Business Journals

Business Journals seem like a lot of work if you have never done one.  For times like now, they become like an old friend who listens without judgement.  Their page corners tattered, and the cover worn smooth.  The info they hold is the foundation for a movie, a fine documentary. 

As the 2020 Pandemic has caused havoc for many a small business owner.  Those that keep a journal normally record answers to 4 questions each day.  My journal is a diary of sorts, as it is hand-written in a hardbound journal.  The Business Plan I consult is written every year just before Thanksgiving and spells out specific areas I intend to generate revenue from.  And then how and where I will give back to my community.

My primary business is providing Women In Business coaching and mentoring services through journaling.  I also sell journals and teach “How To Write An Elevator Speech”, which also has it’s own journal.

Question #1 – What good things happened today?

I make notations on stopper counts, Journal sales, and free downloads.  I record the positive things that happened and sometimes how they came about.  Other times I’ll just make a note of the event and move on.

Question #2 – What other things happened today?

The first list is the happy events – the second is the less than good from the day.  But it isn’t just a place to complain, it’s also a place to record what mistakes I made, how I fixed them (if I did) and what I need to do differently in the future.  These two are the past and present measures of your business.

Question #3 – What did I do to grow my business according to my plans and the items in #1 and #2?

Have I created a new journal, made changes to old ones, booked another online class or helped another business owner solve a problem?

That’s what businesses do – solve problems, for either other businesses or the consumer.  Selling is just the desired result that occurs when you solve their problem – they pay you for your efforts.

Question #4 – What Did I Do To Give Back to My Communty?

Is there a local group you are active in that gives back?  Are you a member of your town’s Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Committee, or Tourism committee?  What do you offer that could solve a problem for a local non-profit?  Any of these efforts lets your community know you are interested in making your community a better place.

Take the time to include these activities in your annual plan.  Make them an important part of your overall sales plan

At the End of the Day –

Some final steps for you to take –

• Close out the daily records
• Make a list of the items you wrote about in Questions #1 and #2
• Plan to take care of those the  next day

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