New_years_resolutions

Today really is the first day of the rest of your life, but not because it's January! I'm sure you're reading lots of blog posts and articles about New Year's Resolutions this week. Every year, we're encouraged to use the New Year as a fresh start, as if the calendar rolling over somehow magically transforms us into the person we've always wanted to be. I've always been curious about that. What makes you think you'll be any more resolved to actually do any of the big things you plan for yourself just because the calendar says January instead of December today? I think that's just a recipe for failure (and I bet you have dozens of stories, just like I do, of New Year's resolutions gone bad to back up my opinion). So, this year, I'm taking a different approach. Now, don't get me wrong. I have some huge goals for 2010 (many of which have come out of my annual planning sessions), but I know that if I focus all of my energy on achieving these huge goals, I'll probably feel overwhelmed and do what I've done in the past (which is give up). It's literally true the the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. So I've decided to think smaller. I'm choosing a few smaller actions I can implement every week that will move me closer to my bigger goals. For me, that means I'm going to:

  • Create a weekly plan every Sunday with goals for the week and daily action steps
  • Set some stronger boundaries around my schedule so I stay on track throughout the day
  • Plan at least one full day every week with no appointments where I can focus entirely on implementation
  • Find at least one new blog to follow each month and implement what I'm learning from it

While these action steps aren't resolutions in and of themselves, I know they'll support me in getting what I want by the end of the year (and then some, I'll bet). If there's one thing I've learned over the past few years, it's that action is the key. Grand plans and resolutions are great but if you don't do anything to bring them about, they rarely happen (and that's why you find yourself making the same resolutions over and over again every single year). Here are a few direct sales-related actions steps you could commit to take on a weekly or monthly basis that, if implemented, WILL change your business in 2010. Pick a few and start moving toward your goals!

  • Get your office completely organized so you love working there
  • Set up one-on-one coaching times each week with your key team members
  • Start a "Host of the Month" club (click here to read about how to do that)
  • Commit to hold an opportunity event every single month
  • Make it a goal to learn at least one new thing every week and implement it in your business
  • Join a networking group or your local Chamber of Commerce
  • Make at least five booking calls and five recruiting calls every week (this one action could literally double your business this year)
  • Hold at least eight parties each month

That's just a start. Coming up with three or four should be no problem for you. If you're not sure what to commit to, ask yourself this question, "If I get to the last day of 2010 and my business is exactly where I want it to be, what will I have accomplished?" Then figure out what small steps it's going to take to make that giant leap and commit to them. And why not add your suggestions below? I'd love to hear from you. One last thing - With the brand new website, a few things have changed and if you've been receiving my blog posts in your e-mail box, that service may be interrupted. I'd love it if you take a second and go to the home page and click on "Subscribe to Direct Sales Success Made Easy" by e-mail to make sure you continue to receive my posts. And take a look around while you're at it. I love the new site! Thanks!

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Julie Anne Jones is a success language consultant, a direct sales coach and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, visit her at www.julieannejones.com or check out her blog athttp://julieannejones.com.