PLANNING AHEAD

The other day I was reminded of a need to assess where I am with my 2008 goals as well as considering what I would like to accomplish for 2009.

As I studied my extensive list of planned goals for 2008 I could not conceal my amusement as well as pride. The year I planned closely resembled what actually transpired. Despite some of the detours my process took, I am pleased to say that I accomplished much. I can also say that the remaining items are not causing me to hyperventilate.

I have often said to my siblings and close friends that a woman without a plan is a woman planning to fail. In order to remain on a steady course I have spent several days reassessing the last ten and a half months, and what I plan to accomplish in the next thirteen and a half. I thought it would nice to compile a list and share with some of my favorite people – YOU!

I invite you to comment, add suggestions of your own and ask any questions you may have.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you can move ahead you need to assess the past. Take a look at what transpired over the past year in order to determine:
Which plans/processes were effective?
Which plans/processes need adjusting in order to be effective?
Which plans/processes should be eliminated?

What remains from the previous year?
Are items remaining on list vital for the progress/enhancement of your business?
Determine how to incorporate into new year

Assessing the future
Compile a list of what you want/need to accomplish for the coming year
Make is feasible
Plan your time wisely
Be flexible

Budget/Tracking
Consider your financial needs
Set a budget
Secure the services of an accountant
Set up a tracking system for expenditures
Set up a tracking system for inventory
Update all your necessary business licenses

Upgrading
Take inventory of your business instruments and upgrade where possible
Replace batteries in electronic items
Have at least one land line for home business purposes

Continuing Education
Seek writing and business courses that will keep you competitive
Consider attending at least one writing conference
Attend online seminars
Read, read, read

On The Web
Update website in order to have the latest and most pertinent information available for visitors
Set reminders for renewing domain name and/or ISP hosting contracts
If your site is not the first to pop up on search engines, update your meta tags
Set up a blog and commit to updating at least once a month (I’m trying to get there)
Set up Google Alerts to see who is checking you out
Google yourself at least once a month to see where you appear or who’s using your name without your permission

The list above is by no means exhaustive. I do believe it will help get you started or enhance what you are already doing.

YES WE DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THEY DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE US FORTY ACRES AND A MULE -- THAT'S ALRIGHT, WE'LL TAKE FIFTY STATES AND THE WHITE HOUSE!

DON'T GIVE UP YOUR POWER

Today, November 4, 2008, is the official election date of what will undoubtedly be chronicled as one of the most historical events of American history.

Votes will be cast for the first African American nominee for the office of President of the United States. Of equal notoriety will be ballots cast for the first female candidate for the office of Vice President of the United States.

Your vote is your power. Regardless your choice, do not give up

YOUR VOICE -- YOUR POWER -- YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

ROCK THE VOTE -- NOVEMBER 4, 2008

I also encourage you to preserve this time in history with your loved ones.

Before sealing our ballots my husband and I took the time to make a video. We spoke of what this election meant to us as well as giving a history of what our parents were denied, what we have lived to see and encouraging those who will view the video to never make light of the power of their vote.

We also have a scrapbook of memorabilia we’ve saved and notes we will write to our children.

Later we will relax at an election night gathering with friends.

These are just some suggestions for what you can do to preserve history in the making. Below I leave you with a visual of an historical man – Barack H. Obama

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1686000_1488788,00.html

God Bless -- Linda!