Sharpen your Skills

Any task that we do is a lot easier with some kind of plan. 

The smart thing to do in the beginning of any task is to size it up. 

For example, if you need to cut firewood, it’s a lot more difficult with a dull blade. 

First, check to see how sharp your blade is. 

Then, devote the time to sharpen it.

 What skills do you need to sharpen in this year? How band when will you sharpen them?

Even after sizing up your task, ask is there any additional steps that I’m still missing? 

For example, if you don’t have the foresight to bring a pair of gloves, your hands will soon blister. 

Those blisters will slow you down later. 

Do you need to update or service your equipment, or do you need to hire any additional headcount whose abilities complement your weaknesses?

After you’ve prepared, ask. 

Which trees should I be cutting? What if you accidentally cut down a tree on your neighbor’s property? 

You would be upsetting that neighbor needlessly. 

Are you doing everything, as you should be doing it?

After you’ve determined that you’re cutting the right trees, ask which of your trees you should begin with? 

Some trees are easier to cut than others. 

To start, I suggest cutting trees, which are the dead and dying ones. 

Which prospects do you need to go after first? Who is being neglected by their suppliers?

Even after you’ve determined which trees you should cut, and which particular tree you should begin with. 

Select the best spot on that particular tree that you have chosen. 

It’s a waste of time to cut up and down that tree in no particular spot, so focus your efforts within the prospect. 

(i.e. if you’ve decided to increase your business within an unfriendly prospect. Ask who within that location is the least unfriendly? Focus your efforts on that person).

Remember...

1. Size it up.

2. Have foresight.

3. Do it right the first time.

4. Prioritize.

5. Be consistent and focused.