SMALL BUSINESS -10

Starting A Business With Ease!!

Starting a business is the beginning of a journey. You have a destination and a way of travel. You have a travel agent and you will have to deal with people along the way. There may even be obstacles to overcome such as detours because of accidents or bridges that are out. Would you begin a journey like this without a map? A map for a business journey is called a business plan. A business plan is the most important step in starting your own business. You must have a plan in mind and on paper to get loans any type of investing support.

Introduction

Your first page will be a cover page that will have the name of your business and the names and addresses of all the people involved. The second page will be the introduction. You will explain in a few simple sentences what your business does and relate any of it's accomplishments. Write any information that will capture the imagination of the reader so that he will read on! Also it could be good to let the reader know what is needed from him.

Product or Service

Describe in detail your product. Is it one of kind? Is your way of marketing it unique? Is your location the best? If any of these are true of your business now is the time to express it. A simple drawing or a couple of pictures may enhance this page.

Customers/Marketing

You will not be able to travel without customers. They will provide fuel for the trip. So who are the customers in your business??? How many are there and how will you find them? The more data and statistics that you have to show that you really know your customers, the more credibility you will have.

On the marketing side be specific about how much money you will spend to get them to give you their hard earned money for your product. What is your marketing strategy?

Competition

On this page you will build confidence in your reader. What obstacles do you envision? What have you done to prepare for them?

Management

On a trip there are reservations to be made and itineraries to create. Who will do this is your business? Name this person and his credentials. This will show that a qualified person is definitely in charge. What exactly will his responsibilities include?

Financial Page

What are your financial expectations? Predict your sales and list the expenses that will be incurred.

Subtract the second from the first. Hopefully you have reached your destination. It is prudent to have an attorney who is familiar with business law to evaluate your final copy.
With your business plan completed you will be able to convince your peers that you mean business.

You will impress upon your suppliers the need to be ready for you. The bank will conclude that it will be profitable for them to assist you on your journey. Most of all you will keep yourself on tract by avoiding side roads which lead to nowhere. This will help your business succeed.

SMALL BUSINESS -9

Seeking Business Advice When Starting A Telemarketing Business

Are you planning to launch your own telemarketing business? There are many things to learn before you jump into this business. Drawing up a business plan is one of the first things you will need to do; then, you will also need some sound business advice from a lawyer or similar entity who will point you in the right direction, regarding the licenses you require and all the legalities involved.

It is very important to launch your business correctly and with the right manpower, or it will steer you away from success instead of towards your success. Interview people for telemarketing jobs and choose the marketing professional staff that has both charm and wit, because that is what will count when he or she speaks on the phone with prospective clients. The voice, attitude and "thinking on their feet" types of wit, are only a few of the pre-requisites required by a quality call center.

A business plan should involve enough advice from experts so that the call center can be established without too much trouble. Look at your business plan and ask the following questions. Does it look like a viable business proposition? Is everything put down in a structured and easy to follow format?

What does the business purpose and is the objective clear to you? Is there any strategy worked out for the business to roll on? Do you need a direct marketing association to back you in this endeavor? Are the goals and objective clear and attainable?

The business advice you seek can help you in many ways, but mostly it is to put you on the correct track and keep you there. The best action plans have the financial resources clearly budgeted, as well as the activities you need to take up as well. There is a lot of competition from related marketing fields, and you should be astute enough to stay ahead.

There are many things you can do only if you plan strategically, no matter what the other mobile marketing or market direct companies are offering. Use a SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as a guide.

Overall, whenever you are planning to launch a business, not only a telemarketing one, you need to have a business plan drawn up. You also need sound and legal business advice that will help you orient yourself within the legal parameters.

Among the most important aspects that a business plan should include are a marketing strategy, a contingency plan, reports on your competitors' success stories and what it was that motivated them into this business. You need to have more than one excellent marketing professional to achieve your goals as well.

SMALL BUSINESS - 8

The Business Plan Purpose - Why You Need One for Your Small Business

Any small business needs a plan. Even if it is only a one page piece of paper on the fridge, some form of plan is critical to business success. The business plan purpose is primarily to force small business owners to look at their industry, products, operations, management and finances. From here they can set business goals and objectives.

While the process of analysis is extremely beneficial, the business plan purpose also extends into other areas including using the plan to monitor and grow the business, obtain finance, sell the business and even motivate employees.

