(Warning, this post may be perceived by some as shameless promotion – I didn’t mean it that way, but…)
Well, I’ve been telling you this for a while, having a plan and then working your plan really works. I’ve read and recommended lots of books – and tried to apply strategy, goals, systems, timing and tactics that really work to your businesses and to my own. I live what I preach – HALO has a strategic plan (a darn good one, too), I revise it each year. I measure my marketing, my spending, my margins, my feedback… I have an advisory board – and I listen to them. The list goes on.
Why am I surprised then, that it happened to me? But I am. I suppose it’s a pleasant surprise we all face when our businesses do well. We’re humble – you have to be to lower yourself to the place of becoming a business owner. Because there are some less than glamorous aspects involved in the startup process.
This week, my kids have been sick. It’s the last week of school, and there were obligations at my son’s school every day. Then, low and behold, the kids got sick with strep on Monday. At that point, I gave the week up as a loss.
But it hasn’t been. On the client side, I’ve had opportunity to exchange emails with quite a few clients and have gotten great feedback in and advice out despite a week off from regular meetings. On the sales side, I’m shocked that a couple of key deals have closed with no real "closing" effort on my behalf. The plan is working. I did the background work, worked the plan, took care of my existing customers and now… work is coming in from web site referrals, speaking engagements all over the country and clients calling me asking for a coaching slot. I’m happily surprised. And humbled that you all think so much of me – and entrust me with your businesses and your communities. It’s a great job. I just can’t believe it’s happening to me.
