Learning and Growing

As you reflect on this year and prepare for next year, what are the lessons you have learned in business and how do you plan to use those lessons to grow your business in the year ahead?

And remember, in every challenge there is opportunity for growth so even if you had a challenging year it can be a stepping stone to success.

I know the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can seem overwhelming when you try to factor in end of year business planning.

So simplify this very important task by focusing on the Top Three Lessons you have learned and how you will apply your newfound wisdom towards improving and growing your business.

If you didn't meet your financial goals this year what lessons have you learned that will help you accomplish that goal next year?

Create more income streams if you relied too heavily on one source of income.

Eliminate the activities that took up a lot of your time and provided little to no return on investment. Increase the activities that provided a good return on investment, and duplicate and increase your success with similar activities.

Select your top three lessons and then ask yourself the following questions:

1. What have I learned from this experience?

2. If it was unpleasant, what can I do to prevent future occurrences?

3. If it was pleasant, what can I do to experience this success on an ongoing basis?

4. How can I use this experience to grow my business?

This is just a start but you only need to take a step to move forward.

Give yourself the gift of time now and reflect upon your lessons learned this year. When this year comes to a close take only the wisdom from those lessons and apply them to your goals for next year.

Leave any bad feelings about any challenges you had this year behind when the curtain falls on this year, and stay focused on the growth of your business and yourself when the curtain rises on the new year.

Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and can be a stepping stone towards success.

So stay focused on your success as you step into the New Year.

Copyright 2005 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications. Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time.

Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com to receive our free Business Success Toolkit including the free course: 7 Steps To More Clients.

---

Getting Behind in Your Work? You Need a Virtual Assistant!

If you don't know what a Virtual Assistant (or VA)... Read More

Finding the Right Virtual Assistant for Your Small Business

Articles abound advising the business community how to properly screen... Read More

Top 10 Record Keeping Mistakes Business Owners Make (and How To Avoid Them)

If you interviewed business owners of failed businesses, a majority... Read More

Starting A Concrete Cleaning Pressure Washer Business

Concrete cleaning can be a lucrative business to start. Here... Read More

Small Business Success Tip: Learn Something New Everyday

Your grandfather probably told you to "learn something new everyday".... Read More

Reaping the Rewards of Cost Cutting

In these days of insecurity and uncertain futures, the tendency... Read More

How To Create A Business Note That Is More Attractive To A Note Investor

You are selling your small business (business value under $1... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Tiger

1. There Are No "gimmes" ? They count two-foot putts... Read More

Buy a Flower Shop: Serious Considerations

You've always liked flowers and you think the idea of... Read More

Do I Have to Do EVERYTHING Myself?!

The air in my client's office nearly crackled with her... Read More

Operational Aspects on P and L Statements of Mobile Services Businesses

What kinds of things effect mobile service businesses P and... Read More

Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More

Marketing - The Way To Make What Youre Really Worth

You only have so much time in a day right?So... Read More

A Look at Small Business Incorporating in Florida

The choice to incorporate a small business in Florida has... Read More

7 Cash Flow Secrets Your Accountant Never Told You

Looking for ways to boost your cash flow? As a... Read More

How to Start Home Based Travel Businesses

Home based travel businesses are no longer the wave of... Read More

Frodos Journey: What It Can Teach You About Marketing Your Small Business

Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More

How to Profit from Business Consulting Opportunities

Business consulting opportunities might be just what your are looking... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

1. Everyone Makes A Difference ? Despite not letting him... Read More

Creating Time the Virtual Way

Time. As a small business owner, it's the commodity you... Read More

Combating Over Regulation of Small Business

Many small businesses do quite well due to the blood,... Read More

Two Types Of Business Plan Cover Pages ? Which One Are You Using?

This is the tale of two business plans with very... Read More

Starting is the Hardest Part

You can't imagine how many people ask me how I... Read More

The Single Most Powerful Small Business Marketing Tool On The Planet

Let me get right to the point. The single most... Read More

Build Credibility, Value, and Trust on a Shoestring

Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More

Your Ideal Client ? A Key Concept for Solo and Small Business Marketing

"I don't know the key to success, but the key... Read More

Image of Your Franchise Automotive Outlet is So Important

Image of your franchise automotive outlet is so important. Some... Read More

How to become a Career Coach for Profit

A career coach could be simply defined your job seeking... Read More

There Are No Dumb Business Questions, Not!

Q: I'm curious. What is the dumbest business question you've... Read More

Deciding Which State To Incorporate Your Small Business In

Once you've decided to incorporate your small business the next... Read More

Expanding your business.

Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More

Small Business Success: Thriving During Change (And Landing On Your Feet!)

If I had $1.00 every time I heard someone say... Read More

Starting a Tractor Washing Business

In the heavy equipment cleaning business you can make good... Read More