2009 is finally over and 2010 is here. The New Year holiday has always felt like new opportunity for me. I enter January with high hopes for the things that I want to accomplish in the year ahead and this year is no different. Many of you have journeyed with me last year as I started my own business. That was a goal that had been simmering in the back of my mind for a few years. At the end of October I was able to finally accomplish it! Since then I have been on the path of telling everyone what I am doing and have enjoyed the fruits of that endeavor.

In 2008 I had set a goal of losing 60 pounds by Christmas of 2008. That goal was met by the end of October 2008. So, I have “borrowed” the strategies that I used that kept me focused to help me with this year’s goals.

The simple act of communicating my weight loss goal, more than anything else, kept me on the straight and narrow. The thought of having to go around and tell you that I didn’t achieve the goal kept me focused on the result that I wanted. In other words, I made myself accountable.

How about you? What are you willing to be accountable for this year? Why not write down an income goal that seems a little out of reach and then communicate that to family and friends…people who may be able to help you achieve the goal.

Next I would suggest that you determine how many sales sides you will need to accomplish to get to that income goal. And finally, determine how many prospects you will need to get that number of sales. My Jump Start Your Business Class will give you some help in figuring these things out, as will your manager. The key to success here is to WRITE down the Income goal, the number of sides needed and the number of prospects you will need to ask to do business with you. If you don’t write it down and communicate it to another person then all you have is a wish…

Don’t forget to stay in close contact with your past client base and your sphere of influence. Drop them a hand written note asking them how their holidays were and telling them about yours. Don’t forget to enclose a business card…who knows, they may have a referral for you! Even better, drop by or call them (in compliance with the DNC Laws of course). Talk to them about their FORD and they will ask you about yours in return. They don’t have a FORD? Of course they do. FORD is an acronym for Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams.

Some of you are probably saying to yourselves that this is old news and you already know it. True enough, but do you actually do it? Faithfully? Or do you get sidetracked like most of us by life? You’ve heard about the road to “….” As being paved with good intentions haven’t you? Here is another area where being accountable will pay off with big dividends.

And finally, take it one step further, when you call them, or write to them or drop by, ask them if they would like to subscribe to your email newsletter, or read your blog, or follow you on Twitter, or even keep up with you on Facebook.

If these concepts are foreign to you, take a class! Watch http://www.JerryKidd.com for the appearance of my new website (Due this week) which will detail all of the classes that I have. You’ll be able to see what’s on offer and how you can attend.

2010 can be a great year! It’s entirely up to you.