So have you been wondering what happened to the last tip? Waiting with baited breath thinking that this one is gonna have to be amazing since it is taking so long? Or wondering if my 40th birthday celebration finally took its toll and knocked me out for the count?

Well, actually the technology angels I talked up and bragged about a week or so ago have turned into some digital devils for the last few days and have been playing games with my computers at home and work. How did we ever live without the Internet before?

Anyway, I apologize for the wait and hope my blogging will be back to it's usual 1-2 times a week from here on, beginning with:

Today's Tip: Set a Sales Goal and Have Some Fun Achieving It! I've long been a fan of the saying that if you don't know where you're going, it will take a lot longer to get there. That idea bodes will for car trips and sales goals alike. So begin with setting a sales goal for the rest of the month or holiday season. Then implement a few final strategies to move you towards the finish line.

1) Have a staff incentive contest. Get your whole gang involved in the gift certificate or retail push by letting them in on your magic number. Then offer them a perk for doing their part to helping to reach it. These need not be expensive treats but could include things like free products or certificates for services, lunch on you at the end of the contest or an impromptu staff party at the neighborhood bowling alley. Make it fun and a team effort to get over the top.

2) No staff? No problem! Have a contest with your clients. Whether you encourage them to buy more certificates or products by offering bonus certificates for every $100 purchased or give them a chance to win a big grand prize for each new client they refer or buy a certificate for during the rest of the month, they'll likely get involved in the fun if the goodies are appealing enough.

Remember to set your goals so that they are specific, realistic and attainable. If you only sold $500 in gift certificates last year, don't expect to sell $10,000 this year. If your retail products have an average cost of $10 each, don't expect an average sale to be $100. But don't be afraid to push yourself, try different things, and reach for levels you never imagined before.

Need help setting your business and marketing goals for 2010 and next year's holiday season? Click here to download a Spalutions Business Assessment. Fill it out and you'll get an idea of exactly what is working (and what isn't) to take grow your business or practice to where you want it to be. Then take things one step further by emailing the completed form to me at onestepfurther@spalutions.com  along with the best days and times for your complimentary coaching session.