2. Write down what you want to achieve for each identified goal With your answers to questions, actually write down how each thing would look at it’s most successful. Goals should be in writing, in measurable terms and have specific timelines.

For example, if you had chosen technology, your goal might be ”to implement an integrated and automated contact management system by April 30th that takes away most of manual work I do now.”

3. Break goals into measurable steps For each goal that you’ve articulated, break it down into steps you need to do. You must include timeframes for each step.

In our example, steps might be: - Researching available contact management systems – by 31 Jan - Analyse each one along cost, technology implications, ease of learning – by 29 Feb - Decide and purchase – March - Implement system – April 5th - Test and undergo training – by 30 April

Ensure that all people impacted by a goal fully participate in crafting of goal and action plans. 4. Allocate people to do actions Be clear about who is responsible for what activity.

5. Create a fail-safe tracking method to monitor success This is absolutely essential. Without it, business will simply continue to react rather than choose it’s own direction. There are many different ways of monitoring. A simple method is to come together once per week and check where each current activity is at. You also get opportunity to remove obstacles and plan any additional activity. If you work solo, schedule time in your diary each week to track your progress.

This process of constant review and resetting action steps based on actual progress is hallmark of having a goal centred management system. A simple goal setting process leaves out this vital step.

So make time and set your business up for success. Invest a few hours each week in careful planning and consideration, and see your business reach it’s true potential.

Megan Tough, Director of Action Plus, is passionate about helping people enjoy their businesses. She works internationally with business owners to systematically remove the stress points from their business, giving them more time and space for - well -whatever they want! Visit her at www.megantough.com, or email megan@megantough.com for more information on taking the stress out of your business.

While documentation has always been a part of my business, it wasn’t part that I ‘played up’ at networking meetings. Small business image consulting sounded exotic and sexy. It got people talking about customer service and importance of it. It got me speaking engagements. It got me lots of press. This was all of sizzle that they mentioned on that bulletin board. But, it didn’t get me what I needed most. The steak - more phone calls and emails requesting my services, and ultimately, more satisfaction.

I decided to put my writing services in forefront. In addition to my technical writing, I now specialize in lengthy documentation and press releases. The process of redefining my business was a scary one. All these feelings of fear and inadequacy appeared. I started to wonder what people would think of change. Would they think that this was bad for my business image?

Then, I started to wonder how many other business owners are just offering what sounds good. How many of them aren’t expressing their natural gifts through their business. How many are afraid to make a change? None of us should be afraid to redefine our services or to create a brand where there wasn’t one before. Now I am more secure in what I do. I am true to myself, my passion, and my gifts. It’s a freedom and a liberation that I’ve never felt before.

My services no longer have an exotic and sexy sound to them. But, at least now I can offer sizzle AND steak.