TRANSLATING GOALS INTO ACTION

TRANSLATING GOALS INTO ACTION

To be successful, we must translate future goals into present action. Goals cannot be accomplished in the future for the future never comes. Where we are in one year, two years or three years is determined by what we are doing today. So once we have written down our goals and assigned target dates, we must schedule time each week, or if possible each day, to work on those goal-related activities.

THE TIMED AGENDA

To prevent meetings from dragging out, issue a timed agenda. After consulting with the other people who are responsible for presentations, allocate a specific amount of time to each agenda item. Be sure to allow about 20% more time than you think it will take. With a deadline to work towards, each item will have less likelihood of being dragged out.

JUNK MAIL

If you want most unsolicited mail stopped, you could write to the Canadian Direct Marketing Association, 1 Concorde Gate, North York, Ontario M3C 3N6. They will notify their members to remove you from their lists. Of course, not all direct mail companies are members. In the U. S., write to Mail Preference Service, Box 3861, New York, NY 10163-3861 (Direct Marketing Association).

WHERE THE TIME GOES

According to Michael Fortino of Priority Management, Americans spend

- 5 years of their life standing in line
- 2 years trying to return phone calls
- 8 months opening up direct mail
- 6 years eating
- 1 year searching for misplaced objects
- 4 years on major household chores

 

HIRING HIGH ENERGY PEOPLE

Most people are "morning people." Their energy and mental alertness are at their peak first thing in the morning. Others are lethargic in the mornings but running at a full head of steam by early afternoon. Still others are enthusiastic and energetic all day long. I read somewhere that the president of Direct Tire Sales in Watertown, MA used to conduct three interviews with prospective employees, morning noon and night, to get an indication of their energy level. He wanted employees who are good with people all day long.