2010-07-27 16:17
Like life in general, your online store depends on having great ideas, developing and implementing them, and keeping your objectives firmly in view. However, it is also true that the online world often suffers from an over-abundance of ideas, many of which are not thought through, cannot be realized in time, or are delayed so often they become outdated.
The following tips show how you can turn your store ideas into reality in a structured way.
1. Set aside some time—for you and your ideas
In our increasingly interconnected world, we can contact anyone and be contacted 24/7. Often, a whole day can be taken up attending meetings, writing and replying to e-mails, talking on the phone, etc. When we leave the office, many of us ask ourselves: “What did I actually get done today?" And it isn’t just productivity that suffers: this also affects creativity, and thus innovation and ideas. Take time during the day on a regular basis—invent a commitment, if necessary—to focus on creative work away from your routine tasks. You can do it alone or in a team, but make sure you allow enough time. Brainstorming, sorting, analyzing, discussing—creativity is typically a process that cannot be rushed.
2. Get organized
Nothing gets in the way like endless lists of ideas and pending tasks. Group these items into areas or activities and prioritize them using tools, such as wikis, groupware solutions, task lists, or bookmarks. The first tasks to tackle are the ones that will make you more effective. Other items can be re-evaluated, prioritized, and deleted at intervals.
3. Define your objectives
Specific objectives classified as high priority in item 2 above must be clearly and precisely defined. Ideally, it should also be possible to measure them. If other people are involved in implementing your objectives, explain and define them so that they are accepted. Remember that an objective must be achievable. Otherwise, it won’t help you in your daily activities or be accepted by others. Every objective also needs a deadline and the deadline must be met.
Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks. Sharing work activities doesn’t mean abdicating responsibility; the aim is to delegate routine and specialist tasks to those best equipped to deal with them.
4. Progress checks
Time is money, so don’t waste it attending meetings or performing tasks that don’t deliver results. Monitor your to-do list to find out where you are. If necessary, agree on new objectives, priorities, and responsibilities, or modify existing tasks and ideas. Be prepared to be judged by how you perform—and treat others the same way. Don’t be afraid to take action if things are not going well. It’s often possible to do this in a way that avoids conflict.
5. Stay the course
Once the creative phase is over and the hard work of implementing your ideas begins, the initial enthusiasm can quickly wane. Keep at it! Deadlines—even those you set yourself—are never popular. Give your ideas and those of your colleagues the respect they deserve, devote sufficient time to them, and see them through to their conclusion. All the hard work you put in will be rewarded when you eventually achieve your objective.
