Thinking Ahead - Adaptive Business Services

I recently published a post of next step planning in sales. This post is similar, yet different. It’s about thinking ahead.

In 2006, I made the decision to go out on my own. I had a beginning plan to do so (be an independent sales contractor), but I was also working on a plan(s) for what would come next. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. I was planning for what would happen if Plan A imploded. In 2008 the recession hit and … kaboom!

Fortunately, I had already created and activated my Plan B which I then devoted the entirety of my efforts towards. Over the past 15 years I have been methodically testing and implementing Plan C and I have completed the groundwork to transition to this next phase full-time. Plan B expires at the end of this year.

Along the way there have been wins as well as abject failures. Probably more of the latter. However, I’m feeling pretty confident that I have a solid plan in place moving forward. How long I will do this remains to be seen, but I’ll always be planning ahead.

I’ll turn 69 this year. In 2005 I was at a crossroads. Work my ass off in management for another 10 to 12 years, retire, and then probably die soon after (not a joke) or … work at doing things that I enjoy and find stimulating and work as long as I want and as hard (or not) as I want.

The bottom line is, as things stand today, I have no plans for full-retirement. I also have no plans for full-work. Instead I’ll work, play, and buy more guitars. Let’s see how long I can go. I’m already thinking ahead about Plan D.

When I was in sales, my goals were to always make fewer calls yet to secure more sales. Now my goals are … less work, mo’ money. I like this plan!

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Craig M. Jamieson

Managing Member at Adaptive Business Services

Craig M. Jamieson is a lifelong B2B salesperson, manager, owner, and a networking enthusiast. Adaptive Business Services provides solutions related to the sales professional. We are a Nimble CRM Solution Partner. Craig also conducts training and workshops primarily in social selling and communication skills. Craig is also the author of "The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM", now available on Amazon!