A 2010 New Year's Message from your President

 

Haolei Makahiki Ho!  - {Hawaiian for "Happy New Year"}

This month's message targets anyone who had a rough 2009 and is looking for suggestions to make 2010 a much better, rewarding, prosperous and safe year.  Most of us are focused on our New Year's resolutions to: lose some weight, find a new soul mate, quit smoking, find new employment or just make more money. It has become an American tradition to set our short-term goals (both personal and professional) right around the last week of the year (or) the first week of the new year. We grab a piece of paper or sit down at the computer and write down #'s, figures, results expected and usually a time line up to 12 months long to accomplish these super human tasks. Does this system work?  For some who commit to their goals 100% - absolutely; but for millions of others.... well, there's always next year!"

As someone who has experienced both ends of this annual dilemma; I'd like to share a few ideas to help you create a kinder and gentler year.

#1 Keep your list short and your expectations high but within reason and at least feasible during the next 12 months. A great year could stem from accomplishing even a handful of your goals.

#2 Sit down and sketch out your own "Life Time-Line" which will help you set multiple goals for 2010 and for the next few decades.

* Draw a line down the middle of a page

* Label the left side: Professional and the right side: Personal.

* Write the year you were born at the bottom of the page and the year people will be attending your memorial services if you live to be 80 years old.

* Now, write down the significant dates and activities on both sides up to the present date such as: H.S. Graduation, 1^st job, 1^st marriage, etc. on the appropriate side of the time line.

* Last, write down the things you want to accomplish  or possess between today's date and the date at the top of the page, such as: 2^nd marriage, college degrees, $ saved, job or position, books written, retirement scenario, legacy left behind.

Completing this assignment (annually) will give you a blueprint to work off during the day-to-day routines that take us away from our life's plans every year.  I suggest you make ABWA and SEN a part of your plan and allow the organization and its members assist you this year. 

We all need to hang together, to meet and support one another, and my hope is that you clear your calendar on January 12^th for our next SEN Luncheon at Un-Bacio in Gainey Ranch.

Some of the upcoming topics will focus on these and other business areas of concern for 2010:

       Marketing Tips on a Tight Budget for Entrepreneurs

       Launching a New Product, Service or Published Book

       Supporting local 501c(3) Non-Profits = Win/Win/Win

Stay Healthy & Safe,

Mike Hayashi, President

ABWA-Scottsdale Express Network

Contact:  (480) 221-0044