Goal Setting Presentations

New Trend:  "Goal Setting" for business professionals is regaining popularity.

People are getting serious about setting goals, and they want guidance. More and more articles are cropping up on the topic, and business leaders are once again planning goal setting retreats for their teams.  Those who have never formally created these types of success targets are lining up to learn how to achieve more than before.  

This is not something that is shiny or new to Generation Y.  Professionals of all ages, across industry lines, are taking a look at how to set and achieve goals.

However, goal setting is not really trendy.  It is something done formally or informally as part of regular planning for many in the business world.  For those who use goal setting as a success tool, the process achieving is part of their soul, not something that is coming into fashion.

My own experience with setting goals and actively working to achieve them has been productive.  I doubt I could have had a growth oriented career in business or run my own business for several years without a goal centered focus.  While I do not always reach all the goals I set, I have advanced my career step by step.  Credit for my success is linked to the pursuit of my clear and written goals.

Throughout my career I have read a lot about goals.  Sometime I encountered good advice, other times it was not as powerful.  When I set a goal, it makes it easier for me to make the hard choices that always seem to crop up.  If I have to decide on an action, it is simple to ask myself if the decision moves me closer to my goal, or farther from the target.

This is not about riches or fame, but instead a way of getting focused in a noisy and crazy world.  My goals are the bumpers in the gutters that keep the ball moving toward the pins without falling off the side (think of taking a kid bowling and using the bumpers to keep their ball from falling off the side).

Anyone who attended goal setting workshops in the 1980s or 1990s has probably heard the the famous (and fake) story about the 1953 graduating class at Yale University, and how the 3% who had clear written goals were more successful than the other 97% of their class.... combined!!!  While the story was told by many famous speakers (Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, etc...) it has no factual basis.

Some have tried to cite this false story as a reason to pooh-pooh the use of goals.  But a fake story, even one that was over-told, does not undermine the power that many find in working toward a defined destination.

I started my speaking career teaching goal setting sessions.  I was not yet seasoned as a speaker, but people seemed to like the classes and it encouraged my career as a professional speaker, although I had branched out to other topics.  

My business coaching clients have always been exposed to my encouragement to embrace the practice of goal setting and I am again starting to teach this topic to audiences. I have re-tooled my most popular talk, "Your Goals and Your Soul" for 2013 and beyond.

Pay attention to blogs, periodicals, keynotes, seminar sessions, training classes, etc.... as the topic of goal setting is coming on strong for the next few years.  Invest your time to listen to what business writers and speakers are saying about ways to work toward goals, and achieve more in your career and life.  Do not shy away from the idea of having goals.  

Few things are as satisfying in your career as crossing off an attained goal that you have been pursuing over time.  Reaching a goal takes time, but the success is sweet!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

To Heck With New Years Resolutions - Set Clear Goals Every Month!

There are mixed opinions on the practice of setting annual goals or creating "New Year's Resolutions".  Some people achieve great results from mapping out a plan for their year, others feel that it is a recipe for failure.

I have long been a goal setter and each January I come up with a list of targets and a theme for areas of improvement for the year.  Sometimes I have meet my goals, other years I have come up short.  Either way, I find the process of creating targets and using them to assist in my decision making process over 12 months has  helped me advance my career.

The problem for many is that the new year only comes once.  If you fail to coordinate a realistic and actionable plan by the first few weeks of the year, the odds are that you will not do it at all.  Plus, the best conceived plans can easily get derailed by the realities of life (we all get busy).  Far too often when little gets accomplished, the whole plan is abandoned by Memorial Day.  I am writing this post with five months of 2012 already behind us, and many I talk with feel they have been working hard, but they have not capitalized on all their opportunities.  Time is slipping past.

I am also finding that everyone, including myself, is falling prey to shorter attention spans.  A year just seems so long, who can pay attention in January to results for December?

I have begun working with select coaching and consulting clients on creating more short term goal plans (for an individual or company), and then helping them have a laser focus on taking action.  With a whole year to get the ball rolling, it is easy to procrastinate.  With only a few weeks, there is only now. Success or failure depends on today.

