If you repeat the things you were doing in 2010 then you’ll keep getting the same kind of results this year in your business. Actually, I disagree. Look at professional tennis players, racing car drivers and people like Steve Jobs, Donald Trump and Richard Branson.

The one thing they all have in common is that they keep reinventing themselves… they are constantly trying to outsmart, outmanoeuvre and outdo, not their competition, but their past success.

So what are you going to ‘do’ differently over the next 12 months to ‘outdo’ your past success. Whatever results you have achieved last year… how can you take that to the next level?

I will share a handful of random thoughts hoping to not only make you pause and think but, especially, give you practical ideas you can use this year to grow your business…

Man in the mirror

When you look in the mirror do you like the person starring back at you? Is this the person others should look up to and want to follow? What are you going to do differently in 2011 to become the person that would make you proud? What are you going to do differently to ensure you spend enough quality time with your family? Are looking after yourself the way you should. Make time to connect with people. And still have a successful business. I don’t have the secret but this is interesting… Focusing on the highest and best use of your time will allow you to do the things that only you can do, so you can produce the results that you’re expected to achieve, and you should still have enough time for other things. Sounds simple. Focus on the highest and best. The highest and best use of your time. The highest and best use of your resources, etc.

Who are you talking to

Your website is a conversation. An email is a conversation. So is a sales letter or an advertisement. If you need more business you need to have MORE conversations. If you’re a great ‘conversationalist’ yet you still struggle with finding new clients then maybe you need to change your approach. I was at a party the other day and it’s interesting what I observed. Some people can talk about golf, for hours. For others making money, investing money and just about anything money related is what keeps them going. Still others could talk about their kids or grand kids as if there was no tomorrow.

Your values determine what you talk about most of the time, the books your read, the people you spend most of your time with, etc. What I think you should try to figure is WHAT exactly are your clients interested in. What ‘conversations’ are they having with themselves and others? What else (except what you sell) is important to them? Also, when people land on your website what do they know about the products you sell? What experience do you provide to clients? Have they had a similar experience elsewhere?

So ‘who are you talking’ is not the best question. A far better question, I think, is WHAT conversations should you be having in 2011 and how can you better understand, connect with and influence those people?

Stop using boring copy

We don’t watch boring movies, we avoid dull people and I’m sure you have never tried to read the Yellow Pages from cover to cover. We all want a bit of excitement in our lives and your customers aren’t any different. Even basic supermarket things like egg cartons, bread bags and even chocolate wrappings look way more colourful and exciting than they did years ago. That’s because people want to be entertained and visually stimulated. If your home page or about page hasn’t changed in years then maybe it’s time to revamp it a little.

I’m excited about 2011, I have launched a new product early this year (you can check it here if interested – http://www.yourextraordinarystory.com/) and I know it’s one of many more to come. I hope this year will be your very best one yet! It will be as long as you change your approach, keep an open mind for new ideas and try new things in 2011.