This personal improvement article is written by Leanne Hoagland-Smith.

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Did you achieve your sales goals in 2007. With the end of the year quickly coming to an end, are you starting to think of how to increase sales in 2008?

What are sales? Simple question, but many people cannot provide a quick definition. What I have learned is that until we clearly define terms such as sales, marketing and success, we expend a lot of energy on trying to hit moving targets.

"Sales is an emotional and logical process where a buyer and a seller are engaged in a mutually beneficial relationship that involves the exchange of something, usually money, for something, usually a product or service, that will meet specific needs both known and unknown of the buyer."

Beyond having a sales process that works with the above definition, to increase sales for 2008 also means that you should have a sales plan. This sales plan should be aligned to your overall strategic business growth action plan as well as your marketing plan.

As in any plan, you should be monitoring the results from the various goals to the key performance sales indicators on your Sales Dashboard. Note: In business, your dashboard is very much like the dashboard in your vehicle. When there are problems with your vehicle, lights go on and you know that you need to take action before something really serious happens.

A simple strategic sales growth action plan should include these goal categories:

• Continuous Learning
• Productivity
• Revenue
• Self Leadership Skills
• Time Management
• Personal Life Balance

Finally, ask yourself this question: How much increase in sales or revenue do I want to in 2008? Use this answer to work yourself back to determine monthly and weekly goals. Planning is a lot easier than most people realize.

Take action to think about what should be in your strategic sales growth action plan. Then commit those goals to writing, work them and you will see realize your sales goals in 2008.

Do you want more sales? Then register for free professional sales skills assessment http://www.processspecialist.com/sales-skill-assessment.htm.

NOTE: Customer loyalty is the strategic advantage. Receive your downloadable Customer Loyalty Audit at http://www.processspecialist.com/customer-loyalty.htm

Please contact, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, Your Chief People Officer and Business Coach, who works with individuals and organizations just like you that are tired of not being where they want to be and truly want more for their businesses and their selves. 219.508.2859