The "New Month Resolution" is a term some use to describe this process. The purpose is to create one or two intense goals that require immediate action and can be accomplished in 30 days.  Think of it as the "Twitter of Goal Setting" (short bursts of goals).  Much like Twitter limits the user to 140 characters, this process limits the goal setter to two things they must do by the end of the month.  Yes, other things can be accomplished, but these two goals are a defined priority.

Most people struggle at first to figure out what they should select as a month goal, but after the first month or two it becomes simple to identify what needs to be accomplished to see meaningful results.  Sales professionals often need to set goal on making calls to more prospects, as this is the life blood to their success, but easily skipped when busywork is created.  Entrepreneurs tell me it is the marketing and branding activities they need help getting done.  Attorneys find it is their networking and reputation building that gets forgotten when they are serving existing clients.

Ask yourself these questions:

1.  What do I know I should be doing that I never seem to get done?
2.  Why am I not doing the things that will help me succeed?
3.  If I did this, what would be the short and long term results?
4.  What are the obstacles, real or imagined, that are in my way?
5.  Can I get this done in 30 days?  If not, what part can I get done in 30 days?
6.  Do I really want the success?
7.  Will I take action, or is this just a dumb exercise?

To be successful you must have an accountability partner.  This can be your paid business coach, consultant, mentor, friend or co-worker, but the person must be reported to regularly and they cannot let you slide for lack of action.

Try it for the month of June.  What are two things you know you should do to get closer to your own long term success, but never seem to take action?  Get a coach or friend to help you define the actions needed, and then get rid of all the excuses.  Take action.  June 30th will be here fast.  No time to dilly dally.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Three Steps To Getting Free Guru Motivation

*** Disclaimer on the below post.  I have no beef with any expert who sells their expertise (heck, I do this).  I do not have a problem with the coaching industry (I work with individual clients).  I do not discredit the power of internet marketing tools (I use them).  There is a difference between shared information and solicitations, and not all inbound emails from "gurus" are trying to separate you from your money, know the difference.  Selling is not a sin.  Any resemblance to any guru described is purely coincidental.


Free Guru Coaching Starting Today

Do you want to move your career to the next level?  Are you looking for someone to take you under their wing and lead you to more success?  Are there people in your industry you admire who offer expensive coaching programs you believe would help you -- but you cannot justify the expensive investment in their giant menu of programs, services, bootcamps, etc....

Wish you could get the benefits of their motivation without having to take out a second mortgage?

Well you can have any one of the most famous internet motivational experts actively working to motivate you around the clock without investing any money.

Follow these three steps and you can get the best results from (pick your favorite guru):

1.  Write down twenty-five things that you know you need to do to expand your career and create a "to do list".  


Most of us are aware of what we need to do to achieve our desired success.  We just get busy with the nuances of life and fail to follow through.  This is normal, do not beat yourself up over your lack of motivation.  Identify the actions that you are confident will allow you to grow your business, get promoted, find a new job, etc....


2.  Get on the mailing list of the top internet guru who you think holds the magic seeds to personal improvement.  There are many to choose from, they have infomercials, giant email databases, highly seductive webinars and bootcamps, etc...  Any one of them will do, or better yet, get on multiple mailing lists of these mavens of motivation. 


It is not SPAM if you opt-in!


3.  Every time you get an email from your guru(s) trying to sell you their latest program, product, coaching service, etc....  select one item on your "to do list" and immediately go do it.  You need not even open their emails, just see their name in your inbox and take action (while their email looks personalized, the salutation is computer generated...they were not really thinking of you when the email blast was sent!).  

This really works.  I have been doing this since January and I have grown my business year over year.  My chosen guru sends me emails more than once a week promoting something that his company or one of his affiliate partners is selling.  I enjoy his enthusiasm, but if I bought all he offered it would have added up to more than my annual income.

Do not unsubscribe from the guru lists.  They are your ticket to getting more done without ever having act on any of their offers.  I heard one such guru say once that the only way to get off their mailing list was to die and leave no heirs.  Cool.  Keep those emails coming.... it gets me moving toward attaining all my goals!

At the same time, if they have an offer that is appealing to you, by all means, sign up.  These are not bad folks (well, most of them) and often have great materials.  But if you are not in a place to invest, do not waste the opportunity to utilize their coordinated, dedicated, and frequent email campaigns as a tool to kick you into taking action.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Protecting Your Goals Showcase (Facilitated by Thom Singer) Austin, Texas

I will be hosting a five week workshop with the SOS Leadership Institute (Thursdays from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, February 17th - March 17th) designed to help people get on track in 2011.

