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Learning and Growing


As you reflect on this year and prepare for next year, what are the lessons you have learned in business and how do you plan to use those lessons to grow your business in the year ahead?

And remember, in every challenge there is opportunity for growth so even if you had a challenging year it can be a stepping stone to success.

I know the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can seem overwhelming when you try to factor in end of year business planning.

So simplify this very important task by focusing on the Top Three Lessons you have learned and how you will apply your newfound wisdom towards improving and growing your business.

If you didn't meet your financial goals this year what lessons have you learned that will help you accomplish that goal next year?

Create more income streams if you relied too heavily on one source of income.

Eliminate the activities that took up a lot of your time and provided little to no return on investment. Increase the activities that provided a good return on investment, and duplicate and increase your success with similar activities.

Select your top three lessons and then ask yourself the following questions:

1. What have I learned from this experience?

2. If it was unpleasant, what can I do to prevent future occurrences?

3. If it was pleasant, what can I do to experience this success on an ongoing basis?

4. How can I use this experience to grow my business?

This is just a start but you only need to take a step to move forward.

Give yourself the gift of time now and reflect upon your lessons learned this year. When this year comes to a close take only the wisdom from those lessons and apply them to your goals for next year.

Leave any bad feelings about any challenges you had this year behind when the curtain falls on this year, and stay focused on the growth of your business and yourself when the curtain rises on the new year.

Remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and can be a stepping stone towards success.

So stay focused on your success as you step into the New Year.

Copyright 2005 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications. Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time.

Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com to receive our free Business Success Toolkit including the free course: 7 Steps To More Clients.


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