Welcome to POWERFUL SOLUTIONS!
Our commitment is to produce a newsletter that is informative and worthwhile.

I'd like to invite you to send in any stories or quotes that you find inspirational and helpful.

In This Issue...

A Message from Phyllis
Upcoming Appearances
Feature Article: PLANNING………For your business and Life

A Message from Phyllis

Dear Readers,

Happy 2006! I hope the New Year is off to a good start for you. Have you taken some time to create a plan for the New Year? What is it that you want to accomplish in 2006?

Very often there are many opportunities for new business without having to look very far. In law firms it’s very often building relationships with attorneys in other practice groups from your firm. Trusting each other and sharing clients can be the easiest way to grow your practice. Looking at inactive clients is another way.

When was the last time you called someone that you did business with last year or even a few years ago? Just a friendly call to say “hello” can often generate new business. What about the organizations you belong to? Do you go to a meeting once a month and expect to build relationships? Make a list of ten people that could be helpful with your business development. Call and make a plan to meet for coffee.

If you are a professional who sells a service, it’s all about relationships. What can you do this month to enhance your social capital? Look at the membership list of the Chamber, Bar Association or any organization that you belong to. Select a few people and get to know them. If you made one call a day by the end of the year over 250 people would know who you are. How about 1 call a week? 50 people to refer to you or to partner with.

Let’s make 2006 your best year ever! The article this month is about Planning. I hope you find it helpful. If you need additional support, please send me an e-mail and we’ll have a powerful conversation.

Warm regards,
Phyllis

Upcoming Appearances

Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce 1/19/06
Boca Raton, Fla.
"Take Charge of your Life! Get all that you want in 2006"

Law Firm Pittsburgh 2/7/06
“Make 2006 the Best year ever”

Law Firm Philadelphia 2/8/06
“Make 2006 the Best year ever”

Media Communications Assn. MCA 3/21/06
“How to get all the business you want in record time”

Hadassah Leaders Initiative 4/5/06
"How to be a successful Leader"

Women's League Conference 5/7/06
"Make Time for Yourself"

_________________________________________________

This Month's article

PLANNING………For your business and Life

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, but you already knew that, right?

I’ve known people who spend hours planning a two-week vacation. They do research, print out maps and have every detail thought out. But, when it comes to their professional life, they don’t spend nearly as much time mapping out their business plan for an entire year.

Do you have a plan for your business this year? If not, plan now. Take some time to review the past year. How much money did you earn? How many hours did you work? How many customers did you serve? How many new customers did you get? How many did you lose? Look for any patterns that prevail. Did you offer any new products or services? Were they effective? Did they add to your bottom line?

Review your appointment book. How did you really spend your time? What marketing strategies did you use? Look at the organizations you belong to and the hours you invested. Was it worthwhile? Did you have adequate support? What were your expenses? Did you participate in conferences and trade shows? What were the results of your efforts?

Now take some time to create a vision for the New Year. Once you know what you want, you can create your plan. How much money do you want to earn? How many hours do you want to work? What types of clients do you want to work with? Is it time for you to increase your fees? What marketing strategies do you want to put in place? Do you need new brochures or a new logo? What image do you want to project? Where should you be advertising to support that image?

Is it time to upgrade your equipment? Is your website getting you business? Do you need a consultant, a mentor or a coach to support you and create a strategy for success? Take some time to answer these questions and to look at what you have, what you want, and how you’ll get there.

Let’s look at your personal life. How was this past year for you? Did you lose the weight you wanted? Did you read the books you bought? Did you spend quality time with your family and friends? Think about what you really want. What do you want this coming year to look like for you? Fast forward to a year from today. What would you personally like to have accomplished? In order to be successful in business it’s important to look at your personal life.

Let’s create a life plan along with your business plan. What do you want your life to look like? Analyze what drains your energy. Make a list of everything you’ve been tolerating. Start eliminating and resolving them. Look at raising your standards and establishing bigger boundaries. Spend time with people you really enjoy. Maybe this is the year to simplify your life. Don’t over commit yourself. Create space for the right opportunities and relationships.

Think about your purpose in life, your vision. It doesn’t have to be as big as Bill Gates’ vision of a computer on every desk. I ask my clients at the start of every year to create a theme for themselves. One client said she wanted to reinvent herself. She has had a year filled with positive changes. She’s lost weight, is working out with a personal trainer for the first time and has started writing short stories. She is ready to take a big leap in her career. Some clients have chosen themes of balance, self-care or creativity. Is this the year you’ll finish that project you started years ago that’s still in the basement or garage?

Do you want to paint, learn a sport or take a course? Put it in your plan. Create a life that brings you joy. You might want to write on a 3x5 card the message you want to tell yourself every day. It might be, “I am happy and grateful for my life” or “I choose to spend time with people who give me energy”. In order to have a successful business without a struggle, it starts with having a successful life. Make a plan, follow it and have a great year!

Phyllis