The month of January was named after the Roman God Janus, the God of portals and doorways, frequently depicted as a two headed God looking in both directions at the same time. His purpose was to protect from evil and wrongdoers
January is the perfect month to review and assess what has happened over the last year and plan what is to happen during the next year in a way that best protects your success in business.
In particular, based upon results achieved and knowledge gained over the last year we should consider what different actions to take.
We can only effect change in a limited number of ways:
- Stop or minimise doing those things which are unrewarding or detrimental to the business.
- Continue or increase actions which are advantageous.
- Start doing something new or different
There is always a danger of ‘overwhelm’. Take the time to pause, reflect and write out all changes you think should be made. Then rank them in order of the impact that they will have on the business, either positive or negative. Give priority to implement the change that will derive best value for the business.
Like all best practices, it is a matter of changing habits. I usually advise Clients to replace one poor practice with one good practice. For example, one Client wanted to achieve double digit growth in Revenue and Profits but was having problems with the take-on of new business when promotions were successful. By the simple decision to decline to take on Clients which would rank in the bottom ten percent of business (and to judiciously exit some who currently did), the business achieved over twenty percent growth without any increase in Production and Support Staff.
Are you ready to step into a successful Year?
First Stop, Look & Listen and remember to always look in both directions
Every Best Wish for a Prosperous New Year.
Leave a Comment