This article represents the 600th uninterrupted weekly column that I have written for the Post-Tribune. The column started out in print and then migrated to being only online. One could say this is a milestone and it is. Yet, to have milestones requires many internal attitudes along with external support.
Possibly the first internal attitude is determining your purpose for engaging in any activity. I remember speaking with my future editor back in 2007 and told him my goal was to educate small to mid-size business owners with fewer than 100 employees, especially solo entrepreneurs as many of the business columns and books were directed to much larger organizations.
Also, as per one of my assessments results, I have a very high internal motivation driver of learning. Writing this column supported that motivation because I needed to expand my own knowledge before I could share that knowledge with others.
Being goal orientated is another internal attitude or as Zig Ziglar said, “a habit of thought.” My initial goal was to write 500 uninterrupted weekly columns. Now the goal is in increments of 100 as the future is somewhat uncertain given the constant change in business world, one’s own personal life and I am growing older.
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Understanding that marketing is essential for any small business, writing this column provides a marketing channel. Over the years I have secured clients from this effort and have also expanded my own influence within the U.S. and even international business communities.
I mentioned external support is also essential when examining what is behind one’s milestones. For me, this external support includes my editor who has approved and edited all 600 columns. Having a network of peers to occasionally share these columns is essential as well. Finally, retaining loyal readers many of whom I have never met is critical.
Please let me leave you with these thoughts. Close the door, turn off the computer, the phone and reflect upon your milestones. Consider everything you have down and congratulate yourself for all of your successes. Look to your failures not as mistakes, but as milestone markers to move forward. Remember milestones are simply goals, stated and more often than not unstated, accomplished. Embrace those accomplishments. Thank you for your continued loyalty as a reader and I hope you stay until the next milestone of 700 columns
Leanne Hoagland-Smith is an author, speaker and executive coach. Her weekly column explores issues that impact the bottom line of firms with fewer than 100 employees. She can be reached at 219-508-2859.