<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	
	xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss"
	xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Goals | The Barefoot Spirit</title>
	<atom:link href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/tag/goals/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com</link>
	<description>Founders of Barefoot, a Top Global Brand New York Times Bestselling Authors International Keynote Speakers, Entrepreneurial Coaches.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2019 10:40:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	
	<item>
		<title>10 Questions Our Clients Ask</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/10-questions-our-clients-ask/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2018 17:49:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[audio book]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[market]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=14666</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Our clients come to us because of our credentials as the founders of the largest wine brand in the world. They want to know how we began (in our laundry room), how we were financed (we assumed a debt which we traded for wine and bottling services), and how we overcame the challenges of personnel [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/10-questions-our-clients-ask/">10 Questions Our Clients Ask</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-14676" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TBS.051718-300x253.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="253" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TBS.051718-300x253.jpg 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/TBS.051718.jpg 740w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Our clients come to us because of our credentials as the founders of the largest wine brand in the world. They want to know how we began (in our laundry room), how we were financed (we assumed a debt which we traded for wine and bottling services), and how we overcame the challenges of personnel management (we paid for performance).</p>
<p>All that and more is covered in our New York Times’ Best Seller, <em><a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Barefoot Spirit, How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</a></em>. It contains the lessons we learned told in a humorous business adventure story. It answers the top 10 questions start-ups and business owners need to know on their way to success.</p>
<p>And we are really excited to announce that we are currently recording it in an audio book! Like the paperback, it will be fun. Instead of having someone read it to you, we have engaged a live troupe of actors who will dramatically act it out for you. You will enjoy the unique format and learn from their interactions. We will be releasing it in the fall!</p>
<p>So, here&#8217;s the short list of a few of our favorite answers to the question – “How do I…”:</p>
<h3>1. Start a business without financing?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trade for goods and services</li>
<li>Use your buyers as banker by offering quantity discounts for cash</li>
<li>Use your supplies as bankers by earning extended credit and terms</li>
<li>Pay for performance rather than for attendance</li>
<li>Use the assets you already have, such as a spare room, family members, or contracted services</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Start a business with no experience in the industry?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ask a lot of questions</li>
<li>Work for someone who is already doing what you want to do</li>
<li>Talk to everyone who will be working with your product or service</li>
<li>Use your suppliers and vendors as teachers</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Find, hire, train, and keep good people?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Look for hustle and integrity</li>
<li>Overkill on orientation</li>
<li>Give them appreciation and time off</li>
<li>Pay for performance</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Get my product to the market?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Start in a small area to learn your lessons</li>
<li>Offer samples, tastings, etc.</li>
<li>Ask the buyers what they need</li>
<li>Get the reputation, even in a small area, of being a “Hot Mover!”</li>
</ul>
<h3>5. Give my brand a soul?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Identify what your brand offers its users that they love</li>
<li>Identify what your brand and your company stand for beside the mercantile product you are selling</li>
<li>Work with your community on your shared goals</li>
<li>Be inclusive and earth-friendly</li>
<li>Treat your people right</li>
</ul>
<h3>6. Build a brand without advertising?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Donate your products or services to community fundraisers</li>
<li>Build brand advocates who will sing your praises to all they know</li>
<li>Attend farmers’ markets or other social events where your customers can be found</li>
<li>Do many in-store demos</li>
</ul>
<h3>7. Think outside the box?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Put yourself in the other guy’s shoes in every position of responsibility</li>
<li>Meet regularly with everyone on your staff, with your suppliers and your buyers and ask them what their challenges and goals are</li>
<li>Be open to new ideas, especially those that seem to be contrary to your own</li>
<li>Practice “Know-the-Need” instead of “Need-to-Know”</li>
</ul>
<h3>8. Get the most out of my people?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Use performance-based compensation and share the wealth</li>
<li>Share information freely; share your goals, challenges, and opportunities</li>
<li>Give employees your respect by asking for their feedback and advice</li>
<li>Acknowledge their successes in writing and copy the entire staff</li>
</ul>
<h3>9. Use outsourced services?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Communicate your needs clearly and in writing</li>
<li>Pay only if your project has been completed to your specs</li>
<li>Oversee their work on your project to assure quality control</li>
<li>Look for long term relationships</li>
</ul>
<h3>10. Sell my business?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Talk with a business broker who recently was involved in a sale or purchase of a business like yours</li>
<li>Put your peanut in front of the elephant</li>
<li>Work towards the metrics required to become an acquisition target and ultimately monetize the brand equity you are building</li>
<li>Organize your filing system according to your future acquirer’s due diligence</li>
</ul>
