• by David L. Smith , January 7, 2002

Happy New Year!

These words, often automatic, ring so true this year. Were we ever so glad to see the end of a year? September 11 took a bad year and kicked it in the head. America's reaction was nothing short of amazing. Like Rocky cornered and on the ropes, we came back and won the round. It took a month or two to get momentum back, but by November, things were in full swing. Been a little quiet the last two weeks as lots of folks (understandably) took a deep breath and spent quality family time.

The New Year is often thought of as a time for new beginnings. This year, with the recession, War and a string of client business failures or downturns in our wakes, we should all reevaluate where we are, both personally and from a business perspective. Take some time this week to question your goals. They say that every business should have a mission statement. Is yours relevant today? Do you need to revise that statement in light of your company’s position in the marketplace today?

Starting over does not always mean making big changes. While the John Lennon song "Starting Over" is about relationships, he makes a great point that can definitely apply to business. Making what you have exciting and redoubling your efforts to make it happen. So, even if a look at your mission statement and company goals says that you are going in the right direction, now is the time to press. An article in this week's Business Week talks about all of the companies who are taking advantage of strong balance sheets to increase their leads over their competitors. A worthwhile read.

But for many, this is definitely a time for a fresh start. Time to look under all the rocks of your strategic plan and question everything. While this seems like a daunting task, I have an exercise for you to try over the sandwich at your desk during lunch some day this week. This methodology was taught to me by one of my current board members over twenty years ago and it has held up, helping a number of people I know with both business and personal goals. I am going to address this from a business perspective, but you can see how it would apply to personal goals too.

Take a fresh, lined pad of paper.

One the first page, write down where you want your business to be in five years. Include as many areas as are appropriate. Finance, position in the marketplace, etc. Now, turn the page.

Now do the same for three years. Turn the page.

Do the same for one year. Turn the page.

Do the same for six months. Turn the page.

Do the same for three months. Turn the page.

Do the same for one month from now.

Now look at the whole "plan" starting with one month and going through five years. What have you got? If you have been realistic and honest with yourself, you might just have the outline of an action plan.

Importantly, in light of last year, your plan may more realistically reflect the personal side of your business and the need for yourself and your employees to succeed at home as well as in business

I truly believe that 2002 is a year of great prospect and opportunity. Especially if we can throw off the shackles of last year and approach things with new energy. Apply this energy in the right direction and you will be doing yourself, and those around you a big favor.

Good luck, and let me know how the plan works out.

David L. Smith is President of Mediasmith, Inc., the Integrated Solutions Media Agency based in San Francisco and New York.