Business success is about who you know and, more importantly, who knows YOU!

Planning, strategy, marketing, visibility, and innovation are the unnoticed engines that drive success; it’s relationships that make the real difference.

Why Business Relationships Matter

What was the last big opportunity that you experienced in your business? Was it an outreach that led to a business partnership? Was it a referral? A past client calling to ask to do business with you again? Or did a random connection introduce you to a fantastic opportunity? For most business owners, the most significant successes result from business relationships – not random chance.

Strong relationships open doors to:

• Referrals and WOM (Word of Mouth) marketing.
• Trust and credibility in you and your business.
• A supportive network.
• Collaboration and affiliations
• Opportunities for expanded business.

When you focus on building meaningful relationships, you aren’t just growing your contact list – you are creating an ecosystem of support and connections.

Key Ingredients for Strong Business Connection

Authenticity. You know the mantra: “People do business with people they know, like, and trust.” Show a real and genuine interest in others. 

Consistency. A one-time conversation at a networking event isn’t enough to build a relationship. The best business connections are a result of follow-up and staying in touch. 

Reciprocity. Share helpful resources, make introductions, support the work of others, and be generous in the giving. Asking before giving is a sure way to stop connections from happening!

Active Listening. Listen more than you talk. Learn to ask thoughtful questions and show that you value what others have to say.

Intentional Connections. Strong networks are built on connections with people who align with your values, complement your skills, and serve with .

A business card doesn’t equal a relationship! It takes intention and attention to convert contacts into connections.

• Follow up. Make it your practice to send a message mentioning something about your conversation.
• Stay in Touch. Be aware of the ways that you can engage. Whether it’s on social media or an invitation to meet for coffee or event, you need to take ownership to deepen your connections.
• BE a Connector. Look for opportunities to make introductions. When you bring value to your business relationships, your connections will reciprocate.

Reach out to someone in your network and ask if you can support them, celebrate a win with them, or simply reconnect. The ripple effects of this action can be transformative.  

If you’re up to the task, here’s my challenge to you: Build ONE Stronger Connection this week!

If you’re eager for MORE ways to create connections and attract clients..

Consider joining my Facebook group, Networking Ninjas, where we take networking seriously!

The post Connections Drive Success first appeared on Lane Business Consulting.

Would you be surprised to know that if you set more challenging and very specific goals, you are more likely to achieve them than if you set easily accomplished goals? Uncanny, right?

Goal setting is often considered a throw-away exercise, however, when given thought and appropriate deep work, it can be the difference between success and wishful thinking. It takes courage to declare challenging goals and do the work to achieve them. So, real and effective goal setting isn’t for the faint of heart!

You would think that easier goals would produce better performance But… research says otherwise.Here are a few other goal-setting facts that you’ll enjoy:

• 48% of successful goal-setters report that they always write down their goals.
• A whopping 90% of the time higher performance is a result of setting specific and challenging goals.
• 80% of adults in the United States set personal health or fitness goals. I couldn’t find statistics that indicate whether or not these goals are reached. 
   

The four stages of goal setting are as follows:

1. Preparation
Preparation is the foundation for successful goal setting. This stage involves self-reflection and understanding the “why” behind your goals. Begin by evaluating your current situation: where you are now and where do you want to be? 

To properly prepare:

• Assess your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis).
• Identify what motivates you and what challenges could stand in your way.
• Gain clarity on your core values and align them with your goals.
• Ensure your goals are meaningful and relevant to your long-term vision.
• This is also the time to gather necessary resources, knowledge, or tools you’ll need for success. Think of it as clearing the runway before takeoff.

2. Goal Setting
Once you’re clear on your purpose, it’s time to define your goals. This step turns your vision into something concrete and actionable. The key here is to make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

During this phase, consider:

• Write down your goals to solidify commitment.
• Break larger goals into smaller, more manageable milestones.
• Make sure your goals are challenging enough to inspire growth, but realistic enough to be achievable.
• Visualize the desired outcome to create emotional connection and motivation. 
   

3. Planning
After defining your goals, the next step is to create a detailed roadmap for achieving them. A good plan serves as your guide, helping you stay on track and adjust course when necessary. Incorporating tools like calendars, task management apps, or accountability systems will enhance this process. 