<p>As <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/consulting/" rel="noopener">advisors</a>, we help our clients identify and move toward their goals. We learn about their business, their challenges, and their opportunities. Then we meet with them regularly to help them stay on track. They get the many benefits of our 20 years growing the Barefoot Wine brand.  We learned a lot of lessons – most of them the hard way!</p>
<p>You too can benefit from the knowledge we gained without having to go through the time, mental anguish, and money that it took us. Think of it as saving $300,000 or more on mistakes and 3 years or more in wasted efforts. Here is to your success!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/10-questions-our-clients-ask/">10 Questions Our Clients Ask</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Entrepreneur &#8211; 10 Business Lessons Learned From the Founders of America&#8217;s Biggest Wine Brand</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/entrepreneur-10-business-lessons-learned-founders-americas-biggest-wine-brand/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2016 00:31:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bankrupt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Wine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coaches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contributor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Daniel DiPiazza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grape Grower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obstacles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rich20Something]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Strategic Alliances]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=10820</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>DANIEL DIPIAZZA, CONTRIBUTOR, Founder of Rich20Something Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders of Barefoot Wine. What&#8217;s most humbling is that they had absolutely no idea what they were doing at first. From the start, with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they had to employ innovative ideas [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/entrepreneur-10-business-lessons-learned-founders-americas-biggest-wine-brand/">Entrepreneur &#8211; 10 Business Lessons Learned From the Founders of America&#8217;s Biggest Wine Brand</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-10522 aligncenter" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Entrepreneur_Logo-300x109.png" alt="Entrepreneur_Logo" width="300" height="109" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Entrepreneur_Logo-300x109.png 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Entrepreneur_Logo.png 605w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">DANIEL DIPIAZZA, CONTRIBUTOR, Founder of Rich20Something</p>
<div class="bio">Last month <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry4DJ2p7wFs">I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey</a>, the founders of <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/">Barefoot Wine</a>.</div>
<div id="bd277468" class="bodycopy">
<p>What&#8217;s most humbling is that they had absolutely no idea what they were doing at first. From the start, with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they had to employ innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and strategic alliances. Having learned the hard way, Michael and Bonnie fell forward into success.</p>
<p>The lessons they taught me were invaluable. <a href="http://rich20something.com/">As the CEO of Rich20Something</a>, this is what I learned from their story.</p>
<h2>1. Passionately pursue your goals.</h2>
<p>Stop thinking about following your passion, and start thinking about following opportunity passionately. Michael and Bonnie had absolutely no experience in the wine business. They were both business coaches who happened to have a lot of clients in the wine business. One of their clients was a grape grower, and this grape grower hadn&#8217;t been paid by a particular client for three years. Michael went straight to the delinquent company to collect funds for his client, only to find out that the company was bankrupt. Makes sense why they couldn&#8217;t pay.</p>
</div>
<p>To read the complete article, please visit <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/277468">Entrepreneur</a></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/entrepreneur-10-business-lessons-learned-founders-americas-biggest-wine-brand/">Entrepreneur &#8211; 10 Business Lessons Learned From the Founders of America&#8217;s Biggest Wine Brand</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Happy Old Year! Be Thankful for What Went Right to See More Go Right!</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/happy-old-year-be-thankful-for-what-went-right-to-see-more-go-right/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2015 00:49:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Annual Accomplishments List]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calendar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fearful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[frustrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grateful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hopeful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opportunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Progress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resolutions]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=10189</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s easy to get carried away with the new prospects for the New Year. After all, this year is over (finally!). And not all the news was good… The media has done a fine job of frightening us by focusing on the negative. Then there’s the personal frustrations of all the things we wanted to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/happy-old-year-be-thankful-for-what-went-right-to-see-more-go-right/">Happy Old Year! Be Thankful for What Went Right to See More Go Right!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-10191" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.23.15.jpg" alt="TBS.12.23.15" width="366" height="244" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.23.15.jpg 1000w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.23.15-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 366px) 100vw, 366px" />It’s easy to get carried away with the new prospects for the New Year. After all, this year is over (finally!). And not all the news was good… The media has done a fine job of frightening us by focusing on the negative. Then there’s the personal frustrations of all the things we wanted to do that got derailed, delayed, or deferred. It’s easy to complain about what went wrong last year.  We almost can’t wait to put the past behind us and move on to a new world of all possibilities. There are New Year resolutions, plans, goals, and a general attitude that things will somehow get better.</p>
