An extract from my second book, Power Climb: Growing Your Small Business which was published in 2012.

Taking time out from the business to plan for the business is also an important task as an entrepreneur.

A good time to do this, in addition to normal regular reviews, is at the end of the year – indeed it is something Dr Ivan Misner does every year:

It’s hard to hit a target you’re not aiming at. The new year is a great time to think about some of your plans and goals for the next 12 months (and beyond). Even if all you have is a couple days, take the time at the end of every year to slow down and do some “vision making” for your business. Remember that a successful businessperson needs to work “on” the business as well as “in” the business

Sometimes a day out of the office may be what’s needed, in December 2011 I attended a focus workshop that enabled me to take a whole day planning for the future. Yes, there is a cost both in terms of course fees and billable time – but when you return to the business you will have a greater focus and will be more productive.

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