Thrive Professionals:
Happy New Year!
It is a New Year and you are heading back into work with a renewed and rejuvenated attitude. You walk in and begin to speak to your Team. Some wave hello with a smile and others don't even bother to give you eye contact. Then you have one that is complaining about the lack of clients. You walk in your office and your Assistant whispers that another employee has not arrived yet and their client has been waiting for 20 minutes.
You just sigh!
You feel like you have entered into the "Twilight Zone".
You ask yourself the question, why can't we start this year off right?
How did we get here?
Why don't they "get it"?
I am glad these questions have come up for you. This is the sign of needed change in the culture. When you feel it in your heart that this can not continue, not another year of the same. You are NOW ready to start the transformation process of your business culture. Until you get to this point, nothing will change for you.
A spirit of determination has to set in to make a dramatic positive change in your culture. The good news is if you are at this point, keep reading my blogs this month to get your business off to the right start in 2012 and create that winning culture you have always dreamed of for your Spa Salon.
Several years ago I read a book called "First Break All the Rules" by Marcus Buckingham. There is one tool that he writes about in this book that is very effective to understand how your Team feels about their work environment. It is critical that you meet your Team where they are and then lead them to where you want them to go.
Step #1: Survey the Team
After 80,000 in-depth interviews with managers in over 400 companies, Gallup Organization says that measuring the strength of a workplace can be simplified to these questions http://tinyurl.com/btc8og.
Click on the link and use these questions for your survey and be sure to inform your Team that their answers are anonymous and that you truly value their feedback.
Give the Team a 2-3 day deadline to return the survey in to you. You want them to take their time to answer the questions thoroughly. Be sure to encourage them to answer this survey on their own and do not share their answers. Once you collect the survey find time to read them all and take any notes that could lead you to where the weaknesses lie in your culture.
Implement this in your business this week and on next week we will move to step #2 "Repairing the Foundation".
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Thursday
Effective Goal Setting System Step #5 (Pt. 5 of 5)
Thrive Professionals:
Hang in there, this is the last step of the Goal Setting System. You are now ready to implement these goals in your life. You mean I have to do something else after all of this work? Yes, it is time to execute these goals so that 6 months from now you are on a road of accomplishments. The biggest mistake most people make is the lack of execution.
In the Spa Salon industry we work with lots of VIP's (Very Important People). I mean we layout the red carpet when a VIP comes into our business. We make sure that we deliver on our promise and ensure them a flawless experience.
Let me ask you a question. Why do we hesitate to use this same concept when it comes to our own personal lives. We have this one life to live and many of us don't have a plan for it.
This has to STOP! It's time for you to establish your own personal V.I.P of the day. Introducing Goal Setting System Step #5 "Establish Your V.I.P of the Day," Valuable Important Priority (V.I.P). Ask yourself, what can I do today that will be valuable and most important to reaching my goals? Think about it for a moment. If this was the only V.I.P you accomplished today, would it move you closer to your goals? If the answer is yes, then this is V.I.P worthy.
Just like you give your VIP's at the Spa Salon uninterrupted time to service. Treat your Valuable Important Priority (V.I.P) the same way. Turn off the cell phone, facebook and the e-mail to focus on your very own V.I.P of the day. You can consider this your hour of power action time. This step is the accelerator to achieving your goals. It is going to take your actions to make this work. We all know the definition of insanity "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
If you need a kick start in the coming year, I encourage you to start now and put this goal setting system to the test.
These five steps are important and they work together and not by themselves. Don't be ordinary, be extraordinary and TAKE ACTION NOW!
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Goals written down on paper? *Check*
Expectations of goals set? *Check*
Deadline set for goals? *Check*
Are the goals visual? *Check*
Hang in there, this is the last step of the Goal Setting System. You are now ready to implement these goals in your life. You mean I have to do something else after all of this work? Yes, it is time to execute these goals so that 6 months from now you are on a road of accomplishments. The biggest mistake most people make is the lack of execution.