<p>But we’ve found that best way to make the New Year better is to take some time over the Holidays to make a list of what went <em><u>right</u></em> this last year. We call it our <em>Annual Accomplishments List.</em> It forces us to really think about <em>all</em> that we <em>have</em> accomplished in the “Old Year.”</p>
<p>Every year about this time, we spend an hour or two going through our calendar to help us recollect what happened. Then we make a list of everything we’ve accomplished, everything that <em>did</em> go right, and all the great times we had. We also add all the great people we met or did business with. We take the opportunity to continue to grow these new relationships by putting them into our contacts and sending them a personal note of appreciation before the year end. If you use this method, it’s amazing, but you will discover that you <em>are</em> making progress, making new friends and achieving your goals!</p>
<p>By taking the time to put together your “Old Year” list several great things can happen. You become more grateful instead of frustrated, hopeful instead of fearful, and most importantly you have real evidence that you can achieve your goals. All this results in an attitude you can take with you into the New Year where you will <em><u>expect</u></em> solutions. You will be looking for them at every turn. You will be less likely to overlook solutions just because they weren’t wrapped in a pretty package and hand delivered. The more you appreciate what you have the more you get what you want, if for no other reason than you are focusing on what you want and not what you don’t!</p>
<p>Now you are ready to work on your New Year’s resolutions with the confidence that comes from success. You can more easily visualize your new goals finding their way onto your next year’s Annual Accomplishments List. Why? Because you took the time to appreciate your progress this year, saw it all on one list and said, “Yes! I can do this!”</p>
<p>We want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has followed us and shared our blog posts, joined us on social media, and attended our talks and Keynotes throughout the year. We hope that our experience has made a positive difference in your lives and businesses.</p>
<p>Michael and Bonnie say thank you for a great Old Year and we wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/happy-old-year-be-thankful-for-what-went-right-to-see-more-go-right/">Happy Old Year! Be Thankful for What Went Right to See More Go Right!</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>7 Steps to Setting and Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-steps-to-setting-and-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2015 18:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[achieve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[checklist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Confidence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deadline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milestones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prepare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Progress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategic allies]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=10151</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Yes, it’s that time of year again when we start thinking about our goals for the coming year. Before the New Year begins is the perfect time to see what you have achieved over this last year and identify what you have yet to achieve. Reviewing your achievements is a great place to start. This [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-steps-to-setting-and-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/">7 Steps to Setting and Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-10153" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.03.15.jpg" alt="TBS.12.03.15" width="414" height="277" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.03.15.jpg 1000w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TBS.12.03.15-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px" />Yes, it’s that time of year again when we start thinking about our goals for the coming year. Before the New Year begins is the perfect time to see what you have achieved over this last year and identify what you have yet to achieve.</p>
<p>Reviewing your achievements is a great place to start. This will remind you that your goals are doable, and will give you the enthusiasm to get down to business with your new set of goals. After acknowledging your achievements, take a look at your uncompleted goals, revise them as needed, and start your list for next year with those. If you are like us you will have several to get you started!</p>
<p>So how can you better prepare to achieve your goals in the coming year? Here’s the checklist we use:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Clearly State your Goals.</strong> Seems simple enough, but it actually requires some thinking. Adding in details will create a stronger image in your mind. So, under the goal of “Clean the attic,” for instance, write “Reorganize the boxes into categories of tax files, holiday decorations, camping gear, etc.; toss out the unused items; donate old clothes.” Be sure your goals are reasonable. What kills most goals it that they are unreasonable.</li>
<li><strong>State your Deadline. </strong>Just putting a deadline on your goal throws a switch in your brain that says, “We’re really going to <em>do</em> this!” Is it doable in just one year? Or is it part of some master five-year plan? If you want to use that camping gear next summer, then put in an earlier date. Be sure to include your life goals &#8211; some people call this their “bucket list” – and record the progress you make towards them throughout the year.</li>
<li><strong>Identify your Strategic Allies.</strong> Make a list of the folks who you will need to work with in order to achieve your goal, and what is in it for them. List what you need from each person. Again make sure it’s reasonable. They are <em>helping</em> you, so don’t blame them if they don’t come through.</li>
<li><strong>Lay out the Sequence. </strong>Plan the chain of events that are dependent upon each other to bring your goal into fruition. Understanding the interdependencies will give you the confidence to keep going. What has to happen first, second, and third? Determine the milestones. Important – get started on the first milestone immediately.</li>
<li><strong>Identify the Lead Times. </strong>How long does each sub-section of your goal take? Who has to be notified, give approval, or complete a project? How much notice do they need? Work backwards to discover when each detail needs to be accomplished. This way you won’t be surprised by a road block you could have seen coming and easily removed with adequate preparation.</li>
