Plan for Success in 2012

by Chris Nicely

The holidays always allow us time to reflect on what is important in our lives and can lead us to consider necessary changes. We consider those things that made us happy, satisfied and helped our business and those events that caused us to question. Each of us has a life centered around a business that is dependent upon a stagnant economy and possibly the worst housing market ever.

But we are the survivors! 2012 is upon us and there will be someone in the market that will do well – will it be you?

Set your 2012 goals based on what worked in 2011. Use success to build more success while discarding the actions that proved to be fruitless.

Envision the most important achievement, the single BIG thing that you want to accomplish in 2012. What one accomplishment would signal success in 2012 for YOU? Whatever it is, it must be easy to understand and easy to communicate to those participating in actions to achieve it.

Every “BIGGEST” goal is a product of the achievement of many smaller, but still significant actions and their associated objectives. Every action MUST have an objective – or why it is being done? Know where you are going – what are you making progress towards?

Clarify the “BIG” goal and then understand what else must happen to reach the goal. Break it down into a few key elements that must occur. Think, “what are the major pieces that must fall together to achieve the goal?” What are the moving parts of each of these segments? What must happen within each of these segments in order to have them move in the desired direction? Decide what YOU can do to influence each of these segments.

Many times (actually most of the time), accomplishing anything requires “buy-in” from others and equal commitment. Communicating the “BIG” vision is critical to get “buy-in” from those shouldering the burden of the daily actions required. It has always helped me to post the goal and associated objectives where the team (not your customers) sees it every day. Regularly monitor progress with a progress tool (thermometer, graph, etc.) and celebrate their interim success together. If you are off track, make the changes required and re-start. Never quit being creative in attacking the secondary objectives – have fun.

The process does not have to be elaborate. In fact, the simpler it is, the better the chance for success. If the single BIG goal is easily understood, and the objectives for the accomplishment of the goal are elementary, with equally clearly stated actions; the chances for success are greatly enhanced.

Take a few moments and think about the coming year and what has to happen in order to make it better than the last. Review the bullets points in the box and set your goal with the associated actions necessary for implementation. Try it – What do you want 2012 to be for you?? # #

Chris Nicely has a broad spectrum of sales and marketing experience within the manufactured housing, building products and information industries.  Recently as the vice president of marketing for Clayton Homes, Chris re-cast the public presence of Clayton with a new image, re-energized the web presence and presented the manufactured housing product to the general population with dramatic results. Member of the MHI image committee working with JD Power, and managing the discovery of what drives the MH buyer, Chris brings realistic, practical applications to drive results. He coaches others with tactics that produce RESULTS. A background in economics and business management, as well as leadership positions at national companies like Rubbermaid, Bell & Howell and Berkshire Hathaway gives Chris a base of experience in sales, marketing and management. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 9052 Legends Lake Lane Knoxville, TN 37922 865.385.9675