“With my own students and my own business, we set up business plans in 12-week blocks. We identify a target, such as adding a new product or service, and then we set up bumpers to keep us on track. Our bumpers are very simple. If something comes along to distract us (a collaboration, joint venture request, podcast interview or request for a new service) we just say, ‘Let’s review that request at the end of the 12 weeks’. At the end of 12 weeks we will have effectively knocked down all the pins. We then review available opportunities and requests before setting up the next lot of pins (set our plans/goals for the next 12-week block). This keeps everyone focused on the key objective, and ensures we deliver on it before moving on to another one.”