<li><strong>Track your Status. </strong>Put your goal and your strategy to achieve it at the top of the page and enter your progress weekly. If you have no progress one week, that’s a great time to review your past progress posts. This will give you the confidence that you <em>are</em> making progress. It’s also a great time to review your goal, your plan, your allies, and your lead times. It is okay to make practical adjustments as you go.</li>
<li><strong>Celebrate! </strong>Yes, plan a reward for yourself and others for achieving the goal. Maybe it is a camping trip once you clean the attic! Maybe it’s a dinner out, a party, or a purchase, but it is an acknowledgement that you have succeeded. Plan the reward when you set your goal to create the mental picture of yourself as happy and fulfilled after having achieved your goal. There’s nothing like a prize to make you want to win!</li>
</ol>
<p>We have kept a goal book for years, which we regularly review. So, what’s stopping you now? Use this checklist to begin achieving your goals today!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/7-steps-to-setting-and-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/">7 Steps to Setting and Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>5 Ways to Become Indispensable</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-ways-to-become-indispensable/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2015 17:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideal employee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[increase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Job security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opportunity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outsourced service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[productive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reduce costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reputation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sales]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=9294</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>People often ask us what the characteristics of an ideal employee or outsourced service are. The answer is they should be effective, dependable, and irreplaceable. If you are the employee or outsourced service, ask yourself, “Why was the job created, and what are the goals of the job? How and why was the job budgeted?” [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-ways-to-become-indispensable/">5 Ways to Become Indispensable</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft  wp-image-9296" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/TBS-07.02.15.jpg" alt="TBS 07.02.15" width="401" height="267" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/TBS-07.02.15.jpg 1000w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/TBS-07.02.15-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" />People often ask us what the characteristics of an <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/blog/2014/08/16/corporate-structure-compliance-compensation-plans-can-stifle-employee-engagement/" target="_blank">ideal employee</a> or outsourced service are. The answer is they should be effective, dependable, and irreplaceable. If you are the employee or outsourced service, ask yourself, “Why was the job created, and what are the goals of the job? How and why was the job budgeted?” If you can honestly answer these questions you are on your way to becoming indispensable.</p>
<p>Here’s a big hint. All jobs have something to do with sales. How does your job create, maintain, or support sales? Sales is the only source of your salary or fee – period! Without sales there is no money for you or anyone else.</p>
<p>Sure, some folks take jobs with companies that are funded by an investor. Those companies have a budget which is steadily diminished by a “burn rate” – the amount of the investor’s money that is used every month to keep the project going. But if the staff is not actively involved somehow in sales, the company eventually folds. Then the employees look for a new company that has a new investor and set about burning up <em>their</em> money. The problem is that ultimately this approach to job security is counter-productive since one has to keep moving, resulting in a reputation of working for companies that failed. They failed because they could not create a positive cash flow resulting in profitability and growth.</p>
<p>If you want <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/blog/2014/06/07/advance-in-your-job-by-checking-your-own-work/" target="_blank">job security</a>, build your reputation as an effective player. Here are 5 ways to become indispensable to your company:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong> Follow the Money.</strong> Understand where the money comes from, now and in the future. If your job is now supported by an investment, realize that it must be supported by sales sooner or later, and in most companies, the sooner the better! While investments have time limits, sales should be continuous.</li>
<li><strong> Understand the Justification. </strong>Recognize why the job was created and how the job contributes to the sales process. From R&amp;D to service, from accounting to administration, from production to marketing, every job must be pointed at supporting sales.</li>
<li><strong> Know the Processes. </strong>Don’t look for security in a cookie cutter approach that requires little thinking. On the contrary, the better you understand the processes and the reasons for the processes, the more effective you will be.</li>
<li><strong> Anticipate the Needs. </strong>Once you understand the processes for your job, look for opportunities to maximize those processes to the benefit of your company while reducing the time it takes to get the job done. Don’t wait to be told what to do, and don’t let opportunities get by you. Become relied upon to get the most out of every situation, rather than doing the least necessary to complete the job. Don’t just stay “busy,”’ be productive!</li>
<li><strong> Just Own It! </strong>Ultimately, when you thoroughly understand the goals of your job, not just the motions and procedures, you will be in a position to improve the job itself. By focusing on the goals you can better achieve them in a more effective manner. Follow through and follow up as if it was your own business.</li>
</ol>