Are you making the progress you would like to make and are capable of making? YOU CAN start today with the help of the Protecting Goals program!

All successful people have objectives to guide them, goals they want to achieve. But determining what those goals are – and how to reach them – is often a guessing game for most people.

Protecting Goals: The Science of Personal Achievement moves the art of self-determination into the 21st Century. Goal Achievement is a science – a process that can be mastered by those who learn the fundamentals.

Protecting Goals teaches you those fundamentals in easy-to-understand, bite-sized segments. Utilizing the proven learning technique of spaced repetition, this program will help you determine where you want to go and how you will get there.

You will get into action in a matter of days! Along the way, you will learn:

• How to become a leader who makes a difference

• How to develop an Achievement Perspective

• How to create a Top Ten Goals List

• How to determine the “cost” of your goals

• How to create an Achievement Plan

• The 4 cardinal rules of managing time for achievement.

This workshop will take place at the SOS Leadership offices in Austin, Texas.

Cost $995.00

Contact me at thom (at) thomsinger.com for more information.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

The ABC's of Trade Shows and Conferences - G is for Goals

Goal setting is important for any area of your life where you want to achieve success. Not knowing what success looks like means you will miss many victories. Too many people drift through their days hoping to make gains, but have nearly no points of reference on which to measure the progress.

This is true for those going to industry event, trade shows, conferences, conventions, seminars, and other business gatherings. Before you commit to attending any type of gathering you should know in advance the purpose of your participation.

There are many reasons why you might find yourself at a business event. Networking opportunities, educational sessions, seeking to spot new trends, face-time with clients / prospects, looking for a new job, etc... Any reason for attending is a good reason, and none have to be mutually exclusive of the others. However, if you have not clarified your goals, and committed them to paper, then you will not maximize the conference.

A goal not written down is simply a wish. All successful professionals will tell you that "wishing" is not a good business strategy. You need to know what you want in advance so that you can take the action steps toward success.

If you are attending a conference with co-workers or other colleagues you should have a pre-conference meeting to talk about the outcomes that you all desire. You can divide up the schedule and cover more ground separately. Then you can meet up and share what you have learned and information about whom you have met. If you have different goals, make sure that everyone from your team are looking beyond their own needs at the event.

Throughout your time at the convention revisit your goals to see how you are doing. If necessary you can change your focus, as once you arrive you might discover new opportunities that are more important of your attention.

After you return home you should review your original goals and determine if you were successful. If not, determine if it was because of you or due to some factors beyond your control.

When you are clear about the success of an event if will make your decision easy on if you should return to the same event the next year.

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections. http://www.conferencecatalyst.com

Do You Know Someone Who Is Stuck? (#Austin)

January is gone... the year is well underway. There is no turning back on 2011.

Do you know someone who needs to get focused on their goals in order to have the breakout year they desire? What are they waiting for?

Is that person you?

Thom Singer is hosting the "Protecting Your Goals Showcase" with the SOS Leadership Institute in Austin, TX.

These classes will be held at lunchtime at the SOS Leadership Offices on South Lamar in Austin from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM each Thursday from February 10th thru March 10th.

To sign up contact Thom at thom (at) thomsinger.com or (512) 970-0398

The cost is $995.00

Don't Live in Austin? Individual phone program available.

People often think about taking action to get themselves unstuck, but they never take action. If you are interested, you owe it to yourself to call for more information.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Identify Success In Advance - Goals for 2011

This time of year brings many goals and resolutions, but too many people are vague about what they want to accomplish. They desire "more money" or "more time with the kids", .... but "more" is a random and subjective term that does not inspire action.

If you want to accomplish your desires you must be clear in your exact pursuits. You should identify your success in advance so that you can take the necessary steps to arrive at your destination.

If you were to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu you would want the pilot to know where he was going. To take off and point the plane "west" could have fatal consequences.

When you are clear about where you are going it makes it easy to take the actions along the way that lead you to your success.