In the Spa Salon industry we work with lots of VIP's (Very Important People). I mean we layout the red carpet when a VIP comes into our business. We make sure that we deliver on our promise and ensure them a flawless experience.
Let me ask you a question. Why do we hesitate to use this same concept when it comes to our own personal lives. We have this one life to live and many of us don't have a plan for it.
This has to STOP! It's time for you to establish your own personal V.I.P of the day. Introducing Goal Setting System Step #5 "Establish Your V.I.P of the Day," Valuable Important Priority (V.I.P). Ask yourself, what can I do today that will be valuable and most important to reaching my goals? Think about it for a moment. If this was the only V.I.P you accomplished today, would it move you closer to your goals? If the answer is yes, then this is V.I.P worthy.
Just like you give your VIP's at the Spa Salon uninterrupted time to service. Treat your Valuable Important Priority (V.I.P) the same way. Turn off the cell phone, facebook and the e-mail to focus on your very own V.I.P of the day. You can consider this your hour of power action time. This step is the accelerator to achieving your goals. It is going to take your actions to make this work. We all know the definition of insanity "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
If you need a kick start in the coming year, I encourage you to start now and put this goal setting system to the test.
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." -Albert Einstein
These five steps are important and they work together and not by themselves. Don't be ordinary, be extraordinary and TAKE ACTION NOW!
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Tuesday
Effective Goal Setting System Step #4 (Pt. 4 of 5)
Thrive Professionals:
You are now ready for Step #4!
In 2007, I learned a very important lesson from a colleague. I was struggling with trying to stay focused on my goals that year. Our Spa was 18 months old and we had big goals that we were trying to meet that year. My colleague stopped by my office one day and explained to me that the best way to stay focused on what you want to achieve is to write it down and make it visual. Write it down, I said. I have them all written down right here, I explained. She said ok, but you have forgotten one important step. You have to Make it Visual. I just looked at her with a puzzled face.
Then she went to explain this idea of a "Vision Board". I listened to the details and then immediately went to work on my Vision Board. That year ended up being the best year in sales and profit for the Spa. The Vision Board kept me focused and it also reminded me daily of my goals and where I was heading.
Now it is time for you to make your goals visual.
Goal Setting Step #4 is Make it Visual. You will need foam/poster board, new/old magazines, glue, and scissors. The idea is to find as many pictures possible that resonate with you and your goals. Place these pictures like a collage on your board. It is important that you find more pictures than words. We are very visual so pictures will speak louder to you than words. Once you finish filling the board with pictures, now you are ready to place the board in a space that you will see everyday. This should be one of the first pictures you see in the morning and the last you see at night.
As time passes you will begin to see your goals realized. Nothing will happen overnight, but taking a few moments everyday to reflect on your Vision Board will result in positive outcomes.
So go now and get started on this step and make your goals visual.
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
You are now ready for Step #4!
In 2007, I learned a very important lesson from a colleague. I was struggling with trying to stay focused on my goals that year. Our Spa was 18 months old and we had big goals that we were trying to meet that year. My colleague stopped by my office one day and explained to me that the best way to stay focused on what you want to achieve is to write it down and make it visual. Write it down, I said. I have them all written down right here, I explained. She said ok, but you have forgotten one important step. You have to Make it Visual. I just looked at her with a puzzled face.
Then she went to explain this idea of a "Vision Board". I listened to the details and then immediately went to work on my Vision Board. That year ended up being the best year in sales and profit for the Spa. The Vision Board kept me focused and it also reminded me daily of my goals and where I was heading.
Now it is time for you to make your goals visual.