<p>So at the end of the day, did you help to <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/blog/2012/07/28/worlds-best-sale-pitch-my-product-will-help-you-increase-sales/" target="_blank">increase sales</a>? Did you bring more money in to the company than it cost to support your position? Did you take every opportunity to improve the products and services offered to the company’s customers? Did you help identify, communicate with, and sell the prospects? Did you jump on every opportunity, without being asked, to increase company income and reduce costs? If you did, congratulations! You own your job and are indispensable!</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/5-ways-to-become-indispensable/">5 Ways to Become Indispensable</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>9 Steps to Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/9-steps-to-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Dec 2013 15:31:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Achievements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calendar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[December]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Landscape]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milestones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Affair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Working]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=6089</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As the current year winds down and we look forward to the New Year, start thinking about your annual goals. Don’t wait until the New Year is upon us. These last few weeks of December are a great time to identify what you want to achieve during the next year. Writing goals seems like a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/9-steps-to-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/">9 Steps to Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shutterstock_131787167.jpg" rel="lightbox[6089]"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-6093" style="width: 246px; height: 144px;" alt="shutterstock_131787167" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shutterstock_131787167.jpg" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shutterstock_131787167.jpg 1000w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/shutterstock_131787167-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a>As the current year winds down and we look forward to the New Year, start thinking about your annual goals. Don’t wait until the New Year is upon us. These last few weeks of December are a great time to identify what you want to achieve during the next year. Writing goals seems like a daunting task, but we have discovered a fun and easy way to get started:</p>
<ol>
<li><b></b><b>List Your Achievements. </b>How have you progressed so far? How many goals have you achieved this year? Reviewing your achievements is always encouraging because you can see the value in setting goals.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Identify Your Incomplete Goals. </b>What goals did you set for this year that are yet to be achieved? Are they still relevant? If so, they need more time, so those are a great place to start your goal list for next year.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Write Your Annual Goals. </b>What are the big goals you want to achieve for the New Year, for your business, your career, your health, and your education? Add those to the list of this year‘s goals that need more time. Now you have a core goal list.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Study the Year Ahead.</b> Take a good look at a calendar with holidays and events already printed on it. This is the landscape of the New Year. This is the layout you can’t change, the one you must work within.<b> </b></li>
<li><b></b><b>Set  Your Deadlines.</b> Break down your annual goals into achievable milestones to be completed before each  3-day holiday weekend and post them on the calendar. Make a list of the milestones for that period and keep it handy throughout the period as a reminder to keep you on track.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Set the Lead Times. </b>Calculate how long it takes to prepare for any event. Look to see if there  are there overlaps. By working backwards from the events, you will see when you must begin preparations.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Post the Must-Attend Dates. </b>Identify the dates that you absolutely must attend, whether it’s at work or for a social affair. Those are the dates you can’t be on vacation.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Identify the Holiday Periods.</b> When does school begin and end? Vacation spots are less crowded and often less costly when students return to school. When are the three-day weekends? These are great for short getaways. When are the key selling seasons? Some business people must plan months ahead to assure all is in place for essential selling seasons, and can take a break only after this essential work is completed.</li>
<li><b></b><b>Book Your Vacation. </b>Now that you understand the fixed landscape of the coming year, when would be the ideal time for you to take your vacations? Buy your tickets now! You’ll get a better deal and you will have some hard dates by which to accomplish your goals. The rest of your work will fall in “magically” around your vacations.</li>
</ol>
<p>By working with your goals on an actual calendar, you will be more likely to achieve them. When you discover the existing dated landscape that you must work within, you are setting yourself up for success. You will see the practicalities of the New Year and use it to your advantage. Your personal time-off rewards will be visible and your milestones will be more realistic.</p>
<p>You’ll be surprised how much you can achieve when you can see the end of the tunnel whether it’s a booked vacation or a three-day weekend. Nobody wants to come back to unfinished business and you won’t either. Be practical about your goals, the calendar, and your much-deserved rewards. Book your vacation now!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/9-steps-to-achieving-your-goals-for-the-new-year/">9 Steps to Achieving Your Goals for the New Year</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>3 Essential Questions for Success</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/3-essential-questions-for-success/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Aug 2013 02:38:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inventory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=5618</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>There are a lot of ideas floating around about how to achieve success. Some people think it’s all about passion – and passion is certainly an essential ingredient. Some folks think it’s about the drive to achieve, and that will certainly keep you going when times get tough and pure tenacity is required. Others think [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/3-essential-questions-for-success/">3 Essential Questions for Success</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BWF_shutterstock_1210804691.jpg" rel="lightbox[5618]"><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BWF_shutterstock_12108046911.jpg" rel="lightbox[5618]"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5624" alt="BWF_shutterstock_121080469[1]" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BWF_shutterstock_12108046911-300x240.jpg" width="300" height="240" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BWF_shutterstock_12108046911-300x240.jpg 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BWF_shutterstock_12108046911.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></a>There are a lot of ideas floating around about how to achieve success. Some people think it’s all about passion – and passion is certainly an essential ingredient. Some folks think it’s about the drive to achieve, and that will certainly keep you going when times get tough and pure tenacity is required. Others think it’s about superior marketing, like cute logos and compelling slogans, and certainly they play a part. Others think it’s about a superior product that corners the market and addresses a need missed by the competition, and that is also a big factor in success. The fact is, all of these are necessary to successfully run the race. But, sometimes we get so carried away with one or two of these success factors that we forget to take inventory, get down to basics, and truthfully assess our situation.</p>
