The 12 Steps to Entrepreneurial Success
Published December 2001
Step 2. A Sense of Urgency- Getting Things Done.
If you are thinking about starting a business -do you know how to get things done? People who meet goals, accomplish objectives, and perform as promised, usually succeed in life. They know how to get what they want. They understand what is important and what will distract them. They are aware of the importance of establishing priorities. They avoid wasting their time. They sense the unimportant details that gobble up precious hours and lay a foundation for failure- a moment at a time.
On the other hand, do you know anyone who talks a wonderful story of promise, but little ever comes of it? Unfortunately, their dreams remain dreams not deeds. Per chance, if you are someone who can’t get things done or meet your goals- think twice before you try to open a business. You will soon find out that owning a business is working for an unforgiving and demanding master. Your mistakes will cost you money and excuses will not replace it.
May I suggest that you take a moment and think about your skills and accomplishments. If so, it may be time to make a change in your work style.
- To Start, Take Responsibility for Your Actions or Inactions.
- Have a Sense of Urgency.
- Getting Things Done.
- Manage With Success.
Don’t dwell on -do it! It is OK to plan, but there is a critical point when planning stops and action takes over.
You will discover that to succeed, there will be urgent demand to get your new venture profitable. To do so, requires an action style of management- getting things done. If you like to discuss your plans to a point of exhaustion, change your management style-or plan to look for a job.
Do you have trouble getting things done, or difficulty in meeting deadlines and schedules? Perhaps it is because you are unable to make a decision, fear to act, overcautious, afraid to make a mistake, or unable to set priorities.
Are you able to delegate or, do you feel you must do everything yourself, not trusting anyone to do as good a job as you can do? If so, you will accomplish little as you will be too busy to do the important tasks. Another problem you may have is underestimating the time required to accomplish tasks. Or, perhaps you can’t say no- obligating yourself to waste time on unimportant issues.
Take time and take action- putting things off can put you out of business. To start with, determine the most important task you have to do today- the most important to the welfare of your company. Later move on to those less important items. Learn to rank the demands placed on you by the degree of importance to the profitability of your business. As you do so, you will learn to weed out those time wasting tasks that only interfere with your success.
Start managing your time- realize that it is limited. Ask yourself, what do I have to do today? As well as what must I do today? I suggest that you use To Do lists or post notes as a reminder to keep you on track. It helps to start each day with a few quiet moments. Prepare a list of your most important tasks -and take action. At the end of day – a few more quiet moments to check your progress. Learning to manage your time will take practice and patience but will pay you handsome dividends. Getting things done, means focusing on your daily goals- as well as your long-term goals. Your successful business will be built one day at a time- I suggest you have a personal rule; “ if the task will not benefit my bottom line- I will postpone it to a lesser demanding time.”
Introduction
Step 1. Understanding Yourself
Step 2. Getting Things Done
Step 3. Apply Yourself- Don't Be Lazy
Step 4. The Importance of Getting Organized
Step 5. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Step 6. Learn to Say No
Step 7. Practice the "Golden Rule" in all of Your Affairs.
Step 8. Avoid the Perils of Expansion
Step 9. If You Want Success Ask for it. And Keep Asking.
Step 10. Manage Your Money- Your Most Important Asset.
Step 11. Recognize The Risk
Step 12. A Sure Way to Fail: Quit too Soon!
The Twelve Affirmations to Success
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