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MONITORING PROGRESS To stick with any regimen of value, whether a program for losing weight or improving my business' bottom line, I would want to see progress along the way. So, I could see myself diligently marking of the dates when cer- tain milestones on my development track are passed. That would give me a welcomed sense of satisfaction, enough to sustain my commitment in pursuing the business strengthening goal. Between my morning physical exercise routine and getting ready for work, I would probably dedicate one solid hour early each morning at home to work on my business, such as reading, thinking and doing research on the Internet. Because I tend to work too much in my business, I would also block of Wednesday afternoons in my ofce to focus on oth- er business development assignments. However, there's always the risk that I may get too busy in the business and fall of this disciplined schedule. And, since I am a self-employed kitchen/bath owner who doesn't have to report to any superior, I could soon fnd myself not making any progress for weeks on end. It's then that I would hire an industry-specifc business coach to hold me accountable and get me back on track. I probably would talk and strategize with him on one-hour conference calls every other week before he gave me my next homework assign- ment. His fees, as well as any other necessary training expenses like the "business gym" mem- bership, could easily be covered by no more than a 1% price increase. And that would never be even the slightest of concerns if my "after" benchmark potential is up to a 50% stronger bottom line by the end of 2016. That would be my take on adopting a vigor- ous development and ftness regimen to make a kitchen/bath frm fnancially stronger. I hope this strategic plan makes sense and holds value for your business in the New Year. Ken Peterson, CKD, LPBC, is president of the Charlotte, NC-based SEN Design Group. For more info about this topic, please contact Peterson at 1-800-991-1711 or kpeterson@sendesign.com. Peterson also welcomes comments, questions or concerns. January 2016 • KitchenBathDesign.com 35 Circle No. 22 on Product Card