Carl Loder- CEO, CentralRacingParts.com

"Thrive did a great job building my online store.  I wasn't always sure of some of the decisions that were made in the construction process but Michael has won my trust!  Recently, five suppliers I had lined up to purchase from, visited my site.  Normally they require a "buy-in" for an initial order which can be upwards of $10,000.  When they saw my site, they were calling ME to represent them.  They waived their buy-in and are getting in line to be a supplier."

Solution: E-commerce store and credit-card processing

Dave Mace, First Employee, Maverick Creative Group

"Michael combines several talents to create an incredibly valuable service for his clients. He is part designer, part technician and part business strategist, making him a formidable partner. I've enjoyed working with him, and I've learned a lot from him."

Aaron Davis, Sedgwick County Health Department

"What does it for me when it comes to Thrive is their dedication to detail. Thrive takes the time to really listen to what I want and need and then make sure that they produce exactly what i asked for. I really appreciate their customer service, Michael and the team isn't perfect but when they make a mistake their team jumps on it to make sure any problems are resolved in a timely fashion. If you need an web-application built that works, I recommend Thrive!"

Solution: Emergency Responders Registration Database

Marta Curry, Waddell and Reed

“While Thrive Business Solutions is the company name, Michael personifies integrity in his industry. Thrive is genuine in their approach to listen, offer assistance and solutions to your agendas. Strive is one word as they pledge to help others, but they really thrive at it. I am fortunate to collaborate with them regularly through our Chamber Leads Group #3 - where many strategies and business networking goals are shared - and achieved!”

Pat Knolla- Founder / Owner, Knollas Pizza on 13th

“Thrives customer service has really impressed me. When I call they solve whatever I throw at them right away. I have been processing credit cards and have had my website with them for three years now and the rates have always been fair. Most importantly, they have integrity. I have never had to question if Thrive is doing something with my rates or service that I should be concerned about.”

Solution: Website, Online-Ordering, E-mail Marketing and Credit-card Processing

Mark Oelze, Owner, True Life Marriage and Family Counseling

"Michael is not only a man of great vision, but a man who has the mind and ability to take that vision apart and see it happen one step at a time. He does so with a steadfast spirit about him in a confident but gracious manner. When you are around Michael you are caught up in the same confidence that together what has been set out to do will indeed be accomplished. I can't say enough good about this man!"

Mike Steele, Co-Founder, The Galleon Company

“Michael is a man of high character and competence. He accomplishes what he sets out to do. I recommend his services without reservation.”

promo
Make your plan smart. E-mail

"It'd be great if we could do that." "I really want to start doing that." "I think we could manage that." "I have this great idea, I think we should run with it."

On a daily basis these and many other phrases are spoken in regards to our business goals. However, if most people are like me, they never go much further than the one maybe two people that over hear me.

It rarely has much to do with the excellence of the idea, it simply comes down to the plan for execution. Or rather, the lack of a plan.

Instead of letting all the great plans, dreams, hopes, ideas, or goals, slip away and get filed under, "Great Ideas I Should Get To," why not implement a simple and effective strategy to make the most of all your ideas.

To be effective in goal setting and goal acheiving, you must be smart. Yes, you need some intellengence, but really being S.M.A.R.T. is best.

  • S. Specific. Be specific. General and broad ideas are great for the brainstorming process, but when it comes to setting your goal, you must narrow it down and be very spcific. Have your goal answer the 5 W's. Who, What, Where, When, and Why. When applying your purpose in these questions, you should be able to effectively create an official goal.
  • M. Measurable. Goals have to be measurable. Vague ideas like, we want to increase sales aren't easily tracked or obtained. Setting the goal to say, "Increase sales by 10%," is specific and measurable. This will enable the progress to be tracked and evaluated. Success and acheivement can be obtained with this element of measure.
  • A. Attainable. While shooting for the moon is wonderful, it's not always actual in one attempt. Making sure your goal is possible increases your success rate. It also makes certain those who must carry out the task will observe the mission as possible. Make sure your goal is attainable. This will enable you to achieve it and move on to the next step.
  • R.Realistic. Goals have to be grounded. Evaluating your resources and determining with certainty that this goal can be accomplished are vital. If the goal is too lofty, it'll never see completion. In this step, you'll have to determine if the goal is worth the effort and ask your self, "Do I really want to see this goal obtained?"
  • T. Timely. A time line and/or due date must be set for goals. If there's not a projected end, then it will get re-filed in the .."never going to happen" category. Whether it's short term, (two-weeks) or long term (6 months), a term must be placed on the completion of tasks.

How many great ideas have you come up with today? Your company needs to benefit from this idea, right? Well, okay then, it's time to get S.M.A.R.T.