Individuals, companies and other organizations should create success plans that will serve as a road map throughout the year. A small amount of time invested now will help you create your most powerful year ever.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Update on "Brainstorming Sessions"

Last week I wrote a post about brainstorming your goals and actions plans for 2011. The idea is to meet with other people and share the time to toss out ideas for each other as you contemplate your success plan for the new year.

Someone on the outside often has the ability to see things that you cannot. Their perspective can be amazing.

Last year I met with close friends to conduct this exercise. This year I put out my request on Twitter and have set up meetings with people who responded. Some I knew (but not that well), and others have been people I have only encountered via Twitter.

My goal is to have ten of these one hour meetings. I have already had five with two more scheduled this week (Interested?). The investment of time has proven to be spectacular. I have been given some really good ideas, but more importantly I have connected with some very intelligent and insightful people who I hope to develop closer friendships with this year.

I have shared some good ideas for them (one person sat up and said "WOW"), and have received some powerful contributions that I am weaving into my own business plan for 2011.

It is not too late to have these types of meetings. Let the ideas flow!

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

My Theme for 2011

I am not sure when people began having "themes" for their year, but ever since social media has come into play many people publish words, key phrases or themes to guide them throughout their year. I like the idea. I have always been a goal setter, and having an overall theme helps keep the focus.

Have you ever taken a young child bowling? They have "bumpers" that can automatically be activated that keep the ball from rolling into the gutter. That is what my theme is for 2011 - my "bumpers". If used correctly this will help me knock down the pins this year.

My theme the new year is:

• Belief in Self
• Intention in Action
• Joy in Family and Friends
• Fun in Success

This can be broken down to "Belief, Intention, Joy and Fun"..... but the above bullet points give you the full perspective.

Some people do not set goals or have a theme. That's cool. But don't knock it until you have tried it!

What is your "theme"?

Have A Great Year!

thom singer

Brainstorming Your Goal and Action Plan For 2011

Setting goals is important if you want to achieve more next year. Waiting for luck will not produce the results you desire.

Having clear goals makes the tough decisions that come your way a simple pitfall. When faced with a choice you ask "Does this bring me closer to my goals?" - and the answer is a simple yes or no.

But sometimes it is hard for people to review their personal situation and clarify the steps they need to take. They set general aspirations, but miss the specific goals and actions that can make a difference.

I have become very good at identifying good ideas for others, but I still miss things that could help me achieve success. We are all too close to our own lives to have clear vision.

This year I have turned to others to help me identify some goals, and actions, that will be part of my 2011 plan. In return, I will assist them in a review of their own path.

You can reach out to people and brainstorm together for your "Goal / Action Plans" for 2011.

Seven Steps To Brainstorming Your Goal and Action Plan for 2011

1. Select someone (or a small group) whom you respect. You can get together in a conference room, a coffee shop or in your living room. Allow 30 minutes per person in attendance. Two, three or four people is ideal, but a larger group would work, too.

I suggest the people you meet with not be those who are closest to your business and personal life. The ones who know you best might not have an objective prospective.

2. Understand the meaning of "confidentiality" and leave your ego at the door. Those who brainstorm have to be of high character so that you can all share freely your current business situation and future goals. Knowing the other person wont share your goals with your competitors is key to allowing you to freely talk about your desires.

Everyone must leave their egos behind, as a brainstorming partner might have a perspective about your situation that is not what you want to hear. If you do not take constructive criticism well, this process might not work for you.

3. Agree in advance to forgo too much small talk or other conversation. Set a timer and commit to a focused discussion for each person. Time is a precious commodity and this is a working meeting with a clear purpose.

4. Have a plan. The 30 minutes should include 10 minutes for the person at the focus to explain their business and what they are hoping to accomplish in the new year, and 20 minutes for the other person(s) to ask questions and make suggestions.

5. Take Notes. A notepad, laptop, or white board should be used to record all ideas. Nothing suggested in a brainstorming session is a bad idea or "wrong". Instead gather all information with an open mind. An idea that is not the right fit might be the catalyst for another concept that will have a direct impact on your future success.

6. After the meeting review. Devote time to contemplate the ideas that other person had for you. Think about how you can implement the unique ideas that were suggested. Take the parts that resonate and make them part of you 2011 Goal and Action Plan. Do not dwell on the parts that were not in line with your plans.

