It's never too late to create your 2013 marketing plan and to celebrate your successes, identify your gaps and resolve any challenges that are keeping you from achieving your goals.

While I initially didn’t get the relevance of creating a solid foundation with purpose, passion and persistence, over time it became obvious just how critical it is. Hilton Johnson says it so well, “Without purpose, passion and persistence, no amount of confidence, talent and ability will lead to outstanding success.”

My entire life has been dedicated to advising and researching top producers including small business owners, consultants and advisors. In my Defining Millionaire Moments interview series, the multi-millionaires I have interviewed have shared the insight that took their businesses and lives to amazing levels of success. Interestingly, the differences that separate a top producer from a low or average producer are not as great as you may believe. While subtle, the requirements to achieve the level of top performer begin with a solid foundation.

Top producers who want to remain seated probably wouldn’t sit on a 3-legged chair; yet, how many are living a 3-legged life? They have a great business but their health or their relationships are on the verge of collapse.

Creating success

So where do you begin in creating a successful professional and personal life with a solid foundation?

Creating a solid foundation begins with a plan and a clear vision. Once you get clear on the business of your future, you need to then decide what you want

Deciding what you want personally and professionally is the first step in creating your plan. As simple as it sounds, in my 20 plus years of advising and researching top producers, the Number 1 reason small-business owners, consultants and advisors fail to reach their potential is because they fail to decide what they want.

A good place to begin to determine what you want is by answering a few questions:

• When are you at your best?
• What motivates and inspires you?
• How many ideal clients do you want to serve?
• Which niche market do you want to serve?
• How much income does your business generate next year?
• How much money does each client generate?

By
Annette Bau, CFP

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Annette Bau, CFP, is the founder of MilllionDollarMarketingPractices.com. For more information, visit her website at www.AnnetteBau.com.