On a personal level we call it a resolution. In business it’s called a plan, a strategy or just a plain ‘ol goal. The beginning of the year is the most popular time (although it shouldn’t be the only time – but we’ll leave that subject to a later date.) to contemplate improving ourselves, our lives, our businesses and the world around us.

 Give back to the community;
 Increase profitability by 20%;
 Realize the work/life balance you crave;
 Improve your level of physical fitness;
 Expand your business to a 2nd location;

….It all starts with a vision.

As business people, we tend to dismiss the discussion of vision and belief, or faith, as being “out there” or “too new age” to be a business application, but the importance of vision in a strong leader and in a successful company is undeniable.

To have a vision means to literally see yourself having achieved what it is you want to achieve.

Imagine:
 You hear the applause as you cross the marathon finish line;
 You see your 7-digit savings account balance;
 You taste the ‘99 Cheval Blanc as you toast your first million dollar deal;
 You feel the wind and sun on your face as you motor along the coast of Maine in your new 52 foot Grand Banks (a gift to yourself for meeting your 20% profitability growth goal).

Your vision is your burning desire and you live your success first, in your mind.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” --Joel A. Barker

Future- focused planning, visionary leadership – these may seem like a new ideas, but if you pay attention to business books, journals and publications you know that the topic of vision, visionary leadership, future-focused management, etc. has been around for years. Written in 1994, the book Built to Last – Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins, Jerry I. Porras, spent over 6 years on the Business Week best seller. These discussions have now become more mainstream.

Small businesses tend to lag larger businesses in adopting new ideas. Don’t continue to play catch up. Business is business, large or small. As 2006 begins, I challenge you to develop a vision of yourself and your business succeeding, achieving the results you need to take your business to the next level.

Develop and protect this vision as you would any other valuable business asset. Visit this vision regularly throughout the year. Then, with your vision in the forefront, you can’t help but take the actions that will move you closer to making it real. I think you’ll be surprised by the difference such a seemingly “out there” practice can make.

To get you in the mood, here are some of my favorite pearls of wisdom on the subject. Here’s to your happy, healthy, wealthy and wise 2006. ..and remember, BE BOLD. It all starts with a vision.

Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision. –Ayn Rand

Capital isn't scarce; vision is. –Sam Walton

If you don't have a vision, nothing happens. --Christopher Reeve

Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture. –Norman Vincent Peale

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet. – Theodore M. Hesburgh

I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it is going. –Wayne Gretsky

Where there is no vision, there is no hope. –George Washington Carver

E-mail this entry to a friend