Be sure to write down your goals. These should not only be derived from this meeting, as you should be compiling a deeper set of goals and actions for all areas of your life. Without a written plan, this meeting will be a waste of time.

7. Remember that this meeting was not just about you. While reviewing your own session, consider the 30 minutes that were focused on others and their needs. If you know people in your network who can help them succeed, make an introduction. If other ideas come to you that could help them, send an email. Too many people do not "follow through" when they think of ways to assist other people. Do not be selfish. Take actions to assist the other person no matter when the idea comes to you.


How do you find brainstorming partners? Just ask. There are lot of people who want to jump-start their career in 2011, and are excited to meet with someone to discuss the options. I suggested such a meeting on Twitter and instantly scheduled five mutually-beneficial meetings with local people (some whom I only know via Twitter). My goal is to meet with ten people during the last week of 2010 and the first week of 2011.

Imagine, ten high energy brainstorming meetings where you get ideas from smart business professionals. At the same time, you get to help them with their career. Powerful.

One friend said "but that is ten wasted hours.... I don't have that kind of time". This same person spends tons of time on Xbox. Hmmmmm, I think it is all perspective. If you want to do this you can find the time. And you don't need ten people. One meeting with the right person could change your life.

Spending time with interesting people and learning about their goals is never time wasted. Even if you get no specific short-term ideas, you could spur a long-term relationship that can pay unforeseen rewards in the future.

Have A Great Day.

thom

December Newsletter - GOAL SETTING EDITION

The December edition of the "Some Assembly Required Newsletter" has been sent and is now available online.

This version is all about setting goals (for individuals and companies) for more success in 2011.

Enjoy!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Planning Your 2011 - Company Meetings, Facilitated Discussions, and Success In The New Year

Do not take your business into the new year without a plan for success.

In boom times many people ride the wave and make money in spite of themselves. They get big contracts, dream jobs, and enjoy the profits. Many are not sure how they got so lucky, but they do not complain, and try not to let others know they were in the right place at the right time. Many believe their own press, and begin to think they are smarter than the average bear.

Those days are gone for most people. The ongoing economic situation has many entrepreneurs and other people directly effected and continuously worried about the future.

I recommend people and companies devise plans for success in the new year. Do not leave 2011 to chance. Setting goals, identifying action items, accountability, and a feeling of inclusiveness will pay off in the new year.

I consult with small businesses and law firms on creating their action plans via facilitated discussion programs. To create goals in a vacuum, without participation and input from employees, is futile. Get the people around you involved.

Many HR directors and others who plan company meetings express tell me they fear that their staff will stare at their shoes. The reality is always the opposite. People have ideas for how their company can improve, and when they feel that the bosses are interested in their thoughts, and they know they are being heard.... it is hard to stop them from talking about marketing, sales, and other business development inspirations.

If you position your sales, marketing, PR, social media and business development efforts as second tier, you will always have second tier results.

Having ongoing discussions about how everyone in the company is in the business development role will help morph your corporate culture. "It's not my job" can never be acceptable in a growing company.

But a meeting alone will not create results. Talking about the goals, encouraging action, holding everyone accountable, celebrating victories publicly, and making everybody feel involved is paramount to your success. This is an ongoing process.

Now is the time to get started. Do not wait until after January to being your planning process. If you wait, you will find 2011 will slip away.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Protecting Your Time / Protecting Your Goals Workshops in Austin, Texas (SOS Leadership)

This is the time of year when people begin to think of changes they want to make for next year. Maybe this year has not been good, so you think a change in year is all you need. The reality is that you need more than a new year; you need a new you!

Paul J. Meyer said, “If you are not making the progress you would like to make and are capable of making, it is simply because your goals are not clearly defined.” Most problems that we have are because of goals, either lack of goals or lack of achievement of them. Perhaps you don’t have any goals. Or maybe you have not written them down.

If you do not have written goals, then you do not have goals. Writing crystallizes thought, which motivates action. Action is usually important when trying to achieve a goal. If you are struggling with your goals or just need some direction, SOS Leadership’s Protecting Goals showcase might be just what you need. This five-week course teaches you the fundamentals of goal achievement in easy-to-understand, bite-sized segments that will help you figure out where you want to go and how you will get there. Along the way, you will learn how to:

- Develop an Achievement Perspective
- Create a Top Ten List
- Assess the cost of your goals
- Create an Achievement Plan

The next Protecting Goals showcase begins November 16th (7:30AM-9AM). The cost of the showcase is $995. Mention this blog and pay only $595! Register by calling 512-992-2985 or email info@sosleadership.com.

