How to start off on the right foot

The single most important goal you can set for yourself in starting a business, in everyday operations, and in growth planning...Focus.

A simple guide to success...Focus.

No question it is tempting to pursue or explore every interesting idea and business opportunity. "look at this verticle..." "If we work with this partner..." and on and on...

While you may see potential - it is not an opportunity until you have done your due diligence - which takes time. Research and planning - like the kind that went into developing your business plan (right??) helped you align your verticals, and the market opportunities.  It doesn't hurt to remind yourself of what you are doing and why on a regular basis. You are creating your business to answer to a need in the marketplace. You created your plan to address the need with the best approach given all the available information. "XYZ" strategy is the best path to reach the goals. Ask yourself - "does such and such an idea help me reach our goals within our strategy?"

The reality is - bird walking of that nature takes us off track and keeps us from accomplishing our goals in a timely fashion. Practice saying "no!" and appreciate that nothing is forever, including "no." It's empowering to reinforce your goals by staying focused - by making a choice to stay focus. Then remember that no can simply mean - "not yet!"  

It is easier to stay focused if you know what you want from the start. So make sure you set goals with achievable milestones to keep you on track. Instead of saying - I want this business to reach the stars, start with "In the next 6 months I want to see 10% growth in earnings." Then write down where you stand at the moment -so you have a clear idea of where you are going.