Well, we are closing in on the end of the year.  And, if you are life most business owners, you don't really know how you have done and why you are (or are not) where you wanted to be.  Maybe you didn't even think about your goals for the year.  If this is you, then why do you expect to grow your business, make more money, and have a better sense of control over your life?

What if, instead of just going along, you actually made a plan for the year?  And, what if, you actually had techniques to get it done and hold yourself accountable?  Imagine how that could change your business and your life.  

I can tell you, from my own experience, that it is extremely powerful to taking a day (better to be more) during the year to really focus on your goals and map them out.  And then follow them.  Even if you miss your marks, you will have a plan and better understand why you missed, what you need to adjust for, and possibly even to re-evaluate your reasons for the goals you had set out.  Once you are better aligned with your real reasons, your business seems to flow better.  

Often, we cannot really do this effectively on our own.  That is why it is helpful to hire professionals to help assist you with that process.  Be it an in-house retreat with a moderator, or a formal one out of town, it is important to have goals and a schedule, etc in place before hand.  That way, all of the players know the expectations resting on their shoulders.  

What if you are the chief bottle washer, cook, chef, and sales person?  You probably need this even more.  

As solopreneurs, we often get caught up in the doing in our business, and not the working on the bigger picture of the business.  I have fallen into this trap.  There was always a reason why I "couldn't" take that time.  My excuses included:  deadlines and busy time of year, financial, or just wanted to take a day off instead.  

Then, one year I was at a luncheon and the speaker was a business coach who seemed to resonate with me.  So I bought her book.  And with that, I also signed up for (and paid for right there and then), a 3 day event to be held at the beginning of the next year.  Even though it was a busy time of year, and I thought that I couldn't really afford it, I stretched myself and did it anyway, because I was actually searching for this without knowing it.  

Six months passed, and I finally got to go - and it really was a shock to my system.  I was in a big conference room, talking to people from all over the country in different industries, but were really just like me.  Part inspirational, part amazing speakers (that I'd never be able to afford one on one), and the best part - the exercises that we had to go through to our plan for the year.  That first year, I didn't think that I actually had followed my plan, but when I looked back the next year, I realized how powerful that event had been.  Long forgotten dreams of mine had started to take shape, and I even booked a trip of a life time before the end of that year - all because of those exercises I had gone through at that one event.

Then next year, I took a bigger jump and signed up for the year long mastermind group as well.  That is a whole other topic and is really stretching me.  But, again - just being at the 3 day event was amazing.  I had expanded and refined my business and life goals.  Building on the prior year, I have again done things this year that I never thought I could have done - if it hadn't been for those 3 days.  This year - it is the first book in a series of books and webinars.  

I am now already signed up for this event, and booked my hotel.  Although I want to finish out the year and not miss a day, I can't wait for this focused business event again.  

If you have read my other posts, you will know that I don't normally use my blog to promote other businesses and services as I believe that it is important to provide some neutrality.  However, this time, I am happy to provide you with this information.   

I have been given a special price (which you cannot get without me) for this event, if you are interested, please contact me and in your subject line - "Interested in The Blast Off Business Breakthrough - Jan 2017"
and I will be happy to forward to you this special, private information.  

Blast Off sells out every year, so be sure to act fast, as this is an unbelievable offer that you cannot pass up if you are serious about improving your business and life. 

Well, this is the time of year when I get a few panic calls about extended tax returns.  If you have extended your individual tax return, Form 1040, then it is due by Oct 17, 2016.  (Normally the 15th, but it falls on a Saturday this year.)

If you are one of those that is always afraid of your taxes, or the chronic procrastinator, I am here to tell you that you are causing yourself way too much pain and drama.  There are typically a couple types of behaviors that set you up for anxiety around taxes.  
 
1.  You have a fear around money and instead you delay and avoid.  (Consider this the head in the sand analogy).  The best way to work through this is the actually get organized ahead of time, and do things on time, not extended.  Then, you actually have your information as you go and the fear tends to dissipate.  However, this is usually something that people need to get help with, so use your tax preparer and bookkeeper to your advantage.

2.  Cronic procastinator.  If you fall into this, you probably are comfortable with lateness and having to scramble at the last minute.  This one can be minimized by staying organized, being on time or ahead of time, but most importantly it is a mind set change.  This type enjoys the drama of the lateness and the added pressure.  So, if you are this type, either change your mindset, or your expectations.  Other people, especially your tax prepares are the extact opposite and they are running a business.  Please don't expect them to be extra accomodating when you decide, 5 days before the deadlines, that now you can work with them.  If you do, and they do, then expect to pay more for the additional time and aggravation that you are causing.  Blunt talk, I know, but you need to hear it.  

3.  You say that you didn't know.  Well, lack of knowledge is typical, but with all of the advertising that the big tax preparers invest in all types of media, is not a good excuse.  You have chosen to be unaware and you are still required to play by the rules.  

I know that this may be considered a bit harsh.  It might be.  But, if you fall into these categories, you need to hear it.  There are ways to correct these behavours and reduce your anxiety, and the extra stress you create for your tax preparers.  But, it is too late for that this year.  

If you are ready to take the steps to change for next year, then talk to your preparer and tell them that you want to change.  Ask them for help and support through the year so that they are guiding you through the process.  Once you have then as a partner, you will have an easier time and so will everyone else around you.  
​End of my rant.