I recently commented on twitter about how to “get the right work done”. In a nutshell, simple techniques to focus on what is important and not to be sidetracked. The net result will be ….net results!

I have been working with 2 SMEs in Israel, serious and industrious teams. They are committed to establishing their respective businesses, both very ambitious. They have different backgrounds, both arriving at commercial life with good experience and support groups.

And here’s the interesting point. For all the good intentions, neither were sure how to move forward.

To put it another way: The final goal or vision sounded great, but proved to be too cloudy and near frightening.

In both cases the way forward has been to: –

1. Define precisely the vision.
2. Give that vision a time deadline
3. Working backwards, set out the task leading up to the vision. 

Inevitably, this creates new sub-challenges, re logistics and budgets, and that is marvellous. Effectively, the small business owner invites themselves to take a hard look at what resources – time, money, raw materials – will be needed and when.

If they cannot meet that time framework, which they have set, the question arises if they are really so committed. If they are not, time management becomes a very difficult issue.