Are Your Systems in Place for 2007?

By Debbie Green

It's that time of year again when everyone takes time to reflect on their business and determine where improvements can be made. Some of the decisions we make in January change the way we do business forever.

In reality, we should be on the hunt every day for techniques, products or services that will improve the way we do business. Since January is the month most of us decide to get serious about change, then by all means take advantage of this opportunity. Our lives are so busy, most of us don't take the time to think and meditate on the needs of our business. This is a costly mistake, our clients will always be with us but a change that will move your business forward can be just a fleeting moment. Our nature is to put those thoughts off until we have more time. We are surprised when we look back and see that "extra" time never comes, "You have to make time or there will never be time." What I am saying, is you actually have to mark out time on your calendar to implement a new system or learn a new product. For instance, look at last week's calendar. Did you have any of those $500 an hour items on it? Or, was your calendar filled with $35 or $100 per hour items? The $500 per hour items are the ones that move businesses forward.

I hear people say "I wasted my time or money on that so I am very cautious on what I spend my time or money on now." My philosophy has always been I will try anything and if it does not work then I let it go. As a winner you have to be willing to try new things. Winners fail many more times then they succeed, "If you risk nothing you gain nothing."

Here are some systems to consider implementing this year: (Note: Links below will redirect you to historical newsletters, click the Back button to return to current newsletter.)

1. Be open to new ideas and change

2. Start every day off with a list of 10 important tasks

3. Do at least one $500 an hour task each day

4. Learn to use computers more efficiently to help you accomplish tasks more easily

5. Computerize your accounting with QuickBooks

6. Computerize your design process with Studio

7. Identify problems in your business and develop a solution i.e., put out those fires forever

8. Set up an automatic backup system for your computer files

9. Use or create forms to prevent mistakes or forgetting a task or item i.e., do the same thing the same way

10. Decide to stop complaining and start appreciating

11. Take time, plan for the future and dream

12. Read everyday