To effectively plan:

• Outline specific actions or steps required for each goal.
• Assign deadlines to each milestone to maintain momentum.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and plan strategies to overcome them.
• Prioritize tasks to focus on what matters most.
   

4. Follow-Up
Follow-up is the critical, often overlooked phase that ensures your goals stay alive. Consistent follow-up builds momentum and ensures that your goals remain a priority rather than fading into the background.

This step includes:

• A regular review of progress to celebrate wins and identify areas for improvement.
• Adjustment of your plan or goals as circumstances evolve. Flexibility is essential for long-term success.
• Seeking accountability through mentors, peers, or groups to stay motivated and focused.
• Reflection on lessons learned from successes and setbacks to refine your approach.

While all of that may be challenging… Joining one of my MasterClasses on Business and Self Promotion is EASY! 

You’ll learn how to show up so you are really seen by potential clients. Once you are visible, you’ll need a strategy to convert that visibility into clients! Then you’ll make the magic happen.  

Register here at the following link: https://my.lanebc.com/boyb-selfpromotion

The post Goal Setting – It’s Not For the Faint! first appeared on Lane Business Consulting.

As a business owner or entrepreneur, most likely, you’ve set countless goals—some you’ve crushed, others you didn’t quite hit. 

But here’s a thought: Did those goals have vision?

Simon Sinek says, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” 

Vision gives your goals that passion. Without a clear sense of why you’re working toward something, even the most ambitious plans can feel like an uphill battle.

This month, we’re diving deep into goal setting and vision at the Master Class on January 28th (4:00 pm EST). It’s not your usual “S.M.A.R.T. goals” talk—we’re flipping the script. 

Here’s a taste of what we’ll explore:

• How to tap into your growth mindset (inspired by Carol Dweck) to redefine success.
• Why starting with your “why” (thank you, Simon Sinek!) turns ordinary goals into unstoppable missions.
• Practical tools and handouts to align your goals with your unique vision.

Want to feel energized and clear about your next steps? Join us for a conversation that could completely reshape the way you approach your year—and your business.

Save your spot now and invest in your vision.

Register for the Master Class Here

The post Do Your Goals Have Vision? first appeared on Lane Business Consulting.

When you think about the “North Star” for your business, you would be referring to your business vision. This is the guiding influence or inspiration for you as you build your business.

The term “North Star” refers to Polaris, which has been used for navigation for centuries because it is fixed in the night sky. The north star symbolizes a constant reference point that helps you find your way. In other words, it serves as a GPS for your business.

Your vision statement is more than a sentence—it’s the guiding light for your business. It communicates where you’re headed and why you’re in business, serving as inspiration for you and your customers.

Take a moment to ask yourself: 

• Where do I see my business in 1, 3 or 5 years?
• What actions will I take to get there?
• What impact do I want to create?

For example, a bakery’s vision might be: “To bring joy to local families through handcrafted, sustainable, and delicious baked goods.” A well-crafted vision statement helps you make decisions, stay focused, and keep your team aligned. When challenges arise, revisiting your vision can remind you of the bigger picture and reignite your passion. 

As you move through 2025, make sure that every goal and initiative you pursue aligns with your North Star.  

And while you are at it- Join my Facebook Group: Networking Ninjas | Facebook where we take networking seriously!

The post The North Star of Your Business first appeared on Lane Business Consulting.

But here’s a thought: Did those goals have vision?

Simon Sinek says, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” 

Vision gives your goals that passion. Without a clear sense of why you’re working toward something, even the most ambitious plans can feel like an uphill battle.

Here’s a taste of what we’ll explore:

• How to tap into your growth mindset (inspired by Carol Dweck) to redefine success.
• Why starting with your “why” (thank you, Simon Sinek!) turns ordinary goals into unstoppable missions.
• Practical tools and handouts to align your goals with your unique vision.

Want to feel energized and clear about your next steps? Join us for a conversation that could completely reshape the way you approach your year—and your business.

The post Do Your Goals Have Vision? first appeared on Lane Business Consulting.