When I Grow Up....

Today at the gym that cool (I think so anyway) song came on about...when I grow up I wanna be rich, I wanna be famous,I wanna be a star I wanna be in movies....now it's in your head right.

Well. On this snowy Friday, with a breathing space between appointments, I started to think about my business....what do I want it to be when it grows up.

All leaders face this challenge - with their business, with their team...and even with themselves.

How do you take the steps to identify that - what will I be when I grow up (replace with business, or someone's name).  In this time of ever-changing opportunity and endless possibilities to learn, the number of things you or it or they could be are also endless.

Here are some steps to consider for what your business will be..this is really an exercise in visioning...

1. Identify what you don't want it to be - sometimes working from the opposite direction can clarify the image for you
2. Look at what your competition is currently doing and tap into their focus on upcoming trends - this can help you see if you want to follow the market or take steps to set yourself apart
3. Dream a little - make a list of the opportunities you would like to capitalize on that exist with your market, your team skills and your passion
4. Check in - with yourself - are you staying true to your values and really living your passion? Taking this time can help you see if there is change required or is it simply growth and renewed motivation from examining this side of yourself.

Take your time with this one......you will love your results.

Your 5 Pound Rock

So....a friend had a rock thrown through the sign at the front of his business....
Not having changed or updated the sign in the past few years, this rock, while a giant pain.....expensive one too, gave my friend the opportunity to step back and make a change to the sign that more completely explains his business focus.

You are asking why is this important? Well, for my friend, his business has evolved, and he was presented with the opportunity to make a significant step into the future.

What does it take for you to step back and look at your business, your sign, your process, your business plan.....(I could go on but I think you get the gist of this!)....Do you need a 5-lb rock or can you build this into your plan for each monthly review?

I have to thank my friend and his rock.....funny enough, he helped me move my business forward to clearly identify myself and how I can help leaders. And he did it sans rock (I am sure there is a whole other story here..)

Check out the new website at www.loracrestan.com - live and large!

The 5 - 2013 Don'ts

So let's start off the year getting all those 'don'ts' out of the way....if we spend a moment or two planning what NOT to do, it will help guide us through the adventure that lays before us.

1. Don't forget to be grateful every day - for what you have, and to those around you. You can verbalize this - it won't hurt.
2. Don't forget to review your plans at least quarterly to ensure you are on track - making small adjustments along the way will better lead you to your goals.
3. Don't miss out on your own leadership development - plan events, seminars, and opportunities to grow yourself at least quarterly.
4. Don't lose yourself in the details - as a leader you need to help others see the vision and get there...delegation is required along the way.
5. Don't change who you are fundamentally - people gravitate to you and appreciate you for your authenticity, your integrity and your ability to be yourself.

Happy 2013 - stay focused and 2013 will be the year you never forget!

Happy New Year

Happy 2013 - 

May this be your best year yet!

Lora