5 Tips On How To Set Realistic Goals

 

By Angela Morris

 

We all need to set realistic goals. Sometimes we are doing this unconsciously and sometimes we want to. but we are not sure how to. We need to do it consciously!

Do I hear an inward groan from some of you? Or do I see you rolling your eyes? I do hope you read on! You will find some helpful instruction in this blog to aid some of you do what you have avoided, for a long time!  I going to tell you what others may have tried and failed to do. So here I go:

 

 

” YOU MUST SET YOURSELF SOME REALISTIC GOALS IN

LIFE AND/OR BUSINESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL!”

 

How many times have you attended workshops around goal-setting and targets and seen the famous SMART acronym? For those of you who are not familiar with this, here is the breakdown for each letter:

 

S pecific

M easurable

A ttainable

R ealistic

T imely

 Next question is, how have you been able to practically implement it? Hmm let’s see, shall we, how you fare in the following goal setting strategies….

 

1. SPECIFIC – Can you visualise and get a “feel” and/or “look” of what your goal looks like? Don’t make it so wide and fuzzy that there is no detail to analyse or review, however, at the same time don’t make it so detailed that you put yourself off your own plans! Keep it simple, clear and straightforward.

 

2. MEASURABLE- Being ambiguous never works (believe me!) how will you know when you have hit your target, if there nothing to measure it against? Did you know if you got the measurements wrong initially, that’s okay? You can be flexible within reason and make a few adjustments. E.g. You thought it would take you 6 months, but you now realise it will take you 8 months.

 

3. ATTAINABLE- It needs to be YOUR goal not someone else’s! E.g. you may want to lose ½ a stone in weight but others want you to lose 1 stone…if you change your goal to 1 stone, what you have just don is surrendered your goal to someone else, so they may as well go and do it for you! Keep control of  your goals, let others help you by all means, but you remain firmly in the driving seat!

 

4. REALISTIC– Aaah this is a tricky one! Where do you draw the line without under-performing? Your goals should stretch you but not to the point where you will give up feeling defeated while you still have some way to go. So perhaps rising to CEO from office junior in 1 year maybe a little unrealistic, agreed? But to start a degree study course in 6 months to 1  year’s time, could be very realistic depending on what qualifications you already have.

 

5. TIMELY-Another “Aaaah” It’s finding the balance between procrastination and upsetting the applecart in your current situation or living circumstances. Some might argue that there is never a “good time” however you do have to be practical in terms of if you can engage in your chosen activity. Only you know the answer to that question (or do you?) don’t be afraid to talk to some trusted friends about it. They may tell you to stop talking and just get on with it!

FINALLY…there are probably  more of you who just need to be getting on with it, than those who are already achieving their goals, so C’mon people let’s do this! Why? Because…

 

“Life’s Too Short!”

Useful Links:

Goal Setting Theory

Personal Goal Setting

The importance of Goal Setting

AngieStrategy TV 

5 Tips On How To Set Realistic Goals was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

Today I launched AngieStrategy TV! A “Quick win”!

 

By Angela Morris

It may only be a Youtube channel now, however it’s a start, or what I would call a “quick win”. You may not be personally interested in doing something like this, so what is it you would really like to do and how can you get some “quick wins” along the way of your business? This principle does not only apply to business but can be used for other areas of your life where you feel you need to see some progress.

 

 

What is a  “Quick win” ?

If you’re not familiar with this term allow me to  give you a definition:

A quick win is “an improvement that is  visible,  has  immediate  benefit, and can be delivered  quickly  after your business or project begins”.

 Why are “Quick wins”  helpful to you?

 You can see  results  and success quickly and communicate them

You and/or your team will be  motivated  by achieving something ahead of time

You can  demonstrate  to your clients that you really are going to make improvements that they care about

It can save you money in terms of costs for running your business

I will give you a personal example (Well, okay if you insist lol!):

I would love to be on a mainstream TV channel however my current budget restrains me! This does not stop me having my own channel the only difference is it’s on Youtube. Not good enough you say! My response to that is:

•  It fulfils my objective which is to reach a wider audience that I currently have!
• I don’t have to pay anything for it!
• I don’t have to worry about ratings!

And lastly………..

• I still have my own TV channel (so there!) 

The main point is,  I am making a start in TV and this is what I call a “quick win”

AngieStrategy TV is now live! Have a look at my media page. Why? Because….

 

“Life is Too Short!!

 

Further reading:

 

quick win innovation

12 quick wins for marketing a new website

 

 

 

 

 

Today I launched AngieStrategy TV! A “Quick win”! was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

Why consistency pays when running a business

 

By Angela Morris

Why consistency pays off when running a business!

 

The greatest challenge of a budding entrepreneur is staying the distance and have consistency in terms of building your business. The upside to your gift is that you are full of ideas, the downside which can be your downfall is that you may struggle to see things through to the end because things are just not moving quickly enough for you!

 

However there is a method in what appears to be the madness of keeping still for a while. By this I mean staying in one role, place or business long enough for people to find you! Granted, this can take a little while depending on what services and/or goods you provide but eventually it WILL pay off!