Goal Setting Step #4 is Make it Visual. You will need foam/poster board, new/old magazines, glue, and scissors. The idea is to find as many pictures possible that resonate with you and your goals. Place these pictures like a collage on your board. It is important that you find more pictures than words. We are very visual so pictures will speak louder to you than words. Once you finish filling the board with pictures, now you are ready to place the board in a space that you will see everyday. This should be one of the first pictures you see in the morning and the last you see at night.
As time passes you will begin to see your goals realized. Nothing will happen overnight, but taking a few moments everyday to reflect on your Vision Board will result in positive outcomes.
So go now and get started on this step and make your goals visual.
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Thursday
Effective Goal Setting System Step #3 (Pt. 3 of 5)
Thrive Professionals:
Congratulations! You are on a roll, we are ready to review step #3 in the Goal Setting System.
Do you remember the goals you set for your business last year? Do you remember how excited you were when you planned those goals? Well, how did you do? Did you achieve success in all the goals you set out for your business? Did your plan work out? If not, what exactly changed the progress of meeting the goals? How did you get off track? Why did you get off track?
The biggest mistake most spa salon owners make when setting goals is not "Meeting the Deadline" that was set. Some people think it is ok to keep moving the deadline. Your goals should never be a moving target. George T. Doran says that goals are S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). There is no mention here that goals are flexible. I believe a goal should be set and you work hard to achieve it by staying focused.
So step #3 in the Goal Setting System is "Meet the Deadline". If you don't have a target end date, when exactly do you plan to reach the goal? You will never achieve success if you continue to carry goals over to the next year, then the next year and so on. In order to "WIN" in business you must have specific dates on WHEN you plan to meet the goal.
Example with Step #3: We are decreasing our overall expenses in the operation by managing professional product usage from $2500 to $2000 per month by July 31, 2012.
Notice in this example that I restructured the goal statement. In order for you to achieve success with this goal you have to make an emotional connection to the target. You discovered that connection during step #1. You figured out the "what" of your business which led you to the "why". That is the reason your goal statement should start with "WE" and it should read as a positive action that is currently happening. Never create a goal statement with a want, "We want to decrease....". You must reinforce what you are going to do "We are decreasing..."
"To succeed, we must first believe that we can." Michael Korda
The second biggest mistake most spa salon owners make is not getting your team involved in the goal setting process. This system will not work effectively without teamwork. So stop thinking that you can move your business in a positive direction without getting your staff involved. They are your business. You would be surprised how much support and buy- in you can get from them if you only "ask" and collaborate with them during these important discussions. The team has to take ownership on what you are desiring to achieve. If you do not have the team buy-in on the goals then you will have a hard time achieving success.
Share with them your desires from step #1 Determine the Ultimate Goal, then you can work together as a team to figure out where you are now to where you want to go, which is step #2 Set the Expectation. As a team make a commitment on what is realistic for step #3 Meeting the Deadline.
Steps #4 and #5 will describe how you will keep this goal no matter what! So keep an eye out for my next posting.
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
P.S. If you want to get ahead and learn the remaining steps NOW, go to www.thriveprofessionals.com and register as a Thrive Professional. Once I receive your registration, I will send you a MP3 audio recording of this entire Goal Setting System.
Congratulations! You are on a roll, we are ready to review step #3 in the Goal Setting System.
Do you remember the goals you set for your business last year? Do you remember how excited you were when you planned those goals? Well, how did you do? Did you achieve success in all the goals you set out for your business? Did your plan work out? If not, what exactly changed the progress of meeting the goals? How did you get off track? Why did you get off track?
The biggest mistake most spa salon owners make when setting goals is not "Meeting the Deadline" that was set. Some people think it is ok to keep moving the deadline. Your goals should never be a moving target. George T. Doran says that goals are S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). There is no mention here that goals are flexible. I believe a goal should be set and you work hard to achieve it by staying focused. So step #3 in the Goal Setting System is "Meet the Deadline". If you don't have a target end date, when exactly do you plan to reach the goal? You will never achieve success if you continue to carry goals over to the next year, then the next year and so on. In order to "WIN" in business you must have specific dates on WHEN you plan to meet the goal.
