It is time to start preparing and looking ahead at what to do as a business owner in 2009. Lets start with the basics.

First, we need to make a list of things we were planning on getting accomplished in 2008 but didn't. Write all of those tasks down on a piece of paper. Write a second list of things you would like to accomplish in 2009.

Review the 2008 list and rank them on a scale of 1 -5 with 1 being the most important to the stability of your business as well as your sales and then do the same for your 2009 list.

Add another section to your T-chart list and label one column January 31, 2009 and the second column February 28th, 2009. Take all of the tasks labeled with a 1 and write them under the January column. Take all of the tasks labeled with a 2 and 3 and write them under the February column.

Focus and complete all of the tasks ranked with a 1 by January 31, 2009. With a firm deadline and a true understanding of their importance to your success in business you will have the motivation and drive to achieve results by completing these critical tasks.

The tasks ranked with a 2 and 3 have a due date of February 28th. While important, they are not critical and can be worked on throughout the months of January and February.

Tasks ranked with a 4 and 5 are tasks to start on once the 1 - 3 ranked tasks are completed.

Time management is important in completing these tasks. Many can be completed in a very small amount of time is you simply focus on the task. Take the first hour of every day and do nothing else but focus on the completion of these tasks. Tackle one at a time. Working this plan will give you 5 hours a week you may have never realized you had prior to this exercise.

You can accomplish so much when you take a few moments to plan your work and then work your plan. Having these important tasks completed by February gives you another ten months of proactive work instead of always feeling like you are behind in your business.

Mike Jones
President
Pravo Network, Inc.