<p>As the end of 2008 approaches, it is time to sit down, relax and reflect.</p>
<p>Please take some time to do this exercise. Writing is a good way to deepen our thoughts.</p>
<p>Focus on the "win" by doing the exercise. Closing out the year enables us to start the New Year with a clear and peaceful mind.</p>
<p>Personal reflection - here are some questions to reflect upon.</p>
<ol>
<li>What are you grateful about? </li>
<li>What are your achievements? </li>
<li>What is your contribution to the community? </li>
<li>What have you learned? </li>
<li>How do you plan to celebrate the above results?</li>
</ol>
<p>Business reflection - here are some business related questions to reflect upon</p>
<p> 1. How are you doing relative to your year goal?</p>
<p> 2. How many referrals have you received from your networking effort?</p>
<p> 3. What's your cost and payoff? What are your lessons learned moving forward?</p>
<p>I just learned of a "Business Needs Scorecard" from the Barrett Values Centre. It is primarily used to evaluate an organization's business. I think it's appropriate to use it to evaluate small businesses. When you reflect your business performance in 2008, picture a circle that is divided into six areas - Finance, Fitness, Evolution, Client Relationship, Culture and Societal Contribution. Evaluate how you are doing in each area.</p>
<p>Each area has its significance. A balance score in each area presents a well-balanced business. A balanced business can move forward with ease and adapt to the financial environment quickly.</p>
<p>Here are some examples of each area. The values include positive and negative.</p>
<p>1. Finance - profit, cost reduction, business growth, etc.</p>
<p>2. Fitness - accountability, results oriented, being the best, work/life balance, achievement, quality, confusion, long hours, internal competition, hierarchy, etc.</p>
<p>3. Evolution - entrepreneurial innovation, continuous learning, adaptability, long-term perspective, continuous improvement, etc.</p>
<p>4. Client Relationships - brand image, partnership, customer satisfaction, etc.</p>
<p>5. Culture - empowerment, vision, trust, staff management, coaching/mentoring, open communication, team work, transparency, home/work balance, cooperation, employee recognition, etc.</p>
<p>6. Societal Contribution - social responsibility, community involvement</p>
<p>For example, in 2008, you have been working on Client Relationships by building your brand, website and promotion materials. Now, if you don't have enough profit to run your business, it's an indication that you need to pay more attention to your Finance area.</p>
<p>One might argue that we need the all of the Client Relationship tools (website, branding .etc) for our business growth. I would suggest that reflection gives you an opportunity to evaluate how you develop your business and what areas you focused on or may have overlooked. Look at the missing areas and determine what the impact has been to your business. Assess the focused areas and figure out your gain. When you have clarity, you can manage your business with the lessons that you have learned.</p>
<p>Albert Einstein said, "The significant problems we face cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that created them." If you have significant problems in your business development right now, it's time to reflect, evaluate get support and take appropriate actions. You might need to make improvement in the area of Finance, Fitness and Evolution. Finance focuses on financial growth and cash reserves. Fitness focuses on improving internal systems and process issues. Evolution focuses on developing future income streams.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<p> </p>
</ol>
2008-12-16T20:00:05Z
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pause-for-reflection-start-the-new-year-with-a-clear-and-peaceful-mind
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2008-12-21T16:38:38Z
2008-12-21T16:38:38Z
Closing out the year enables us to start the New Year with a clear and peaceful mind. Barrett's BNS can support you to reflect on your business.
Pause for Reflection: Start the New Year with a Clear and Peaceful Mind
0
2009-02-24T09:47:57Z