Determining what your goals are and developing a plan for achieving them is vital for your success. Maybe you understand goal setting, but just cannot seem to find the time to accomplish your goals. Time is one of the main obstacles to most people’s goals.

Many people believe they are poor managers of their time, but in fact they are unable to manage themselves. They lack the focus needed to accomplish their goals in the time they have. The key word there is focus. If you struggle with finding the time to accomplish your goals or you lack focus, SOS Leadership’s Protecting Time program will be able to help. Time management is a myth. This five-week program focuses on how to manage yourself, not time! With this program, you will learn how to:

- Understand the value of your time
- Work smarter and more efficiently
- Avoid time-wasters
- Protect your energy

The next Protecting Time showcase begins November 17th (11AM-12:30PM). The cost of the showcase is $995. Mention this blog and pay only $595! Register by calling 512-992-2985 or email info@sosleadership.com.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

*** I have been working with the SOS Leadership team, but I am not involved with, nor do do not profit from, this workshop. I just think they do good stuff and I wanted to share it with the readers of my blog.

Plan For Success In 2011 - Goals, Dreams, New Contacts, More Victories

Sign Up NOW for "Re-Ignite Your Dream Machine".

Monday, November 1, 2010

Austin, Texas

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (followed by a networking reception)

St Edward's University (Mabee Ballroom)

We all have dreams and goals for the future, but sometimes we get off track and caught in a rut.

Perhaps your dreams were stolen by negative relationships in your life or maybe by a tough year in your business.

You can turn around your life and your career by taking ownership of your dreams, goals, relationships and planning for victory. You can be successful in whatever it is that you want to do!

This seminar will inspire you to look toward achieving more for the rest of the year and into 2011. Come network with other professionals (someone in attendance might be the person you need to meet), get a free book, learn from exciting speakers, and most of all, come “Reignite Your Dream Machine”!

$10 in advance ($20 at door).

CLICK HERE to register NOW!!!

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Setting Goals For 2011

If you are a goal setter, you probably do not need to read this post.

If you are one who rolls their eyes when people talk about goal setting.... then this one might be for you (or you will just roll your eyes at this point, and move on).

Setting goals can be a good way to achieve more in your life. Knowing what you want, having a clear path to get there, and taking action is the only way to expand yourself. Well, there is waiting for luck, prayer, and the law of attraction.... and that does work for some people.... while others wait (and wait and wait) and wonder why nothing ever works for them.

Knowing what you want makes it much easier when you are faced with tough choices: "Does this action take me closer to my goal, or lead me farther away from my goal?" is a wonderful question that can keep people from making big mistakes.

Selecting the right goals, that are both attainable and realistic, is the first step. Many people do this at the new year. I do that. I think calendar events like holidays and birthdays are a good time to get that fresh start. However, you can begin a goal any time.

Starting early is key. Fourth quarter is a good time to think about how your life in 2010 is working out and begin your dreams about a kick-butt 2011. Being introspective about your success and failures will help you identify areas you want to expand or improve next year.

Missing your target is not a failure. Sometimes people set goals, and do not achieve them, and thus get depressed or tainted about the whole goal setting thing. I have found that missing a goal is not always bad, as often my pursuit of a goal brought me to higher levels of success than I would have had without that target in my sights. Other times I discover something else along the way I did not even know I wanted, and change my goal while en route. That's okay too... it is my life not a stone tablet.

If you live in Austin I recommend you attend the "Re-Ignite Your Dream Machine" seminar on Monday, November 1, 2010 (at 5:30 PM - St. Edward's University). The cost is only $10 (in advance... $20 at the door). This program will get you thinking about 2011 with plenty of time to fine tune your goals before your New Years' Day hangover arrives!

If you are rolling your eyes and still wishing you had more success in life.... then you may want to ask.... "Am I a constant eye roller?". Your goal might want to be to get over being instantly negative all the time :-)

Have A Great Day

thom

Thom Singer is available for short "Goal Coaching" sessions by telephone. These calls are inspirational, educational and motivational. Invest in yourself to make 2011 the best year ever. For more information contact Thom Singer at thom (at) thomsinger.com

Re-Ingite Your Dream Machine - November 1, 2010 - Austin, TX

Register today for "Reignite Your Dream Machine"
featuring Thom Singer &
Bill Moyer!

