Are You On Track to Finish the Year Strong?
The leaves are turning. The air is just a little crisper. Pumpkins are beginning to pop up on people’s porches.
Fall is here in full force.
We are now in the fourth and final quarter of the year. Although January is still months away, time has a way of flying by. This is the last opportunity for entrepreneurs to take action and work purposefully toward achieving their goals for 2016.
Every fall, I make it a priority to sit down and do some serious self-reflection. I’m a strong believer that to be successful, you have to become the type of person that attracts success in your personal and professional life. Doing an honest analysis of where you are, what you’ve achieved and areas you can improve on is absolutely imperative if you want to achieve success.
When did you last allot time in your schedule for meaningful introspection?
If you’re still committed to making 2016 a year of great personal achievement and prosperity, I highly recommend you challenge yourself to engage in this exercise.
Here are a few things you can work on in the coming months to cultivate personal and professional growth:
1. Set SMART Goals.
American businessman, author and motivational speaker Tony Robbins says that “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” The importance of goal setting cannot be understated. Goals should be “S.M.A.R.T.” – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.
You can’t achieve a goal you haven’t clearly set for yourself. This is true whether your goal is to produce more quality leads at networking events, improve your marketing efforts or double your current monthly sales quota.
The beginning of the final quarter of the year is your last real chance to review your goals and evaluate your progress. By doing so, you can identify what changes need to be made in order for you to actually achieve your goals now and as 2017 rolls around.
2. Network Your Way to a Thriving Business.
Have you ever heard that if you’re not networking, you’re not working? More and more, business entrepreneurs are recognizing the power of networking as a business development tool. Business networking is leveraging your business and personal connections – new and old – to create a steady supply of new business.
If you want to produce more warm leads, generate lucrative new accounts or simply become better known in your industry, it’s important that you make networking a regular part of your schedule. At Celeste Giordano Coaching, I advise my clients to attend a minimum of one networking or industry event each week.
Some ask if it’s sufficient to network on social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. While social media can also be a powerful business development tool, the best way to expand your network is to engage in real conversations. That’s the ultimate path to developing meaningful new relationships with untold potential.
And remember: as much as networking is about developing new leads and connections for your own business, it’s also important to identify ways to help others get ahead. Search for opportunities to connect those you meet at networking events with potential clients, colleagues and service providers. By showing your willingness to help, you demonstrate your character and make yourself memorable.
3. Make Follow Up Calls.
We all know the undeniable power of a strong first impression. At networking events, in sales presentations and on prospecting calls, when you come across as a world class professional with integrity, people take notice.
But in a competitive marketplace, your success doesn’t depend on first impressions alone. You have to take the momentum you create when you first speak with a prospect and follow through. When prospects ask you for more information or request that you follow up with them in two weeks, be true to your word. Don’t let a sales opportunity pass you by.
Get into the habit of scheduling follow up calls into your calendar. Listen carefully to how your prospect wants to be communicated with (for instance, take note if they ask you to email them rather than call). When you follow up with a prospect in a timely, respectful and friendly manner, you present yourself as a true professional. And people want to do business with professionals they like and trust.
4. Regularly Request Referrals.
I’m a strong believer that a successful business entrepreneur is one who understands the power of referral business. The clients I coach learn that mastering the art of referral business is key in order to “Double Plus” your income this year. When you know you have satisfied an existing client, you have an opportunity to capitalize on that relationship and generate new business.
This fall, schedule time to touch base with past and current clients and ask if they have anyone in mind who may benefit from your services. More often than not, satisfied clients are happy to spread the word, especially when you personally request that they do so.
Don’t forget to express your appreciation whenever a client sends you a referral. Some business entrepreneurs incentivize referrals by reducing their fees for clients that send them business or by sending a small gift as a token of appreciation. Even a simple hand-written “thank you” letter is a meaningful gesture that can make a strong impact.
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As fall races by, 2016 is slowly winds to a close. The good news is you still have time to boost your sales and take powerful steps toward building a profitable, prosperous Legacy Business.
The question is: How will YOU challenge yourself – starting TODAY – to learn, grow achieve and prosper?
Send me an email – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
If you’re having difficulty getting on track, aren’t achieving your desired results or feel you would benefit from some badly needed guidance and accountability, contact me. I’m working one-on-one with clients interested in finishing the 2016 year strong and starting 2017 on a clear success track.
Up Next: You’re Invited
We are also opening up several other chapters across the United States. I am honored to help launch the Toronto, Ontario Chapter in the next couple of months. Please visit our website!
Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “double-plus” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with almost 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.
To learn more about Celeste, click here.
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