<p>We have found that the 3 most important questions to answer for success (at just about anything) are the following:</p>
<p><b>1. Do you know where you are?</b> Sounds simple and obvious, but when you look closer, you find it’s a little more complex. For instance, where are you financially? What is your skill level? How much time do you really have to devote to the project? Is the need for your product or service known and appreciated by the distribution system you must rely upon to get into the market? Do you have good credit? What is your risk tolerance? What is your time frame? And the list goes on. But you really can’t get anywhere unless you are honest and detailed about where you are <em>right now</em>. Find someone who really knows you, and ask them keep you honest.</p>
<p><b>2. Do you know where you are going?</b> Are you building a business to create a job for yourself, a legacy for your family, or a value to monetize? Are you going to take over the planet or the neighborhood, or somewhere in between? Are you selling a product or a service? Online? At retail? Wholesale? Export? What are your first steps? Who is going to buy your business, brand, or product? What do you perceive as your definitive objective? Often, folks get so excited about their business ideas that they rush ahead, sometimes in the wrong direction because they didn’t really identify their ultimate goal. Look at the big picture and talk to the experts in your field before you commitment yourself to a destination. You may find yourself in a very different work style, requiring a very different skill set than the one you thought you needed if you assumed the wrong destination.</p>
<p><b>3. Do you know how to get there? </b>The road to success may be different than your preconceived notions. For us, we discovered that in the wine business (or for that matter in any consumer products business), it was through distribution. A great product at a great price with a catchy slogan was a requirement, but the way to success required that we actually manage the distribution system. It is the way the product gets to the end-user, and it required most of our time and money. What will you find out about your business that requires more time, energy, and funding than your product? What strategies will you develop to get to your destination, given a clear understanding of where you are and where you are going?</p>
<p>Sure, you need various ingredients for success, but you still can’t get there without taking inventory, identifying a destination, and choosing the right route. So, honestly answer these 3 questions: Where am I? Where am I going? How do I get there?</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/3-essential-questions-for-success/">3 Essential Questions for Success</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Women Entrepreneurs Radio with Deborah Bailey</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/interview-with-deborah-bailey/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 2013 16:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barefoot Cellars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[board of directors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bonnie Harvey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[co-founder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[footprint]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[label design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[legal relations and compliance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[office manuals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[presentations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[press materials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supply inventory]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the secrets of women entrepreneurs radio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vice president]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=5386</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Bonnie Harvey is the co-founder of Barefoot Cellars along with partner Michael Houlihan. She was Vice President and “The Original Foot” for 19 years. There she had a wide variety of duties, doing whatever was necessary to operate the business. While Michael’s role was “big picture visionary,” Bonnie translated his ideas into workable processes and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/interview-with-deborah-bailey/">Women Entrepreneurs Radio with Deborah Bailey</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The_Secrets_of_Success_Women_Entrepreneurs_Radio.png" rel="lightbox[5386]"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5387 aligncenter" alt="The_Secrets_of_Success_Women_Entrepreneurs_Radio" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The_Secrets_of_Success_Women_Entrepreneurs_Radio-300x79.png" width="300" height="79" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The_Secrets_of_Success_Women_Entrepreneurs_Radio-300x79.png 300w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/The_Secrets_of_Success_Women_Entrepreneurs_Radio.png 391w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bonnie Harvey is the co-founder of Barefoot Cellars along with partner Michael Houlihan. She was Vice President and “The Original Foot” for 19 years. There she had a wide variety of duties, doing whatever was necessary to operate the business. While Michael’s role was “big picture visionary,” Bonnie translated his ideas into workable processes and displayed a genius for managing the millions of details that come with a start-up. She proved to possess a rare combination of creativity and business savvy that served Barefoot well.</p>
