either sell 1000 books by end date or not.

You could group your goals into categories such as, financial goals, brand awareness goals, educational goals, sales goals, product development goals, customer service goals, product ‘manufacturing’ goals, innovation goals, etc.

Be very specific about what you want for your business. Remember vague goals produce vague results.

2.    Goal vs. Good Idea

A goal or objective has to be measurable otherwise it is just soothing that you want, a wish or a good idea.

Good Idea

• I would like to own a lovely studio with a view.
• I want to increase sales.
• I need to network more.

Goal or Objective

• I will own a 40m² studio in London looking over the Thames River, by noon, 30 June 2009.
• I will sell 1000 books by 5pm 30 December 2008.
• I will make a minimum of 5 meaningful contacts by 5pm this Friday.

3.    Write it out in detail

One of the best ways to set specific goals is to write them out in detail, as if you were filling out a job card. Include every possible detail. This will help you to hone in on opportunities that will help you to achieve your goals.

4.    You need goals that drive you

When setting your goals, be sure to include some big ones. Ones that stretch you and make you grow to achieve them.

It’s good to have some goals that make you a little uncomfortable. This will force you to learn new skills, expand your idea of what’s possible, establish new relationships and learn to overcome hurdles, fears and concerns.

5.    Create a quantum leap goal

While setting your quarterly, weekly and daily business goals, set a quantum leap goal. A goal that once achieved would totally change everything and would take your business to a whole new level. This could be; writing a book, publishing an article, appearing on tv, creating an exquisite website, teaching a class, franchising your business, etc.

What would your quantum leap goal be?

6.    Keep your goals top of mind

Place your goals in a place that you will see and read a number of times a day. You could have them on your desktop of your computer or as a bookmark in your notebook. By constantly repeating and visualising your business goals you will be motivated to achieve them and your creativity will be stimulated. Your awareness to resources that will help you to accomplish your goals will therefore be heightened.

7.    Hurdles

It is only human to start thinking about all the reasons why we won’t be able to achieve the goals that we have set for our business. I don’t have the cash flow, I don’t have the time, I don’t have the skills, I’ll have to work too hard, I’ll have less family time, I fear rejection, nobody will want to buy my products, etc, etc…

Once you are aware of these subconscious thoughts, feelings and obstacles you can face them, process them and deal with them. Once done, you will become better prepared for the next project you wish to undertake.

8.    DO IT NOW!

Yes, take the time now to make a list of goals that you want your business to achieve. Make sure that they are measurable, i.e. how much, by when. Then decide on your quantum leap goal. Write it on the back of your business card and put it in your wallet. Each day do something that moves you towards your goals.

My Quantum Leap Goal for In the Bag is:

• Write an e-book by 30 December 2008.

Leave a comment with yours or email me kerry[at]inthebag.com