 

So here are my 5 tips for those who see the big picture but don’t wait around long enough for it to materialise:

 

1. Presentation- Whether it is based in an office; a shop front; on a website; or you work from home; the IMAGE should MATCH what you deliver! E.g. if you sell children’s wear, this should be reflected in bright “child friendly” imagery to attract customers.
2. Be predictable– people don’t feel comfortable doing business with someone who is ALWAYS CHANGING their business! You know who I mean. One minute their selling computers, next time you see them their selling clothes!
3. Keep your promises- Better I think, if you don’t make any! However, show others they can depend on you if you do set service delivery dates. If you can’t deliver COMMUNICATE, apologise and explain why!
4. Find a location and stay there for as long as you can- How can customers find you if you are always on the move! If you can STAY STILL for long enough, they will eventually come to you! (ask any owner of corner shop) Sometimes you have to give yourself and others some time.
5. Have a routine way of doing things- When you can develop a STANDARD, CONSISTENT way of interacting with your customers this will be helpful to both you and them as they learn how you work.

 

You may be saying “Angela, you don’t understand, I get bored quickly,I have so many brilliant ideas and I really need to earn some money!!” Well actually I do understand very well which is why I wrote this article to stop you making some of the silly mistakes I did!

 

In the meantime, let’s keep learning and growing. Why? Because….

 

“Life’s Too Short!”

 PS. There is a reason I chose an ant to represent consistency!

Further Reading:

 

 Why consistency is the most important aspect of your business

 

5 Consistency Power Success Rules

Why consistency pays when running a business was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

Why you need a good Business Mentor!

By Angela Morris

Why you need a good Business Mentor!

 

I have noticed the word Business Mentor  or Coach is very popular and used a lot these days, have you noticed it too?

So who are these mysterious sought-after individuals which everyone appears to need but no-one seems to be able to find! First things first what or who is a “mentor”?

 The dictionary definition is:

‘An experienced and trusted adviser’ – Well you can’t get simpler that than can you?

How do they qualify to help you? (I hear you say!)

Well here is the criteria list to help you with your search:

1.  Someone who’s been there and done that – both the good and not so good as well as the bad and not so bad!

2. Someone who has succeeded and exceeded what you want to achieve or accomplish- you can’t really help me unless you can demonstrate how much further you are than me! 

3. Someone who is willing to help you achieve your goals, targets or attained by sharing their pitfalls as well as their triumphs!

So Where are they? (I hear you ask!)

 The obvious place is to search the web, however a less obvious place may be right under your nose! Think about people you may know or are indirectly connected to. They may be happy to help you but be willing to put your hand in your pocket (no, I insist!) and remunerate them for your time. It will be so worth it and pay off huge dividends!

Whatever the circumstances, mentoring is an exclusive one-to-one relationship, is completely confidential and can be a useful complement to your personal development.

As a shameless plug you can always contact me (for a small fee) and I will be happy to help you grow! But no need to contact me unless you think I have something to show you. Why? Because….

 

“Life’s too short!”

 

PS. My new youtube channel Angiestrategy TV  launches next week!

 Further Reading

Business coaching and mentoring

Effective Business Mentoring is a Relationship/

Why you need a good Business Mentor! was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

Do I really need that loan to start-up?

 

By Angela Morris

Starting a new business and getting a start-up  loan do not necessarily go hand in hand! There are some types of business that need minimal outlay and that you can do from your own home. It can be challenging to know what to do if there is no-one who knows what to do!

 

 

So how do you know if you need a start-up loan or additional finance to get your business off the ground? My special guest this week is Serial Entrepreneur  and Author, Romeo Effs, Cass Business School Alumni and an Ambassador for start-up funding.  Romeo was a former Accenture executive and  worked for  Rosslyn Analytics as Director of Client Development. There is very little he doesn’t know about SMEs and start-ups!

I asked Romeo to provide some nuggets for my readers so here he explains:

3 reasons you may need a loan:

1.  You are going to use expensive equipment e.g machinery
2. You need specialist training i.e you will have to be certified
3. Keeping stock is essential e.g. food for a restaurant

So far so good?

Next question is  how much should you borrow?

This can be a little tricky but here are 3 points to consider:

1.  Make sure you borrow enough money. If you “under-capitalize” this could create problems for you along the way!
2. Factor in at least 1-2 months working capital as you may have to wait for invoices to be paid to you, sometimes up to 3 months!
3. Always put in a back-up contingency percentage of say 10% (if you were to borrow £10,000 then an additional £1000 would be your emergency amount) just in case things don’t go to plan!

 

If you have read this far then you are rewarded with an invite to join me for an free  exclusive evaluation session with a  start-up  fund “approver” on 20^th May 2014 at 11.00am which will be held at my offices  in Croydon. Please fill out the details below in order to register.  Why not come along?    Because….

 

“Life’s Too Short”

 

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Further Reading

More about Romeo-Effs

Rspegroup.com

 

 

 

Do I really need that loan to start-up? was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

My Thoughts on Positive Thinking!