<p>In the early days of the brand, Bonnie was responsible for bottling oversight, supply inventory and label design—in fact, the famous footprint is actually hers! Later as Barefoot grew, she focused on overview and direction of the business, setting company goals, and attending to Board of Director matters. She managed all financial aspects of the business, oversaw legal relations and compliance, and edited countless press materials, presentations, official manuals and other documents.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">To read more and listen to the complete audio interview, please visit <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coachdeb/2013/07/18/barefoot-cellars-founder-bonnie-harvey" target="_blank">The Secrets of Success Women Entrepreneurs Radio</a></p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/interview-with-deborah-bailey/">Women Entrepreneurs Radio with Deborah Bailey</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Goal Book – Part 3 How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-3-how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2012 05:08:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Achieving Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=3259</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>If you really want to keep your New Year’s Resolutions, try using a Goal Book. When used regularly, it is a powerful tool toward achievement. As the year progresses, we get distracted and it’s easy to stray from our New Year’s intentions. We start out with a sense of commitment, but following through requires tenacity beyond [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-3-how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions/">The Goal Book – Part 3 How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-31.jpg" rel="lightbox[3259]"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3272" title="Goal Book - Part 3" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-31.jpg" alt="" width="329" height="231" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-31.jpg 940w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-31-300x211.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px" /></a>If you really want to keep your New Year’s Resolutions, try using a Goal Book. When used regularly, it is a powerful tool toward achievement. As the year progresses, we get distracted and it’s easy to stray from our New Year’s intentions. We start out with a sense of commitment, but following through requires tenacity beyond New Year’s Eve. That’s where the Goal Book comes in. It not only lists your goals and resolutions, it logs your progress toward them, giving you the encouragement to stick to your resolutions.</p>
<p>Here are some tips we discovered that helped us get the most out of this amazing tool:</p>
<p><strong>1. Work with a Partner.</strong> Two heads really are better than one, especially when both are working towards the same goal. When you work with a partner, you make a quasi-public commitment to do something and that challenges you to stay on track. You both will look forward to posting in your Goal Book once-a-week. When something productive happens or you reach a milestone, you can’t wait to share it and post it. When you post together, you often remind each other of events that might otherwise go overlooked.</p>
<p><strong>2. List Last Year’s Successes.</strong> At the end of every year, make a list of the accomplishments you have made in every category. When you start a new book for the New Year, put last year’s accomplishments on page one. Your history of achievements in each area will reinforce your ability to succeed. This will be encouraging and empowering when setting your goals and resolutions for the New Year.</p>
<p><strong>3. Post Weekly.</strong> Getting into a disciplined routine may be challenging at first. But as you begin making progress, you will look forward to posting the “scoreboard” with the progress you have made toward your goals. What if you miss a week? No problem. Just enter twice the posts. Try not to let it go too long lest you forget the progress you have made. It’s the constant reminder that we are making progress that keeps us on track and excited about achieving our goals.</p>
<p><strong>4. Review Your Achievements.</strong> Some weeks we don’t make much progress in some areas, so that’s when we review our progress in the past. We usually read 4 or 5 past posts leading up to the present. It reminds us that we are progressing, albeit slowly and incrementally. That keeps us going. Also, because we post in several categories, we see progress in other areas, and that’s encouraging.</p>
<p><strong>5. Celebrate your Successes.</strong> When you do finally achieve a goal or have a major breakthrough in one category, celebrate! It’s important to stop and take the time to acknowledge your achievement. It empowers you to take on the next challenge, and it is fun. Don’t take small successes for granted and immediately focus on what’s next. Acknowledgement builds confidence and commitment.</p>
<p>The Goal Book is a great way to break down our goals into bite-sized pieces, and gives us the regular validation that keeps us going. Constant review and posting keeps us focused on our goals and helps us see every opportunity that comes our way. Are you ready to make your New Year’s Resolutions list? This year put it in a Goal Book.</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-3-how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions/">The Goal Book – Part 3 How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Goal Book – Part 2 Identify your Goal Categories</title>
		<link>https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-2-identify-your-goal-categories/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Houlihan &#38; Bonnie Harvey]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:50:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Achieving Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thebarefootspirit.com/?p=3117</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>December is the last month we have to put together our wish list for 2013. Most of us will wait until the last day to scribble down some sort of resolutions or plans we hope to accomplish for the New Year. But, how do you get started? Last time we shared a tool that we [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-2-identify-your-goal-categories/">The Goal Book – Part 2 Identify your Goal Categories</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-2.jpg" rel="lightbox[3117]"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-3116" title="Goal Book - Part 2" src="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-2-249x300.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="300" srcset="https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-2-249x300.jpg 249w, https://thebarefootspirit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Goal-Book-Part-2.jpg 831w" sizes="(max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px" /></a>December is the last month we have to put together our wish list for 2013. Most of us will wait until the last day to scribble down some sort of resolutions or plans we hope to accomplish for the New Year. But, how do you get started?</p>
