In order to gear myself up, I plan to set monthly goals that I can actually meet, here they are:

September: Focus on my contact database, consolidate (why do I have 3-4 listings for one contact?), purge and prioritize.

October: Schedule an outlook meeting request with myself for sales calls – focus on top priority, high probable contacts.  One hour, twice a month to keep it manageable.

November: Kick off the start of the Holiday season, which always begins with my favorite, Thanksgiving by reconnecting with my network.  Old fashion networking to former colleagues, classmates, neighbors and friends; schedule 3-5 lunch meetings to focus on what else? Selling.  Face-to-face is best.

December: Prepare for Holiday recognition programs and gifts for my existing customers.  Forgetting about existing customers is the worst thing one can do!

January:  Another milestone month, back to the planning board.  Begin a sales campaign; try “Selling to VITO” or a Nurture Sales Wave Campaign.  Use monthly sales call time to follow up on actual campaigns.

February:  Month of love, treat 3-5 existing customers to something sweet, send them chocolates from Godiva to their offices with a note attached proposing a new service or product, or simply thanking them for their business.

March:  Spring conference session is in full gear. I think I will help stimulate the economy and possibly gain something for me too.  A win win – an opportunity for me to learn the latest on Marketing and also to build partnerships that can result in Sales.

April:  My birthday, I won’t plan anything new, just continue with my monthly sales calls that I scheduled back in November.  I need a little break J

May:  Attend an association meeting.  I choose this month because typically business associations are winding down their year with something fun, whether it be a golf outing or summer kickoff cruise, I am always in for mixing business and pleasure.

June-August:  During the summer months I plan to focus on my foundation materials and personal growth by developing some credibility pieces such as case studies and press releases.  My goal will be to develop or improve 3 pieces, possibly engaging one of my customers on creating  a video case study.

Sounds like a lot of work is ahead of me this year, but I am certain it will pay off.  Hard work always does J