Purpose 1: Critical Analysis

Simply undertaking the planning process itself forces you to critically analyse all aspects of the business. You may already think you do this regularly (although not formally with pen and paper), but do you truly cover all facets of your business?

Do you continually look to your customers, competitors and industry for new trends, ideas and opportunities?

Are you on top of your finances and cash flow position?

Have you set goals and objectives and put in place the planning for your business for the next 6 months? 12 months? 3 years?

Do you know what marketing is working for your business and have forward planning in place for advertising, promotion and web marketing?

If you answered NO to any of these questions, it's time to implement or revise your business plan. All of these questions, plus many more should be answered in the plan.

Even if you are a solo, home-based business, you need to critically analyse your business and have a plan. Like anything, if you don't have a map, you won't get to your destination.

Purpose 2: Monitor, Maintain and Develop Business

So now that you have your small business plan in place, it needs to be reviewed regularly. Another key business plan purpose is to provide a tool to help monitor, maintain and grow your business.

Set business objectives, put plans in place, monitor results and make adjustments as necessary. Taking the time to regularly spend on your plan and revising it will go a long way to ensuring your business growth and success.

Purpose 3: Funding and Investment

Many small businesses require bank funding or seek investment. In this situation, the business plan purpose is to act as a financing proposal.

Just by having a plan will put you in front of many other small business owners and certainly be viewed favourably by lenders and investors. In fact, some will not even give you a second glance without this information.

Purpose 4: Business Sale

Although it may seem pointless if you have reached this stage in your business, a well written business plan will help not only sell your business, but could result in a higher price. It will indicate to prospective purchasers that the business is well planned and give some security that a road map is in place for the future.

Purpose 5: Employee Morale

Another underestimated business plan purpose is to use the plan to keep employees informed about the business. While some business owners may cringe at this thought, it is a great way to get staff involved in the business, encourage feedback and help implement the plan.

It is not necessary to give the full plan if you don't want to include sensitive information such as financials. Whatever format you present it in, staff will gain an instant sense of ownership and involvement that could prove very valuable

SMALL BUSINESS - 7

Benefits of data entry outsourcing to India based BPO Company

Data the backbone of a company and it provides comprehensive source for multiplying the business by leaps and bounds, transcending the continents and cultures. Benefits of data entry outsourcing are many and the expandable outsourcing methodologies provide ample of virtues in money and processes. Data entry as a generalized term includes important virtual services such as data conversion, data mining, image processing, image editing, web data entry, data extraction, offshore data processing, alpha numeric data entry, book data entry, data entry, tabulation, photo cropping, OCR scanning and cleaning, legal data entry, scientific data entry, etc. All these serve as a stronghold to get the processes of any organization streamlined without spending much of time and resources.

When taking the benefits of data entry outsourcing into account, it is equally necessary for the organization to calculate the need of data entry services and many other important allied resources that virtually go along with it. In addition, it is also necessary to know the format in which the final version of data is to be used, because at the end the most important aspect is, ready availability and user-friendliness. And it is an obvious thing to go for data that is available for use in a cross platform environment.

Benefits of data entry outsourcing: Synchronizing the Virtual Processes

There are numerous benefits of data entry outsourcing. In today’s knowledge driven world, data entry services offer sigh of relief to KPOs and LPOs who have major thrust on varied knowledge sectors and therefore cannot afford much of their resources or time in data entry and allied services.

• Complete Data Management: When outsourcing the data entry needs to third party, the companies get the natural benefit of having managed and synchronized data on their desktops for the perusal. This ensures the companies to save largely on time factor. What’s the best is that some of the managed data can also be used for repository purposes.
• Time Saving and High Efficiency: Time is critical in the competitive and technology based work environments. Everything in or out of organization is primarily done to get maximum possible benefits in minimum possible time. Therefore, as one of the important benefits of data entry outsourcing is that it minimizes time spending and this consequently leads to high efficiency in the business processes.
• High Quality Data: The ultimate purpose of outsourcing the data entry is to get quality as well as quantity work. Quality cannot be compromised in the era of globalization. Moreover, quantity also needs to be delivered at all times. Any leeway that comes across in data entry work is removed and this gives the beneficial overhead when the companies tie up for outsourcing data entry.
• Affordable: The biggest benefits of data entry outsourcing are reduced costing and maximized earnings. The companies get the bulk work done at affordable costs and with ready-to-use data, the companies can invest it on their core activities and functional processes, without wasting any time.