<p>Last time we shared a tool that we have used for years to organize our goals and keep track of the progress we make – the Goal Book. It is a road map, a reminder, and a scoreboard. The regular postings and history of milestones encourage us to stay focused even when we seem to be making no progress. It helps us keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities, ideas and contacts that will move us forward.</p>
<p>So it becomes a fun game and we look forward to reviewing the Goal Book every Sunday. And when we do, we go through each goal category, read the goal and the last few posts, and spend a few minutes recalling what progress has occurred this week. Then we make entries.</p>
<p>The posts are dated, brief, and historical facts &#8211; no opinions, speculations, or wishful dreaming. You can post contacts and resources that may help you; with the understanding they are steps in the right direction, not achievements. Sometimes weeks go by with nothing to post in one particular area, but that’s OK. We post achievements in other categories and that gives us a feeling of expectation that there <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">will</span></em> be a breakthrough, achievement or insight because we have seen it before.</p>
<p>We suggest you start your own Goal Book. Pick up a small 3-ring binder and create a section for each category where you state your goals, resolutions or plans for the coming year.</p>
<p>So what are the Goal Categories? You can make up your own, but just to get you started, here are the general categories that have worked well for us:</p>
<p><strong>Health.</strong> For us, this includes achieving and maintaining our ideal weight, improving our diet, and getting regular exercise. It also includes mental health, vacations, and self-improvement goals, such as a new skill.</p>
<p><strong>Wealth.</strong> Here we put not only our financial goals, but also income-related projects. Equity, investments, savings and expense reductions also fit here.</p>
<p><strong>Home.</strong> We all have plans to improve our environment whether its purchases, improvements, energy savings or even closets that need organizing. This category can also be a catch all for things such as upgrading our wardrobe, transportation, and technology.</p>
<p><strong>Spirit.</strong> Acknowledging the apparently random and coincidental interconnectivity of favorable events that move us toward our goals seems to us to result in more of them. This is may be considered religious or “woo woo”, but whatever you call it, it makes it more fun and encouraging.</p>
<p><strong>Social.</strong> Family, friends, and associates we want to cultivate relationships with go here. We have a calendar under this category where we post upcoming events that we look forward to and prepare for, as well as new people we meet.</p>
<p>Feel free to use categories that seem more appropriate for you. We review and reorganize our categories every year. It’s amazing how simple this system is and how well it works for us. Next time we will discuss the mindset, partnerships and strategies that can make your Goal Book an even more effective tool to achieve your goals and stick to your resolutions.</p>
<div class="whoweare">
<h3>Who We Are</h3>
<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4564" src="https://consumerbrandbuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Michael-Bonnie-at-Bloomberg-2-300x253.jpg" alt="Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey Barefoot Wine Founders" width="300" height="253" />
<p>Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey co-authored the New York Times bestselling business book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Barefoot-Spirit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America’s #1 Wine Brand</em></a>. The book has been selected as recommended reading in the CEO Library for CEO Forum, the C-Suite Book Club, and numerous university classes on business and entrepreneurship. It chronicles their humble beginnings from the laundry room of a rented Sonoma County farmhouse to the board room of E&amp;J Gallo, who ultimately acquired their brand and engaged them as brand consultants. Barefoot is now the world’s largest wine brand.</p>

<p>Beginning with virtually no money and no wine industry experience, they employed innovative ideas to overcome obstacles, create new markets and forge strategic alliances. They pioneered <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=worthy+cause+marketing">Worthy Cause Marketing</a> and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/?s=performance+based+compensation">performance-based compensation</a>. They built an internationally bestselling brand and received their industry’s “Hot Brand” award for several consecutive years.</p>

<p>They offer their <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/Entrepreneurs-GPS">Guiding Principles for Success (GPS)</a> to help entrepreneurs become successful. Their book, <a href="https://xk208.infusionsoft.com/app/orderForms/The-Entrepreneurial-Culture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Entrepreneurial Culture: 23 Ways To Engage and Empower Your People</em></a><em>, </em>helps corporations maximize the value of their human resources.</p>

<p>Currently they travel the world leading workshops, trainings, &amp; keynoting at <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/business-school-speaking-testimonials/">business schools</a>, <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/conference-speaking-testimonials/">corporations, conferences</a>. They are regular media guests and <a href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/contributed-articles/">contributors</a> to international publications and professional journals. They are <a href="http://c-suitenetworkadvisors.com/advisor/michael-houlihan-and-bonnie-harvey/">C-Suite Network Advisors &amp; Contributing Editors</a>. Visit their popular brand building site at <a href="http://www.consumerbrandbuilders.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.consumerbrandbuilders.com</a>.</p>

<p>To make inquiries for keynote speaking, trainings or consulting, please contact <a href="mailto:sales@thebarefootspirit.com">sales@thebarefootspirit.com</a>.</p>
</div><p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com/the-goal-book-part-2-identify-your-goal-categories/">The Goal Book – Part 2 Identify your Goal Categories</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://thebarefootspirit.com">The Barefoot Spirit</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

<!--
Performance optimized by W3 Total Cache. Learn more: https://www.boldgrid.com/w3-total-cache/

Page Caching using disk: enhanced 
Database Caching 90/134 queries in 0.081 seconds using disk

Served from: thebarefootspirit.com @ 2026-04-09 03:45:06 by W3 Total Cache
-->