Christmas seems such a long time ago and before we know it, the next one will be here. As trade gets tougher on the high street, we may well be seeing the Christmas sales again in nine months’ time.

Traditionally this is the one time of year we reminisce on the good times over the last twelve months. Ah well, swiftly moving on.

One thing is for certain, if you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get what you’ve always got. That’s great if things are just the way you want them, which is not normally the case. But for many, they shy away from change and the fear of stepping out of their comfort zone, only to wonder why things are still the same when they look back at the year that was. Granted, not everything is under your control or subject to your influence, which gives you more reason to focus on what you can change.

You now have an opportunity to make a positive difference rather than look back and say “if only I’d done that or known this”. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but often of little comfort in business. Now is the time to take stock of your finances, cash flow and focus on the management of your wealth. If you need advice, pick up the phone or email, but don’t place it in the “someday I’ll”.

When I sat down to write this, I began by looking at what others had written in the past, and to no surprise I found that many dust down the same old words each year, mix up the order add a quote here and there but mainly say the same things. Many of you know what you want, what you hope will be an outcome, what you need to do to get results. However, like many New Year Resolutions you start with good intentions and then like ‘Ground Hog Day”, begin the whole cycle once again the following year having achieved little or no progress.

Seize the opportunity. Whether we are in a recession or not, it’s pretty grim out there for many and things are not, in my opinion, going to change any time soon. Focus on what you want, what you need, picture what the perfect outcome is for you. Then go and do something which will move you in that direction. Then keep doing something which will move you forward.

If you want to develop your business our even yourself as a business leader, you may consider joining network groups such as Vistage (a Directors Club) or BNI  (a business referral group)

If improving your information systems so you can make more informed decisions is your goal for 2012, engage someone to drive it forward or coach in effective methods. You may want to consider engaging a Probiz Accountant or doing a Business Health Check with one of e-factor’s Business Advisors should be on your to do list.

You may find it easier if you are with likeminded people, with common goals, outlooks and desires, which is why networks and organizations and their members tend to do well together.

Now is the time to take stock of where you are and map out a different route (if necessary). I leave you with this thought for the day:

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot - Michael Altshuler

Chris Hunt

Johnson Hunt

Image freediginalphotos.net photographer graur codrin