I have been testing a simplified tool for moving business forward fast and it is working very well. I use it and all of my clients are using this. It is easy to describe and free.
This tool is linked to the business evaluation and resulting business planning process that are the front end steps of every coaching and consulting client. In summary we arrive at a very clear definition of the client’s business and target market. Now if your reaction to that first step is that everyone in business knows the definition of their business and target market, then next time you have a chance ask them and ask them to explain it in less than 30 seconds.
That one exercise usually takes most people between 2 and 8 hours to master and some actually never get it as they really cannot decide what business they are in. There are clients where I have had to define their business, target market and business goals otherwise we would not have been able to move forward. Regarding business goals, I am mostly interested in measurable goals starting with financial performance and liquidity optimization. Once there is agreement on the financial targets then we can move to the next steps which are designed to define the key actions that are needed to achieve the financial goals.
The end game of all this is the tool that is the topic of this article. Using a Google Doc which can be shared, a Top 5 doc is created. The top part is labeled “Todays Date Top 5” This list the five most important things that need to be accomplished today in order to achieve the financial target. The profit goals you have set this year are met or not by what you act on today. Those five action steps should be ones directed on completing profitable transactions that will achieve your profit plan.
I have been using the Top 5 System for about 2 months now and having all my clients implement it as the results are so powerful. There are two reasons for these successes: First the Top 5 System means you are focused on precisely what is most important. Second I am now implementing an accountability process where each client is required to share their top five with a person they are working with who could be their business partner, spouse or another in the business. They are also required to share their daily Top Five with me while the coaching or consulting engagement is active.
The following video demonstrated the basics of getting started. The video starts right in at the screed for setting up a Google Gmail account. The start page can be found at mail.google.com
Steve Pohlit
Managing Director
Top 1 Coaching, Consulting
JT Foxx Organization
Business Consulting, Executive Coach
Turnaround/Crisis Management
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727-587-7871
About: Steve Pohlit is a CPA,MBA and has been the CFO of several major domestic and international companies. Steve is The Managing Director of Top 1 Coaching/Consulting of The JT Foxx Organization. He is an expert business coach and consultant focused on building massive business profits and net asset value. He is very experienced with Internet marketing and social media marketing. All articles published by Steve unless specifically restricted may be freely published with this resource information.
Thanks for doing that.
Rene
It is harder than I thought to clearly state 5 goals per day. It seems that some are immediate and some are long term. I seem to be running more reactionary these days than planned.
Thanks, Steve! Yes, the Rule of 5 is great to keep on track. Great that you are using it with clients!
I find Mark Joyner’s system easy and quick — once you get through the 3-minute videos. The Daily Target Praxis used at http://www.simpleology.com helps you get clear on your daily top 5 in 15 minutes or less — keeping in mind your short-, medium- , and long-term goals toward your Ultimate Life. As someone who is active in several arenas, I get a lot of flotsam and jetsam in my head. This helps me get clear and keep clear throughout the day. And I like that you can do it on the internet or on your desktop.
I too am a fan of Mark’s Simpleology I purchased it when it first came out and love it. Top 5 is simpler of course. Just getting people to focus is huge progress.
I love Mark’s system but found it more time consuming. Big fan of Simpleology and his products
je suis francophone alors difficile de comprendre tout le texte.il faudra le traduire pour moi svp.
m’i not very good in english but wee can echange in fren chif you want.
think you.
It really is harder than one thinks I have been a Mechanical engineer for 30 years and for the past 21 years even at the same company. Comming up with goals for a new business is very hard especially when you want to make it more than a hobby.
Steve – inch by inch it is a cinch
Yes, I’ve been using Google mail at the instance of W. James Duke for a couple years.
Will do my writing on Google docs, I think.
Top 5 duties for the day!!!!
Dear God,
I’m sorry I’ve been so stupid.
🙂 you are not stupid – you are recognizing what is possible