Monday, November 1, 2010
5:30-7:00 pm
St. Edward's University, Ragsdale Center, Mabee Ballroom
3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704

We all have dreams for our future, but sometimes those dreams are stolen from us. Perhaps your dreams were stolen by negative relationships in your life or maybe by a tough year in your business. You can turn around your life and your career simply by remembering your dreams and turning them into goals! You can be successful in whatever it is that you want to do!

Bill Moyer, an expert on leadership and goal setting, and I will share our experience about how to turn around your year and how to realize your dreams at this motivational and inspirational event. Come network with other professionals, get a free copy of Bill's book, learn from exciting speakers, and most of all, come Reignite Your Dream Machine and close out 2010 strong!

Tickets for this event are $10 in advance or $20 at the door! Register now!

Sponsors include:

• SOS Leadership Institute
• St. Edward's Alumni Association
• Austin Young Chamber of Commerce
• Young Women's Alliance

Have A Great Day.

thom

Young Lawyer Has A Business Development Plan -- Now What?

I completing a consulting project with an attorney, but worry she will not take any action after our time together concludes.

She is an associate in a mid-sided law firm who sought me out because she wants to increase her visibility in the community, begin developing her own business, and cultivate a positive brand inside and outside her firm.

We have had several great conversations and developed a customized business development plan. She identified several areas of strengths and weaknesses in regards to her attitudes about networking, marketing and sales. She is excited to make an impact. But in the end, I wonder if she will really do the things necessary to create results.

I have seen it before in many people (including myself). The enthusiasm of a new plan gets the juices flowing, but the monotony of execution brings all motion to a halt.

There is not a sales culture inside her law firm. The partners are older and are content with their lifestyles. They have enough work to keep themselves busy, and do not show much interest in making new partners for several years. Her goals were to raise her visibility and grow a book of business so that she would be an attractive lateral hire for another firm. But her day to day work load will soon take priority and I assume she will tire of the after-hour efforts when there is no reward for her at the office.

We have one more official "coaching" session. What advice do you suggest I share with her?

Have A Great Day.

thom

The Lobster Story

I was reminded of a blog post I wrote in 2005 about "the Lobster Story". I am not sure where I heard this the first time, but I observe the point of the tale on a regular basis. There are too many people willing to knock you of your trek to success, and not enough people willing to give of themselves to help you achieve.

Are you a lobster?

You can store lobsters in a box with very low sides. Any time that one lobster tries to climb out of the box, another will grab it with a claw and pull it back into the box!

This is true of humans too. When one person tries to change his or her situation in life and attempt a big goal, others around them will find ways to pull them down. They say things like; "You don't have the right education for that career"......"You should get a real job"...."Don't you know that most business fail".... "You are not good enough".... "What about all the competition?', etc....

If you have a dream, goal, ambition or desire there is always someone willing to try to undermine your path toward success. Be ready for it.

The good news is there are also people who will work hard to help you succeed. They are not as visible as the lobsters, but they exist. I have had countless people lend me a hand on my own journey. When you find these people do everything you can to cherish them and thank them for their efforts in getting you out of that box.

Then make an effort to look around and find others whom you can support, encourage and inspire who are on their own journey!

And never let the lobsters get you down!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Last Week Of The Year --- Five Tips for Goal Setting for 2010 Success

The last week of the year can be pivotal in setting the stage for your new year success.

I have long been a goal setter. I have never understood the people who openly brag about NOT having goals. I talked with a woman the other day who said she never sets goals, and when I asked why she shrugged and curled her mouth in a manner that showed her annoyance with the question. Another gentleman told me that "setting goals is just for dreamers". He was a "realist" who believed in hard work, but did not want to set himself up for failure.

I see it differently. Successful businesses have business plans and sales goals. Investors would never put money behind a venture where the entrepreneur said he was just going to work hard and figure out the rest as went along. I could not imagine a bank giving a line of credit to a company who was annoyed by questions about their future projections. Why are people different than a business? If you want to achieve success, you must have thought through the path that will lead you there.

