How to Succeed in 2011

Halloween is a couple weeks away, the stores have yet to put up their Christmas decorations and the new year is still a few months away. So, have you set your 2011 goals yet? If not, it's time to get going.

"What are you waiting for?" asked Deborah Chambers Chima, owner of Chambers Consulting Group, a leadership training and management development firm. "If you don't have any idea of what you hope to accomplish in 2011, you're behind the eight ball."

Chima was the guest speaker at the Women in Business luncheon sponsored by the Woodridge Chamber of Commerce last week.

In order to help you set and meet your 2011 business goals, Chima suggests taking a look what lessons you learned in 2010.

"Don't dwell on it too long, but look back on what you did and how you could do it differently," Chima said.

Chima also strongly encourages business owners to find two or three people – not family or friends – and ask them to review your business presentation or plan.

"Ask them to be brutally honest with their evaluation," Chima said. "When they give you feedback, ask them to tell you their likes, dislikes and one thing they would change."

During her presentation Chima also shared the following success strategies:

• Don't be afraid to take risks and challenge the process.
• Inspire others through your shared vision. Enable them to act through your communication.
• Be open and prepared for constant and rapid changes.
• Be innovative and solve problems. If your business can solve a problem you're in good hands – communicate the value of what you have to offer.