With all these benefits into play, data entry outsourcing is the blooming market with all its potential and expandability. Cignus Web is a key player with vast experience in all type of data entry works offer large range of data entry services. The services that they provide here will surely help you boost your productivity and reduce your burden by outsourcing most important and time consuming operations data entry, data digitization and offshore data entry jobs.

HEALTH & FITNESS -6

Information About Exercise Bikes Online

When you finally decide to actually purchase an exercise bike, its important to first figure out where you are going to put the bike, this is so you can figure out what type of bike you want as well as how much room you will need for the bike. The second thing your going to want to do is think about whether you want an upright, semi-recumbent or recumbent exercise bike. The bike that you do choose should be comfortable enough for you to sit in but should also have good posture and an adjustable seat option as well. if you are going to buy a bike online, obviously you aren't going to be able to test it out first so the second best thing is to look fir reviews online. Thankfully fir your sake I have found a few highly reviewed bikes that are available online, so go ahead and take a look at the following products available to you right now online:

Stamina CPS 9200 Indoor Cycle Exercise Bike -
The CPS 9200 Indoor Cycle exercise bike gives you the feel of a real road bike with it's weighted flywheel that builds speed link an outdoor bike. Strong and durable steel construction lets you stand up and pedal hard while the support of the rock-solid base keeps you steady.

Deluxe Conversion II Recumbent Bike and Rower -
These are awesome because its like a two in one machine! It is constructed with an extruded aluminum rowing beam and steel construction for increased durability. With eight levels of resistance and an easy-to-see LCD screen which keeps track of distance, speed, calories burned, and pulse (measured by sensors in grips), the rower bike will motivate you during your low-impact, comfortable workout. The Stamina recumbent bicycle is very quiet, has a cushioned, foam-padded seat and seat back, and foot-straps which hold your feet firmly in place for the ultimate comfort.

Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike -
With the Elite Total Body Recumbent Bike, you work all major muscles in your thighs, buttocks, and hips while getting a great cardiovascular workout. In addition, the Elite Total Body Recumbent bike tones your upper body muscle groups with rotating handlebars.

InTone Folding Recumbent Bike -
The InTone Folding Recumbent Bike tones your thighs, hips, and buttocks while you get an effective low-impact cardiovascular workout. With the easy mobility of the unit and it's folding design, the InTone Folding Recumbent Bike is portable and easy to store. Other features of this bike include; a quiet motor, a cushioned seat and seat back, and foam-padded grips, providing for a very comfortable, low-impact workout. The adjustable seat can fit all heights, and allows for you to workout in a semi-reclined position, eliminating back and shoulder strain. The LCD monitor tracks workout time, speed, distance, and calories burned, so you will remain motivated as you meet your goals!

HEALTH & FITNESS -5

How to Choose Exercise Equipment

Nothing can be more important than health and fitness. We all need to look after our health and take steps to improve our fitness. What we eat and drink plays a huge part in how healthy we are. Sticking to a healthy diet is as important as taking regular exercise. Many people enjoy going to the gym, others prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own home. It really doesn`t matter how, where or when we take exercise, just as long as we are doing a reasonable amount on a regular basis.

Exercise equipment comes in many different forms and at vastly different prices. Buying a simple skipping rope for a few pounds can provide valuable exercise in the same way as paying thousands of pounds for an elaborate gym standard exercise machine. Some people set a room or a garage aside in their home to set up their own gymnasium, others are happy to have an exercise bike in the corner of a room.

Exercise bikes come in all shapes and sizes and in all price ranges. At the lower end of the price range is the basic upright machine that is designed around the same design as a bicycle. At the upper end of the price range is the recumbent, fully programmable machine. Both machines provide aerobic exercise for the user. Many bikes offer options for riding up and down hills and controlling your heart rate.

Treadmills are another popular option for the home gym or those buying a single machine. Again treadmills can be low cost and basic through to fully programmable. Some are foldable for easy storage and others are solid and can take up a fairly large area of space. All are excellent sources of cardio vascular exercise. Again these machines can be set to simulate going up or down hills, vary the amount of resistance and alter the speed and distance from a slow walk to a full on run.

Rowing machines are available in three different forms: air, water or magnetic rowers. All three provide low impact cardio vascular exercise and are suitable for all age groups as they work all the major muscle groups. These machines offer good value for money as they provide good a good all round workout.

