Key #4 - Plan It Out

By Ruthie Palmatier

The New Year has started; have you set your goals for the year? If you are like most people, your goals have been identified. Have you gone beyond thinking and identifying them? Do you have a plan? Or are you simply “going for it?” Are you committed to the cause? How badly do you want to achieve your goal? What is your passion factor?

One of my favorite quotes is something Bear Bryant said “It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.” While we all know you must first start by determining what your goals are, you need to do more than simply identify your goals. Whether it is a personal or business goal, sometimes what we seem to think is doable for the year becomes overwhelming when its time to actually get started. What would be the best way to break it down so that you can actualize your goal? You need to determine your plan of action that will get you there. Chunk it out. You can break it down by both actions and by time frames so that it has a level of measurability. Dream big. Don’t be afraid to reach for the moon, the stars and a few planets too. By breaking down your goals into quarterly, monthly and weekly time frames, you’ll be able to have greater focus on what needs to be done now without feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.

Try going about your goals like a NASCAR® pit crew. They look at the end of the race first (your goal for the end of the year) and work the plan backwards. They plan where each pit stop must be (each goal marker in your case) and where each tire change (more goal markers) must be in order to win the race. So they start with the end in mind. If your goal is to make a million dollars this year, you need to be at $250,000 by the end of March, $500,000 by the end of June, and $750,000 by the end of September in order to win the year at $1,000,000. So think like a NASCAR® pit crew and look at the end first and work backwards.

Think ahead. Don’t be afraid to seek help! If you are stuck knowing how to start or where to go next, get help. Ask your friends and colleagues. I have found that people are surprisingly happy and eager to share what they know. You can start by researching the internet. You can also talk to people you know. Look for networking groups/sites on the internet and find the discussion boards and start asking your questions. There is an incredible wealth of information right at your fingertips. Once you get started, stick to it and don’t sell yourself short! You are only limited by your imagination.

Track your progress. Ignorance is not bliss. You can’t get yourself back on track if you don’t know whether or not you’ve fallen off. What if you don’t have all the hours in the day to do take care of the tasks needed? Are you going to accept that as an excuse or are you going to do something about it? You know what I’m going to say next, right? Of course, if you don’t already have one, HIRE A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT! If you already have a virtual assistant, are you maximizing her time and resources? If so, GREAT. If not, why not? Are you aware of all of her skills? Have you asked her how much time she has to offer you? Talk to her. Virtual assistants care deeply about the growth of your business. Your success is their success. Find out how your virtual assistant can help you meet your goals by talking to her. Share with her your plans and visions. Tap into her resources and if you need more assistance, don’t be shy about getting a 2nd virtual assistant!

To your success!

Ruthie Palmatier




About the Author:
Ruthie Palmatier began her “virtual” career in 1996 doing transcription work for California-based private investigators. After her family’s move to Idaho in 1999, Mrs. Palmatier returned to onsite employment as a personal assistant to a commercial real estate developer. Her career progressed and she went to work for a commercial and residential broker. 

Feeling the urge to work from home again, Ruthie investigated virtual employment opportunities. It was not long before she discovered Team Double-Click® and started transcription work for several of the company’s clients.  Before long, Ruthie had gained five clients and expanded her responsibilities into the real estate investing industry providing administrative support. This allowed one of her clients to leave their full-time job within 3 months of obtaining her services to focus real estate investment only.   In early 2005, Ruthie shifted her career into overdrive by becoming part of the Team Double-Click® Core Team. As a virtual staffing consultant, she educates and empowers current and prospective clients on the benefits of having an extra set of hands, eyes and ears. 

Team Double-Click® provides virtual assistance for small and home-based businesses. Visit Ruthie on Team Double-Click’s Web site at www.teamdoubleclick.com/teambios/Ruthie_Palmatier.html or call her at 888.827.9129 ext 87. Click to receive your free report, 101 Ways To Work With A Virtual Assistant.  If you’ve enjoyed reading Ruthie’s article, check out her blog at www.teamdoubleclick.com/blogs/Palmatier.

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