Example with Step #3: We are decreasing our overall expenses in the operation by managing professional product usage from $2500 to $2000 per month by July 31, 2012.
Notice in this example that I restructured the goal statement. In order for you to achieve success with this goal you have to make an emotional connection to the target. You discovered that connection during step #1. You figured out the "what" of your business which led you to the "why". That is the reason your goal statement should start with "WE" and it should read as a positive action that is currently happening. Never create a goal statement with a want, "We want to decrease....". You must reinforce what you are going to do "We are decreasing..."
The second biggest mistake most spa salon owners make is not getting your team involved in the goal setting process. This system will not work effectively without teamwork. So stop thinking that you can move your business in a positive direction without getting your staff involved. They are your business. You would be surprised how much support and buy- in you can get from them if you only "ask" and collaborate with them during these important discussions. The team has to take ownership on what you are desiring to achieve. If you do not have the team buy-in on the goals then you will have a hard time achieving success.
Share with them your desires from step #1 Determine the Ultimate Goal, then you can work together as a team to figure out where you are now to where you want to go, which is step #2 Set the Expectation. As a team make a commitment on what is realistic for step #3 Meeting the Deadline.
Steps #4 and #5 will describe how you will keep this goal no matter what! So keep an eye out for my next posting.
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
P.S. If you want to get ahead and learn the remaining steps NOW, go to www.thriveprofessionals.com and register as a Thrive Professional. Once I receive your registration, I will send you a MP3 audio recording of this entire Goal Setting System.
Monday
Effective Goal Setting System Step #2 (Pt. 2 of 5)
Thrive Professionals:
You've set the foundation with goal #1. But you can't stop there. You have to set up the road map and have an understanding of your starting and ending points.
Step #2: Set the Expectation for the Goals
When you log onto mapquest.com, the first step in finding your directions is to key in your current destination. After which you are able to put in where you are going. The map will populate with turn by turn directions. This is how you should view your goals for your business. Don't set another step forward until you know where you stand NOW and what is an attainable desired outcome for the business.
If you don't have clarity on where you are now then it will be difficult to determine where you want to go. Taking the same example from step #1:
Example of Step #1: Over the next 12 months our Spa Salon will decrease the overall expenses of our operation by managing professional product usage.
Ask yourself how much do I currently spend on professional products each month? How much do I need to decrease in order to flow a better profit margin for my business?
Example with Step #2: Over the next 12 months our Spa Salon will decrease the overall expenses of our operation by managing professional product usage from $2500 to $2000 per month.
Make it crystal clear for you to understand. You can use a % of total revenue to find your target goal. Whichever works best for you.
These simple steps are the start of the goal setting system.
Check out Step #3 in our next blog post.
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Tuesday
Effective Goal Setting System Step #1 (Pt.1 of 5)
Thrive Professionals:
It is fourth quarter and only a few weeks away to the end of another year. Have you taken some time away from your operation to work "ON" your business. Are you going into the New Year with a plan? Do you have a marketing strategy? Do you have the staff? Do you have the right product mix for your retail space? Do you have education set up for your team? Do you have education set up for yourself?
We are living in a new economy and we have no choice but to take a proactive approach to our business.
Once your "ultimate" goal is determined, figure out what you can do over the next 12 months to achieve it. Maybe your "ultimate" goal is to build a profit driven spa salon that provides you capital that renders the freedom of choices and support for your family. Well, over the next 12 months what can you do different in your business that will move you toward this "ultimate" goal.
Example: Over the next 12 months our Spa Salon will decrease the overall expenses of our operation by managing professional product usage.
This could be a goal for you in the coming year. You will need at least 2-3 more goals to focus on during this time. Do not try to come up with so many goals that by the time year end comes you have achieved none. So, I challenge you to find 2-3 more goals that connect with your ultimate goal and you will have started the goal setting process.
