Guess what? The year is more than half gone. Went fast, didn't it? The second half will go even faster.
No businessperson wants any sort of failure and should try to avoid it, but it happens
So take a minute to see how you've done so far and how ready you'll be to energetically tackle the last—and busiest part of 2016.
Not feeling motivated? It could be due to fatigue or doubt regarding whether you can reach your year-end goals, but don't panic. You just need some "Can-Do juice."
Drink up and get ready for a strong finish.
Look at the good
Start by looking at your revenue so far this year. Hopefully it's in the positive. If so, pat yourself (and your team, if you work with one) on the back for a job well done. Positive cash flow is evidence you're doing well. How's that for an energy boost?
Now, dig deeper to see where that revenue came from: certain items, certain campaigns and so on. These are your winners—you need to understand, replicate, and propagate these as much as possible. When winning brings more winning, that's a big-time boost that can be addictive.
Look for the bad
Of course, not everything will be a win. But keep that from draining your energy by really taking that fact to heart. At times, you'll come up short. It's as simple as that.
No businessperson wants any sort of failure and should try to avoid it, but it happens. Having a healthy realization of that will keep you from getting derailed or feeling defeated.
Now that you have that down, honestly identify shortcomings in your business and take steps to plan a recovery. If you address problems at the moment they're detected, they won't balloon up into larger issues.
One of the most satisfying feelings you can have as a business owner is a sense of preparedness
Taking swift action will also keep your mental resolve firm and unshakeable as you show yourself that you have the resolve to manage your business attentively and intelligently. That's another mental boost that you'll need to propel you into the coming months.
Prepare a year-end plan
Once you're feeling good and confident, it's time to put that positive energy to work as you prep for a big finish to 2016. This is where you begin executing to a revised and refocused cash flow plan, you determine which investments and purchases you need to be ready for the end-of-year rush, and you get a jump start on your reconciliations that come soon after.
It's a lot of work, but that's business. Yet, one of the most satisfying feelings you can have as a business owner is a sense of preparedness, for everything you expect to happen along with flexibility to gracefully respond to anything unexpected.
Execute and recharge
Next, put your plan into action. Of course, you should expect to make adjustments as gaps in your plan are revealed or if a new opportunity presents itself (and hopefully your preparations will allow you to adjust to maximize these unexpected wins).
Trust your plan, execute to it and prove to yourself that you're the right person to be leading the charge.
You will need to pace yourself, allowing for basic human needs such as a good diet, good health, and plenty of rest
You are your greatest ally in your potential success as we head into the last months of 2016. No surprise there, but you will need to pace yourself, allowing for basic human needs such as a good diet, good health, and plenty of rest. You'll also need down time.
Some people plan this sort of recovery time instinctively whereas others need to be reminded. Whichever camp you fall into, make time—every day—to recharge your batteries so you can finish the year strong.
Dennis L. Prince has been analyzing and advocating the e-commerce sector since 1996. He has published more than 12 books on the subject, including How to Sell Anything on eBay…and Make a Fortune, second edition (McGraw-Hill, 2006) and How to Make Money with MySpace (McGraw-Hill, 2008). His insight is actively sought within online, magazine, television and radio venues.
Opinions expressed here may not be shared by Auctiva Corp. and/or its principals.
Other Entries by this Author