Elliptical cross trainers again provide an all round workout that is effective and low impact. They are now almost as popular as treadmills and exercise bikes. However, these are quite complex machines and caution should be practised when buying a cheaper machine.

HEALTH & FITNESS -4

Basic Exercise Equipments That You Should Know

You want to have that curvaceous body just like the women you see in glitzy magazines? You are sweating it out to get six packs similar to the lifeguards flocking in the shorelines of Miami? Actually, there is really nothing wrong with all of those but there should be a deeper reason for attaining such. It should not only be because you have to appear physically attractive or handsome instead, it should be that you are toiling on to achieve better health that it may result to a more balanced lifestyle holistically. If the purpose is only on the exterior aspect, it would not be satisfaction guaranteed because after all, what matters most is the heart.

Dumbbell Rack by Tier is an exercise equipment that keeps your workout properly managed as well as, safely. This dumbbell rack can be placed in any room after using it. It has a heavy gauge steel that has welded four sides and deburred all over. It can also be easily gripped on one pair each that weighs around 5- 50 pounds. There is also an optional third that permits storage of up to 70 pounds with a heavy- duty mainframe feature in a reversed pitched design that allows easy access. Retail price is at $329. 99 but it is for sale at $279. 99.

Hyper Extension by Body Solid is an exercise equipment that is a mixture of an inverted back annex and oblique flexor set at a precise 45 degree angle for total conditioning. This hyper extension can also make your lower behind robust as has a telescoping midsection pads that can be regulated to any size users. With feature thick and double stitched DuraFirm pads, it adds comfort and support. Its oversized foam rollers are at 8 inches that will hold you securely in proper position. Retail price is at $319 but it is for sale at $299. 99.

Abdominal Board by Body Solid is an exercise equipment that is focused on a telescoping steel beam. This abdominal board can be adjusted to twelve different positions that can boost or diminish difficulty when performing crunches or sit- ups. It features a wide and think double- stitched pad by DuraFirm with oversized foam rollers at eight inches. It is incredibly effective in secluding the whole region of the abdomen in order maintain great body alignment. Retail price is at $299. 00 but it is for sale at $249. 00.

Roman Chair by PowerTec is an exercise equipment that is the only of its kind that allows a lot of variations for selection. This roman chair has dual system that permits it to be locked at a 45 degree angle in order to perform hyperextensions. The adjustable foot roller system can also be utilized which can be changed into a seat for a flattened position. Its footplate permits for exact location that will provide ease when doing crunches. Retail price is at $299. 99 but it is for sale at $248. 00.

SELF IMPROVEMENT -3

The secret of time management

The best kept secret about time management is that there really is no such thing as good time management. We only get so many hours in the day and there is no way we can change it no matter how hard we try.

The fact is that the real secret of time management is learning to manage ourselves and our own personal energy. We need to adjust how we look at the time we have available to us and how we choose to use it.

If you find that you are struggling to fit all the things you would like to do into the time that is available to you, then it is probably time for a change. The first thing you need to do is to spend some time getting your some clarity about your priorities.

Think about how you really want to spend your time and identify the things that you spend your time on now that you enjoy and that are important to you. These are the things you need to concentrate on and schedule time for. Everything else is just surplus and should be phased out of your life in a way that is comfortable for you.

Another essential part of time management is the ability to be effective with your time. It is not about getting a lot done, but it is about getting the right things done. The things that make you more productive; make you more money; or get you closer to your goals.

For example, if you own a business that sends out a hundred letters a day, effective use of your time is going out and finding a machine to print, fold and stamp letters; or getting a secretary to do it. Ineffective use of your time is spending two hours a day doing it yourself.

So, that's the secret of time management. Only spend time on the things that matter to you, and make sure you use that time effectively.

SELF IMPROVEMENT -2

5 Ways to Manage Your Time While Working Online

If your income is dependent upon the financial success that you achieve online, it is absolutely imperative that you take the time to ensure that you are maximizing each and every minute of your working time.

Productivity is an extremely important element to the overall success of an online business. In order to reach a high level of productivity, time management skills are a must for every home business owner. Here are five ways to help manage your time while working online in turn boosting your productivity and hopefully income.

1) One of the first methods you can implement to manage your time is reducing the amount of time spent on the telephone. One of the biggest time restraints that individuals experience are telephone calls. It is quite easy to experience a severe time lapse while working due to unexpected calls, long conversations, and even calls that are necessary for the overall functionality of your business.

