What Other Agencies Do - #11 - Set Goals & Stay on Track
Set goals and stay on track
with them.
I recently heard an interesting analogy about strategic planning and following the plan. “You can’t successfully chase two bunnies at the same time.” The visual image that this analogy produced made me really reflect on myself.
I often joke that I am the dog in the movie “UP” where the dog is constantly distracted by Squirrels. I am often guilty of starting work on one subject and getting distracted by one or more other things. I am told this is a trait common to people who are problem solvers and those that are creative. Unfortunately for both you and I, this means that we tend to run our business starting out on one course. We then are distracted by the squirrels along the way. I have heard Human Resource professionals call this the “Shiny Penny Syndrome”.
The most important part of success is staying focused. Decide what you want to achieve over the next month; the next six months; and the next year. Once you decide what it is that you want to accomplish, define the steps that need to occur to attain your goals. Then, follow that path—religiously.
You have all seen the Fidelity commercials with the green line defining the path to financial independence. The green line represents a strategic plan. It is that line that tells you the exact steps you need to take to reach your goal.
Create time estimates for all jobs even when you don’t provide them to the client. Track the job against your estimates and use the results as a learning tool. You will become more efficient, a better estimator and more profitable as a result.
I recently heard an interesting analogy about strategic planning and following the plan. “You can’t successfully chase two bunnies at the same time.” The visual image that this analogy produced made me really reflect on myself.
I often joke that I am the dog in the movie “UP” where the dog is constantly distracted by Squirrels. I am often guilty of starting work on one subject and getting distracted by one or more other things. I am told this is a trait common to people who are problem solvers and those that are creative. Unfortunately for both you and I, this means that we tend to run our business starting out on one course. We then are distracted by the squirrels along the way. I have heard Human Resource professionals call this the “Shiny Penny Syndrome”.
The most important part of success is staying focused. Decide what you want to achieve over the next month; the next six months; and the next year. Once you decide what it is that you want to accomplish, define the steps that need to occur to attain your goals. Then, follow that path—religiously.
You have all seen the Fidelity commercials with the green line defining the path to financial independence. The green line represents a strategic plan. It is that line that tells you the exact steps you need to take to reach your goal.
Create time estimates for all jobs even when you don’t provide them to the client. Track the job against your estimates and use the results as a learning tool. You will become more efficient, a better estimator and more profitable as a result.
Posted by Agency ADvisor at 6/14/2011 9:01 AM 
Categories: What Other Agencies Do - Weekly Tips
Tags: Ad Campaigns Advertising advertising agency Advertising Software Agency Agency Management Business Connie Burtcheard Efficiency and Profitability Estimates Financial Management Productivity Profit profit margins profitability Project Management Schedules
Categories: What Other Agencies Do - Weekly Tips
Tags: Ad Campaigns Advertising advertising agency Advertising Software Agency Agency Management Business Connie Burtcheard Efficiency and Profitability Estimates Financial Management Productivity Profit profit margins profitability Project Management Schedules
Connie - great advice for all of us. I can totally related to the bunny chasing and squirrel diversion. Thanks for your humorous insights!
Reply to this