Position Your Business for Success in 2009

Actor Bill Murray, who plays Phil in the 1993 comedy, "Groundhog Day", is having the worst day of his life... over, and over, and over...

Unfortunately, this is a familiar occurrence expressed by many entrepreneurs. In spite of seemingly significant changes made annually, lack luster results are experienced over, and over, and over...Certainly, 2009 is not the year for a repeat performance.

Inadequate (or nonexistent) planning that includes asking the wrong questions is generally the source. Put an end to your "Groundhog Day" by following this simple strategy.

Three Simple Steps

Step One: Decompress

Regurgitate all that has been bottled up this past year. Thrash out what went right and what went wrong without having to create a solution. Engage the use of an objective interviewer who can ask thought-provoking, mind-probing questions.

Step Two: Dream/Devise

It's time to brainstorm. Open your mind and say "ahhhh" to the possibilities. Talk about where you want to go this next year, what it will look like, what it will mean to you, and how it will feel. Don't discard any idea no matter how implausible. The best solutions come from the most improbable contribution.

Step Three: Decide

Given a clear picture of what is possible and armed with a long list of possibilities, it's now time to develop your plan of action. Select a maximum of three to five key result areas upon which to focus. Craft your plan and dedicate the needed resources to its fulfillment.

Unlike "Phil", you're not doomed to experience exasperating business results over and over and over...By reframing and expanding your perspective, the market place will respond to your new actions, opening up all kinds of possibilities for playing with the unfolding of events.