We all have dreams and goals of obtaining something, whether it is finding true love, starting our dream business or finding our dream job, or attaining financial freedom.  However, when times get difficult and we get overwhelmed and weighed down in the details, we have a tendency to lose focus on what those dreams and goals are because they become somewhat elusive.  When things get difficult, you may feel overwhelmed or apathetic, the goal setting and goal achievement process may become mundane and in turn, you may get derailed, and you feel hopeless.  However, when you plan with flexibility, the goal attaining process becomes easier and much more realistic. 

Continue reading to stay on track.

Passion and desire for success – You need to have a passion and desire to stay on track when you are planning your goals.  You have to commit to whatever you are trying to accomplish.

See yourself succeeding – See yourself achieving the goal, even if you were not successful the first time.  How many business people really become successful on their first venture?  How many times have we found true love with the first person we dated?  How many times does the average self-made millionaire fail before making it; approximately three or more times?  Keeping a positive attitude and optimistic outlook with realistic expectations will never lead to disappointment.

Outline and blueprint - Make an outline of the path you want to follow.  Create a plan of action.  Identify the critical path – the things that need to be completed in order to make the goal become a reality.  Remember, the most successful people are those who plan and actually stick to the plan with being flexible; they often have a backup plan.

Creating a plan - After you’ve identified the first goal, write it down and create a plan of action on how you are going to attain the goal.  Set a timeline to complete the task.  Then move onto the second goal.

Monitor your progress - Manage your goal timelines by checking your progress.  Use a calendar, day planner, or PDA to meet objectives and goals consistently.  Every time you complete a task, cross it off your list.  If you’re not making progress, don’t let negative emotions get in the way.  Re-assess your tasks. 

Remember, while you are goal planning, flexibility is the key because.  Review your progress at least two times a week.  If you are not meeting objectives, ask for help.  However, whatever you do, don’t give up. 

If you need help designing your plan of action for success, contact Kristin at km@marquet-communications.com.

I wanted to tell everyone about a new interview I did with WomenandBiz.com Magazine.  It’s about “Wowing Your Stakeholders.”  Take a look to get an understanding of how to exceed client expectations, since they are your lifeblood.  http://www.womenandbiz.com/2009/05/20/kristin-marquet-founder-marquet-publishing-marquet-communications/. 

I am also publishing an article on relationship marketing at Women On Business Magazine.  Check that out at www.womenonbusiness.com later this week.

1.  Must plan for anything that may happen, whether it’s good or bad.  Having a contigent plan is a common issue that many business owners overlook

2. Don’t try to saturate other markets.  Stick with what you know unless you have the resources available

But what most marketing executives forget to about is how they are different from the rest of the market.  What value does their product or service bring to consumers’ lives?  Many executives forget about the end user and only consider the bottom line.  Yes, I know how important the bottom line is but if you are not giving your market what they want, they are going to go to a competitor and start buying their products or services because you neglected to consider what their very wants are.  If consumers wants/needs are not being met, you are going to lose them, which is going to seriously influence your bottom line. 

I think marketing professionals need to re-focus on the essence of building a brand or expanding a brand.  What message do you want to convey?  Who is your market?  What can you offer that your competitors are not?  What makes your product/service so much more special over everyone else?  Once a clear idea is in the works, then we can move foward to create a brand and give consumers the product/service that they can’t live without thus re-creating a robust bottom line.

Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to getting what you want.

Ask for more than what you wanted originally.  You never know what someone is going to say because small business owners are constantly in need of expanding their clientele.

Ask for a better price immediately.  My father would always say “The answer is always no until you ask.”

Always be courteous and considerate but keep a firm foot on the ground by not letting others take advantage of you.  Don’t threaten or yell at the other party if he/she is not willing bend.  There is so much competition these days, so be ready to walk away if the other party can’t meet your needs.

Paying cash is definitely more attractive to vendors, suppliers, or anyone you conduct business with because they do not have to pay credit card fees, late fees, or take the chance on you defaulting on a payment.  Plus, there is a pretty good chance they will give you a lower rate or a discount.

Since we can’t avoid stress, there are certainly ways we can minimize it.  Here are some ways to relax and unwind:

Manage time efficiently

Time management allows you more leisure time and increases performance and productivity.

Way to improve time management:

· Focus and concentrate, delegate, and schedule time for yourself
· Keep a record of how you spend your time on work
· Prioritize your time by rating tasks by importance and urgency
· Deal with procrastination by using a day planner and setting short-term deadlines.

Lifestyle

· Balance personal, work, and family needs and obligations
· Develop a sense of self and what your values are 
· Get enough sleep
· Eat a balanced diet
· Get moderate exercise throughout

Support Structure

Research shows a strong relationship between social support and better mental and physical health

Positive Frame of Mind

Dealing with negative thoughts and how you see things can help reduce stress

Problem solving helps you identify all aspects of a stressful event and find ways to deal with it
· Changing your communication style helps you communicate in a way that makes your views known without making others feel put down, hostile, or intimidated

Here are what I consider to be the most important marketing tips:

1. Target a market – pick an insatiable niche and give them whatever they want

2. When servicing your clients, their goals and concerns come first; Always remember, business first

3. Show your market you are going to add value to their lives

4.  Expand your network and build solid relationships online and offline