New Jersey Enterpreneur - Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Venture Capital

For most of us the holiday parties, traffic jams and mounds of gift wrapping have given way to a quieter time ~ those days between Christmas and New Year’s when business life slows down. It seems to offer a perfect time to sit back and evaluate the past and look forward to the future.

As you sip the last few ounces of eggnog and contemplate all that has or has not happened in ‘07 ~ it may be a good idea to ask yourself a few simple questions. Do you feel positive about your accomplishments in 2007? Do you see success in 2008? Or perhaps this year end review is filled with doubt, frustration and self deprivation? You’re the only one that knows the answer.

While reflecting back let me remind you of one big networking lesson most of us experienced this year. For many a major form of enlightenment came from the book The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. In learning the lessons of ‘The Secret’ the primary axiom is that ~ like attracts like. For many involved in business networking this was truly the ‘hot topic’ of 2007.

With that in mind sit back, sit back, take another sip of eggnog and consider these networking questions as you face 2008.

Reflecting on your networking past, present and future.

• In 2007 did I achieve Harmonic Wealth? (Financial, Relational, Intellectual, Physical and Spiritual wealth)
• If I feel short, what areas must I work on during the New Year?
• Do I exhibit sincere ‘reciprocity with others?
• If given a chance, what one thing would I change from the past year?
• Did I really network well in ‘07 or do I need to improve in 08?
• Is it time to put realistic networking goals on paper?
• Are Strategic Alliances or Joint Ventures in my future?
• Do I have a real plan to help achieve networking success in ‘08?
• How can I increase my social capital in the coming year?
• Will I be able to accurately calculate my return on investment when it comes to networking in ‘08?

After honestly answering all of these questions you should have the foundation of a realistic networking plan for the coming year. When constructing this new plan please resist using the phrase, I will try! Trying is simply failing with honor. You must ‘do’ things differently in order to have real change. To be successful you must participate in your success. The ‘secret’ is affirmative realization of right actions. Simply put ~ Just Do It!

Now pop the Champagne cork and celebrate the coming year. This is your opportunity for rebirth, a chance to face and conquer the challenges that you missed in years past. So make a resolution to enjoy life to the fullest ~ all of your life ~ your personal life, business life and spiritual life! That simple formula may well be the ‘Secret’ to a Happy, Healthy and Harmonious New Year!

Happy New Year!