By Angela Morris

Some people believe in it and some don’t. So where is the evidence behind the power of positive thinking to bring change? Is this all really necessary? Why do we need it anyway?

Researchers have found that positive thinking is about much more than just being cheerful or displaying an optimistic attitude. Positive thoughts can actually create genuine value in your life and help you build skills that last much longer than a smile.

The impact of positive thinking on your work, your health, and your life is being studied not only by people who are spiritual but also bona fide psychologists and scientists.

 

So How does the Brain manage Negative Emotions/Thoughts?

 

• Negative emotions/thoughts narrow your mind and focus your thoughts. Think about times you have felt stressed-exactly! You can only focus on what you are worrying about!

 

• Negative emotions/thoughts hinder your brain from seeing the other options and choices that surround you- you struggle to see the bigger picture!

 

What does your Brain do with Positive Emotions/Thoughts?

 

• Positive emotions/thoughts increase your sense of possibility and expands your mind to more options.

 

• Positive emotions provide is an enhanced ability for you to build skills and develop resources- you may try things you have never done before!

 

Did you know that  having a positive attitude helps people recover faster from surgery or cope better with serious diseases — diseases as serious as cancer, heart disease, and AIDS ?  It is not known exactly why, howeverthere is mounting evidence to suggest that these effects may have something to do with the mind’s power over the immune system.

 

I love that saying “there’s no smoke without fire” in this context there must be elements of truth that even the hardest sceptics cannot deny! In conclusion here is a clip of my contribution to “Thought of the Day” for BBC Radio WM (I know!!! )

 

If you have never tried it, why not have a go? Why? Because….

 

“Life’s Too Short!”

 

Further Listening:

Angela Morris (me!)  on BBC Radio West Midlands

http://angelarmorris.com/extras/uploads/2014/05/Angela-on-BBC.mp3

Further Reading:

The power of positive thinking

Scientific proof  thoughts intention can alter physical world around us

 

My Thoughts on Positive Thinking! was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

How to STAND OUT from the CROWD in business

 

By Angela Morris

A really good strategy for growing your business is identify your USP an acronym for Unique Selling Point. This is especially important if you are working in a competitive market, where many do what you do!. By this I mean you deliver a product or service which is a part of the current trend.  What makes you so special? Providing great service is a compulsory, in my opinion, so it needs to be more than that!

 

1)    Be different by doing something no one else is doing! Beating your competition is about having the “edge” with your product or service. You will need to “up the ante”, consider a touch of class or flavour which brings out your uniqueness.

 

2)    Demonstrate understanding of your product or service. Being able to explain (concisely) the ‘how’ rather than the ‘what’, may help you reap dividends that no-one else will get!

 

3)    Keep them wanting more! By being positive and upbeat, you become the person people want to be around. Remember purchasing goods or services is emotional more than financial. Just think about ads for chocolate!

 

4)    Be consistent. Be consistent. Be consistent! For many of us, this area is a struggle (that’s why I said it 3 times!) but if you work at it, you will develop an identity or brand that people can rely on, talk about and refer their friends. Sometimes you just need to stay the distance in the same place, so that people can find you!

 

5)    In your community, is there something you could do that would draw positive attention? Perhaps start to sign up for stalls at school fairs or run a competition as a business with give aways as prizes? Be as creative as you can.

I hope this tips will motivate you to get your thinking cap on! Why? Because….

“Life’s too Short!”

 

Further reading:

 

How to stand out from the crowd

14 incredible ways to stand out from the crowd

Straight talking with Angiestrategy blog series

How to STAND OUT from the CROWD in business was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions

All budding entrepreneurs need to protect themselves!

By Angela Morris

When you are a budding entrepreneur you a full of ideas! Your mind can conceive what others struggle with.

People may not say it to you, but they may be thinking “why did I not think of   that?” 

 

That is a good thing but you must remember that you will always meet the tricky, plagiarist experts and the downright unscrupulous. That’s just the way it is and hopefully you are not one of them!

 

You need to protect yourself as much as others want to protect themselves from you. So don’t forget about your NDAs!

What is an NDA? A non-disclosure agreement (NDA), also known as a confidentiality agreement, this is a legal contract between you and another party not to disclose information that you have shared for a specific purpose.

Why do you need them? This allows you to approach potential partners, suppliers, consultants and customers with your business idea, knowing that the other party is legally forbidden to pass on that information.

When do you need them? When you are in a position that you will be:

• sharing intellectual property
• sharing commercial or trading information
• formalising a relationship, perhaps between an employer and employee

 

What types are there which may suit you?

One-way and two-way NDAs

A one-way NDA-  this  is used when only your business is sharing information and the other party agrees to keep it confidential.

A two-way NDA – this is used when both you and another business are sharing confidential information with each other and want to be sure that neither will disclose their trade secrets (as if you would!).

 

I hope this is helpful and if you need support or further clarification you can always ask me.  Why?

Because ………..

“Life’s too short!”

 

http://angelarmorris.com

All budding entrepreneurs need to protect themselves! was originally published on Angela R Morris – Total Business Solutions