Are you dreaming or are you planning?

That is the question being asked by the Sales and Sales Marketing Blog in a recent post.

In previous entries I have talked about the importance of strategic planning to have a written down plan for 2008.

While planning for 2008 you need to take a look at 2007. The Sales & Marketing Blog has several things you should be taking a look at. Remember that you need to be realistic and not try to gloss over what did not go right. You need to examine the mistakes of the past, learn from them so that they will not be repeated in the future. This prepares you to make your plans for 2008, plans that will set you on your way to making your long range goals.

While there are many books out there on setting goals I will give you the basics.

First you have your big goals. These are the goals that get you excited as Zig Ziglar says. Next you figure medium range goals and finally your short term goals. All of your short range goals should work toward your medium range goals and the medium range goals to your long range goals.

Your goals for 2008 will be short range goals that work toward your medium and long range goals.

Let's say you want to retire in 20 with a substantial amount of money. Your medium range goal should work toward that big goal. Your short range goal for 2008 might be to get an IRA started and to being investing your profits.

All your goals need to be written down and looked at on a regular basis. Remember you cannot hit a goal you cannot see.