“The Planning Process" (part 2) By Joseph Lukacs (from Chapter One of his new book, Practice Power - 12 Steps to Take your Business to the Next Level)   Spend a few minutes each day, of the next 30 days, writing down your goals and reviewing them, tweaking and improving as you go along. When you’re ready to start building you’ll have a tremendous set of goals for your business plan. Your next step is to make an appointment with yourself to set a date(s) to actually write your plan. Whatever block of time you decide upon is up to you, but mark in down in writing on your calendar so you’ll be aware from that point on when you are scheduled to create your plan.   The reason you set a date is to prevent something that may crop up to prevent you from tackling the project when you are ready to do the work. It also eliminates drawing up your business plan at the last minute. You need the luxury of devoting the time that your business plan deserves.   Last, But Not Least The last part of the planning process involves actually writing your business plan, preferably away from the office where you won’t be distracted. Choose a place where you can focus. A comfortable place. One that inspires you. It can be a library, the mountains, or the local Starbucks. Wherever you are relaxed and happy will work.   For the last eight years one of my clients has fl own first-class, round trip from New York to Los Angeles. During the flight he works on his business plan. He gets the entire plan done on the plane. A bit unusual? Perhaps, but it works for him. Find whatever environment works for you and create your business plan in a set- ting free of all distractions.   Create Compelling Goals The next part of the business planning and goal-setting process is what I call creating compelling goals. Your first step in that direction—and this is where what you’ve been jotting down on the pad of paper in your folder will come in handy—is to ask yourself what you want to accomplish in the coming year. Answer with absolute clarity so that your professional/business goals go hand-in-hand with your business plan.   Next, list your personal goals for the coming year, too. This will bring any conflicting priorities to light, so you’ll be able to create a plan that is balanced and free of conflicts. It’s important when listing what you want to accomplish to understand the difference between the “must-do” goals, and “like-to” goals.   Having a goal that you will “try” to do in the coming year sells you and your business plan short. When it comes to goals and business plans, the word “try” needs to disappear from your vocabulary. The only goal that belongs on your list is one that is an absolute must, one you are committed to with all your heart.   You need to have a compelling set of goals, which is why it is so important for you to only commit yourself to absolute musts when creating your business plan. The final step in creating compelling goals is to review them again after you’ve let them “age” for 30 days. This gives you an opportunity to edit and refine your goals so that your final result is something that hasn’t just been whipped up on the spot, instead, something that will make sense throughout the coming year. Do this and your goals will be well thought out—goals you are absolutely committed to accomplishing. _________________________________________________________________________ Author's note: Joseph J. Lukacs, Business Coach, is the founder of International Performance Group LLC., a professional business coaching company delivering customized coaching and training, by telephone, to financial and insurance professionals. International Performance Group LLC. is based in Melbourne, Florida. Joseph can be reached at 321-255-2889, by e-mail to JJL@jpginc.net, or visit our Web site: http://www.jpginc.net   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Since our inception we have helped over 400 financial consultants make the move to independence. "I cannot express to you the joy and the increase in quality of life that I have found since leaving the wirehouse world." Shane Merritt, Branch Manager Merritt Capital Management      Tired of Searching for the Right Independent Broker-Dealer? Would you like to find your next Broker-Dealer the EASY way? 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Through the support of their regional offices, you get local access to professional development programs, peer meetings, marketing support, and personalized assistance. You can also depend on national and global resources, tools, and programs for your business needs. They give you direct access to unbiased Product Research, multiple Advisory Service options, and individualized Advanced Markets case consulting. To help you do business even easier, they provide a proprietary one-stop, full service workstation that integrates tools, data, and information, saving you time and money. You also have access to proprietary services, such as pioneering banking products and professional trust services. Choose from a vast selection of products in a product neutral environment. There are no mandates or sales quotas. You choose what's best for your clients. It's all about teamwork and providing you with the support that allows you to spend more time building relationships with your clients. 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Here's some additional information from Turning Point, Inc..

www.BrokerBestPractices.com
www.BankBrokerBestPractices.com
www.IndependentRepBestPractices.com
www.FABestPractices.com (Financial Advisors)
www.InsuranceAgentBestPractices.com

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