If you do not know what success looks like, how will you know if you get there? Additionally, I have found that by having very clear goals, it makes it MUCH easier to make the hard choices along the way.

I think about my goals all year round. That does not mean that I always reach them, or that I always do the right things. But if I did not have them, I would be adrift.

If you have not set goals before, my five tips for making creating your goals are:

1. Set aside ample time to contemplate what you want to achieve in the new year. When setting your goals for 2010 you must think about the realities of your personal situation. Where are you today, and what is it that you desire in the new year. Too often people just make a fast list without giving real thought to what it is they want. Set aside an hour a day the week between Christmas and New Years to create your list. Make notes, and tweak your goals every day until you are happy with the list and believe you can make them a reality.

2. Be realistic. Goals are not "wishes". Do not list things that are equal to winning a lottery, but instead make you list things that you can achieve if you do the right things. I like to use "writing a book" as an example of a realistic goal. Anyone can write a book, but to do this you must dedicate time and do the work. A book cannot write itself, and if you continuously put off doing the writing, there will not be a book. But if you write for an hour every day, you can (and will) have a draft in about 40 days. All goals should be able to be broken down into steps.

3. Don't have too many goals, (or too few). I like to have a three categories of goals, with two, three or four goals in each section. I like to have business goals, personal goals, and "soul" goals. For me, having nine or ten goals each year gives me the inspiration to work toward my success. I do not always achieve all of them (I still have 9 lbs to lose from last year, and weigh the same as I did on 1/1/09).... but I do achieve more in my life than I ever could have without the focus of having written goals. You can have more things that you are working towards than the goals on your list, but having a realistic number of goals will help keep you moving the right direction.

4. Create a goal page and review it often. After you have identified the goal targets that will excite you to achieve in 2010, you must write them down in a way that you can review them regularly. I have a friend who uses 8.5" x 11" and laminates three copies. One for his office, one in his car, and the other in his SHOWER! Another friend has her goals as the wall paper on her computer. I shrink the list down to fit in my wallet so that I see my goals each time I reach for money. No matter what works for you, find a way to make your goals.

5. Tell others about your goals. If you have big goals that you are trying to achieve, you will have more success if you share your targets with other people. The important people in your life want to support and help you reach your goals, and they can only do this if they know what you want to achieve. I will go as far as to publish mine on this blog on December 31st so that you who are reading this can be part of my support team.

If you have never set goals before, try it this year. Be dedicated to your efforts and review your goals constantly. You have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain from working on a goal list.

Share with me your thoughts on goal setting. What did I leave out from this list that works for you?

Have A Great Day.

thom

Strike While The Iron Is Hot

Chris Brogan has a blog post today on his blog that hit home -- as I have been talking about this same issue (here and here and on Twitter). His post "While The Iron Is Hot" talks about how too many people are slowing down in the holiday season and making lots of excuses as to why they are coasting to the finish line.

I am in full agreement with Chris. If you want to win you cannot shut down. While I am in favor of taking time to "recharge" your batteries (my family takes two week vacations each summer and I come home with more ambition and focus), there is a difference between people who save their vacation time for the end of the year, and those who take time during the year AND then coast through the holidays (while pretending to work) by making all kinds of excuses about why they don't put in much effort at this time of year.

The key point Chris Brogan makes is in the last paragraph:

"We choose our success in life. We choose every step. My family and I have chosen the course I’m on, and I’m pretty happy with it. How about you? What have you chosen?"

He and his wife (and kids) have created a partnership that revolves around how Chris earns his living. This means sacrifice on both sides, but they reach their family goals as Chris grows his business. My family is doing the same thing. I gave 53 professional speeches last year for companies and organizations.... many of those being out of town. This meant sacrifice for everyone.... but we grew our business. It was a choice, but without doing the work, we could not have had the achievement.

I consult with professionals who want more success... and they know that networking and cultivating a personal & professional brand would lead them toward more business. However, they want the prize without putting in the time. There are lots of excuses given, some even sound convincing. But in the end, you must work hard to reach your goals.

I have never known a single person who I considered a big success who credited their victories to coasting along and waiting for another time focus. Those who succeed all strike while the iron is hot!

Have A Great Day.

thom