Small Business Articles from Make-it-Fly®

Clarity and Success—There Is a Link
By Victoria Munro

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The more clearly we can define our vision of success, the greater the probability we’ll reach it! How clear are you about what you want in life or about what you want for your business? Do you have a clear picture of what ‘success’ will look like for you?

Begin with the end in mind
If you truly want to achieve your vision of success, start by writing down what you want your life and your business to look like in the future. Be specific—the more detailed the better. Engage your passion—it’s a powerful motivator. Ask yourself what difference you want to make in the lives of others. Consider the things you value most. Be clear too about what you don’t want—those things you aren’t very good at and don't enjoy. Make note of things you’ll need to change, strengthen, do differently and/or perhaps stop doing.

When you align a clear vision of where you want to take your life and business, with clear, focused goals, and a plan and strategies to reach those goals, you can achieve remarkable results.

“A vision is a precise, clearly defined goal with a
detailed plan and timetable for achieving that goal”
                                                        ~ Steven K. Scott

We’re told that setting goals is critically important to succeeding in any venture. However, under the daily pressures of running a business, goals often fall by the wayside. But writing clear, specific goals with time deadlines will increase your chances of reaching them. It will also help you identify any obstacles that may prevent or hinder you from achieving the goals and enable you to develop strategies to overcome them.

Then breaking these larger goals down into smaller tasks will make them manageable and spur you on in the right direction. You’ll be able to better prioritize, stay on track and avoid derailing distractions along the way.

There Will Be a Cost
If you set a meaningful vision and goals for your life and your business, it will likely take some serious effort and persistence to achieve it—there will be a price tag. It’s important to ask yourself before you start whether you’re willing to pay that price.

You’ll Need a Team
You can’t get there alone; you’ll need to cultivate a support network that includes employees, vendors and advisors with expertise, connections and experience in different areas. Share your vision with your team and make sure they understand your goal. Ask for their help.

(465 words)
© 2005-2010 Victoria Munro.

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About the Author: Victoria Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small-business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

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