Set Yourself Up For Success This New Year
This year, the most important thing you can possibly do is to set yourself up for success. You are about to embark on a new adventure. The old year might be over and it's time for a fresh start with the new one. When you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation, ask yourself "Is this going to get me fired?" If the answer is no, try something different until you're comfortable with what's happening around you. What follows are 14 easy things you can do to set yourself up for success this year.
As a manager, I know most people don't like being told what to do. I'm not going to go into the whys here, but rather point out that it's okay not to be in charge! Accept the fact that you don't know everything and the more people you have helping, the better your chances of success. If you can't afford help, learn to delegate. The more people that are helping you get things done, the less chance there is of you getting fired.
Let other people help you make a success of this new year. Hire your friends and family to work for you. I've done it many times in my career and have never been disappointed with the results. If they don't work out, just fire them!
Don't be afraid to start your own business if the opportunity presents itself. The Internet is your biggest ally. Don't underestimate your ability to stay in business for only a year or two, or even less!
Set yourself up for success this year by volunteering for community groups that support the arts. It's free advertising and you get to meet lots of new people. You'll find out what types of products your customers like and which one(s) they would like you to focus on in the future. People are more than willing to help a young entrepreneur just starting out.
Don't be afraid to hire illegal immigrants on a temporary basis. They are hard workers and will take direction better than most people you know. If they don't work out, just deport them!
If you can't afford to buy the products your customers want, don't be embarrassed to ask for donations. The public is always interested in helping people less fortunate than themselves and will be more than happy to give you what you need. Don't be afraid to ask for a little extra on top of what's owed to you, too.
Don't make an excuse if you are uncomfortable with something that is new to you. Let people know they can call or email you with any questions. As long as your answers to their question(s) are truthful, no one will have difficulty believing that everything is going along according to plan.
Get rid of the things that do not add value to your life and stop comparing yourself (or anyone else) with others. Set yourself up for success by not allowing yourself to constantly compare the way things used to be, with the way they are now. You can't go backward; you can only go forward and make your life what it is supposed to be.
If you have trouble making decisions at work or in your personal life, don't make excuses. Take a risk and take that course of action that will ultimately set you up for success with your customers and prospects. In the end, you'll have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Set yourself up for success this year by taking time off to travel and/or volunteer for a non-profit organization. You'll meet new people (read: potential customers), learn about different cultures, and enjoy your downtime doing things you've never done before. Put the decisions aside and get out into the world!
Set yourself up for success by joining social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. These are great ways to network with others, share your ideas and/or your products, and keep in touch with old friends/co-workers. Don't be shy; accept that it's okay if your relationships on these sites are one-sided. They will still lead to opportunities for you.
Set yourself up for success this year by learning about the new products you're about to sell. It's the least you can do for those customers who might trust you enough to let you into their home or office. If you can't find the time to research and learn about your product line, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Set yourself up for success this year by taking classes on how to work better with your team members. Communication is the key to any successful business, so do yourself a favor and learn how to talk (and listen) to people. If you feel awkward about speaking in public or around large groups of people, get help from a professional coach. If you're shy, it's okay. Being able to talk and listen to others is the first step to setting yourself up for success.
Set yourself up for success this year by joining Toastmasters , an international organization that teaches public speaking skills, leadership development, and a thorough understanding of the communication process. Your local club can meet once or twice per week and will have members who are more than willing to help you become a better speaker.
Conclusion
I hope this short list has given you some food for thought when it comes to setting yourself up for success in 2013. I also hope that you will take the time to think about what's best for everyone involved, not just yourself! If you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Have a wonderful 2013; may all your dreams come true!
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