I will disclose step #2 of my goal setting system soon, so stay tuned!
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
It is fourth quarter and only a few weeks away to the end of another year. Have you taken some time away from your operation to work "ON" your business. Are you going into the New Year with a plan? Do you have a marketing strategy? Do you have the staff? Do you have the right product mix for your retail space? Do you have education set up for your team? Do you have education set up for yourself?
We are living in a new economy and we have no choice but to take a proactive approach to our business.
Here is the first step to my Goal Setting System:
Step #1: Determine the Ultimate Goal
Yes, I said the "ultimate" goal. What are you working so hard to accomplish? Why is this so imporant for you to achieve. It is very difficult for goals to be obtained without an emotional connection. Just think for a moment, anything you felt very strong in your heart about you achieved it. This is because you believed it and just took action. Well, this is no different in your business. What are you feeling in your heart and why does that emotion exist?
Once your "ultimate" goal is determined, figure out what you can do over the next 12 months to achieve it. Maybe your "ultimate" goal is to build a profit driven spa salon that provides you capital that renders the freedom of choices and support for your family. Well, over the next 12 months what can you do different in your business that will move you toward this "ultimate" goal.
Example: Over the next 12 months our Spa Salon will decrease the overall expenses of our operation by managing professional product usage.
This could be a goal for you in the coming year. You will need at least 2-3 more goals to focus on during this time. Do not try to come up with so many goals that by the time year end comes you have achieved none. So, I challenge you to find 2-3 more goals that connect with your ultimate goal and you will have started the goal setting process.
I will disclose step #2 of my goal setting system soon, so stay tuned!
Thriving Together,
Yolanda
Sunday
Are you looking for answers in all the wrong places?
Are you looking for answers in all the wrong places? Are you waiting for the right time or right place to make a decision? I have discovered that there is never a right time, if you don't take the time to listen to your inner voice. All of your answers lie within!
Rather you are trying to make a big business decision or just deciding who to put on your Christmas list. You have the answer lying within! Some people call it the gut feeling, God or Spirit. I call it God and believe that He is always speaking to us. We have a choice rather to listen or ignore Him. We should not debate the answers we receive, we should just act upon them. Why do we find it so hard to take the first step once the answer is received?
I find the best time to listen is shortly after my meditation. This is when I hear clear answers and directions. It is important to quiet down all outside influences while listening to the inner voice. These distractions can easily get you off track and sometimes confuse you. Think about it for a moment, you are being guided through this life journey and we still choose to allow others to lead "our" journey.
Don't allow others to lead your journey. Ask yourself the question and wait for the answer. You must know that you will be guided in the right direction and will discover the path that is best for "your" life. We only have one life to live. Don't let time pass you by and unnecessary life obstacles get in the way.
Believe the answer is coming. Receive the answer once it arises. Know that it is good enough. Act on it NOW!
Thriving Together!
Rather you are trying to make a big business decision or just deciding who to put on your Christmas list. You have the answer lying within! Some people call it the gut feeling, God or Spirit. I call it God and believe that He is always speaking to us. We have a choice rather to listen or ignore Him. We should not debate the answers we receive, we should just act upon them. Why do we find it so hard to take the first step once the answer is received?
I find the best time to listen is shortly after my meditation. This is when I hear clear answers and directions. It is important to quiet down all outside influences while listening to the inner voice. These distractions can easily get you off track and sometimes confuse you. Think about it for a moment, you are being guided through this life journey and we still choose to allow others to lead "our" journey.
Don't allow others to lead your journey. Ask yourself the question and wait for the answer. You must know that you will be guided in the right direction and will discover the path that is best for "your" life. We only have one life to live. Don't let time pass you by and unnecessary life obstacles get in the way.
Believe the answer is coming. Receive the answer once it arises. Know that it is good enough. Act on it NOW!
Thriving Together!
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