If you are interested in my topics, or just what else is in my head (I'm sure there is something in there!) Just let me know. I will gladly send you an email as I launch Staying Plugged In!
Food for thought… 
Are your people included in your goals and planning?
A business is a living, breathing entity that requires all parts to work together. Not only when you're present, but when you are not present as well. For that to happen, you need goals and strategies - in writing - that include the people that will be instrumental in each area.
Start with a simple outline defining your goals for each area of your business. Include in your goals the skill sets, personalities and training that will be needed to make each area operate successfully. Then detail an action plan for each area including precise steps that will help assure your associates are properly equipped to achieve those goals.
Your people are key components instrumental to your success and must be a part of your plan. Your success or failure depends as much on them as any other component of your business. Invest well in your people diligently, thoroughly and continuously. A poor investment will only get you a poor return and much frustration.
This area is so important that if you do not commit to doing it properly you will almost assure frustration and failures will occur. Which means you will have to start all over again in that area including repairing any damage done such as loss of sales, customers and your business reputation.
All too often we have good intentions yet fail to follow through in this area. We find ourselves getting side tracked and busy with other things and turn our people free to do a job they are not yet educated, prepared and equipped for. When you do not commit to finishing what you start, you are simply creating a waste of your time and efforts as well as theirs.
Have well defined and high expectations of your people. Hold them to those expectations and treat them fairly and respectfully. Make sure their compensation plan is tied to meeting specific goals and rewards them accordingly.
These goals should include quality and customer satisfaction as much as sales or production volume. If you don’t have a follow up system in place to monitor quality and customer satisfaction you may find that eventually you will lack in customer retention. It costs a lot more to get a new customer than to keep one you have (this is actually another topic in itself).
Design win-win-win into your planning. 
Yes, that is three wins, not two!
If it’s only two someone is being cheated.
When your business makes a sale everyone should win. You and your people are rewarded financially and with recognition and your customers are rewarded with a quality product or service and your gratefulness for choosing your company.
Thomas Worzella, Author
08/22/2010