One way to manage this aspect of your time is to turn off the ringer and purchase an answering machine or subscribe to voice mail. Then, you should set aside a time each day to check your messages and return calls as appropriate.

2) The next way that you can manage online work time is to avoid the act of constantly checking email. Just like the phone, this can take up a lot of your time. You should set aside small chunks of time on a daily basis where you can go through your email and respond when needed.

For the average eight hour work day, I recommend setting aside up to four intervals of fifteen minutes a day to handle the task of dealing directly with email. While this may seem like an awful lot of time at first, you will find that it actually saves you time in the end.

3) Do you work at home? Do you have children? If so, you may consider setting up a schedule in a way that works well with the schedule of your partner. This way, your partner can contend with the kids and you can focus on your work instead of sitting down to work and getting interrupted after 5 or 10 minutes. If this is not possible, you may consider implementing the services of a babysitter, daycare or mommy's helper a few days a week. This way, you aren't neglecting your business or your family.

4) If you want to learn ways to manage your time while working online from home, it is important to express to family members, friends, and neighbors that you work at certain times and it is important that you are able to maintain a sound level of productivity while working. Come up with times that these individuals may call you to chat or come by for a visit.

Just like you would set your office hours, so to should you set time aside to spend with your family and friends. You have to have a happy medium for all to benefit from.

Although not always intentional, these friends and family will end up testing you initially and drop by and call anytime. However, if you let them know it is not acceptable and set up appropriate times for these activities, you will find yourself getting more accomplished during these times.

5) The last way for you to better manage your working time is to take breaks. Yes, I said it! You may not believe that by taking a break you can actually increase your overall productivity, but it is quite true! Why do you think employers allow their employees to take small breaks?

It allows the employee to experience a short time of relaxation and also provides them with the opportunity to refresh! You can experience this too, so be sure to work in those breaks and take them - you can always finish what you started when you get back!

One of the best ways for some is to incorporate a daily planner or organizer into your toolkit. When you can put your daily plan down in 'black & white' you'll follow it closer, and maximize your daily production.

As you can see, there are a number of ways to successfully manage your time while working online. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and persistence to come up with successful time management techniques. Here's to a better organized and more profitable online working environment.

SELF IMPROVEMENT -1

Just How Good is YOUR Time Management?

Why does time management remain such a real and widespread problem - and just where should you start when seeking to make improvements.

Who and Why?

Ask anyone if they have a time management problem and the answer is almost always very guarded, and usually non-committal. Test this for yourself with a friend. Now ask that same question of yourself and consider what your response would be. Why do people react so defensively?

The answer is simple. Most people see this as a loaded and rather threatening question equating poor time management with personal failure and poor personal skills that should have been mastered in our formative years.

There is perhaps an element of truth in this, yet I know of no one who has never had a time management problem or believes that they consistently use their time to best effect. This presents a beguiling question. Why is it that a skill we would all want to master is so apparently widespread a weakness and why do so few actually take meaningful steps to remedy that?

As problems with time management are so prevalent for individuals, so it is with businesses and organisations. More often than not the skills required to make significant and lasting improvement are simply missing from the organisation where they are needed, not least because the manager has his/her own problems in this area.

This leads us to another conundrum. Why do businesses seldom address this issue, given that developing better time management skills is perhaps the single most effective way to improve personal and business effectiveness and performance?

The Dreaded Cause

It is possible to make time management improvements using various tools and strategies - and many of these can have significant success. However this will be only limited success because there is really only one cause - and it is this which you must tackle first.

So what is the cause? In short, YOU!

Poor time management is a choice. It really is that simple and that stark. There is no hiding place.

Without addressing the fundamental issues that cause poor time management, it is not possible to make anything more than temporary improvements.

Awareness

Whilst the vast majority are aware that they could significantly improve their time management, I have met few who are fully aware of, or recognise their problems quickly and know just how much scope there is for improvement. Even fewer realise the full extent of the impact that can be made on their lives and businesses by improved time management.

The majority are aware that they could improve their time management skills, but are unsure how to do so, or need help in defining their "shortcomings" in devising ways to make lasting improvements.

Features of Poor Time Management

The ways in which people organise their time varies enormously - and the number of variations is limited only by the number of people. In any business in which two or more people work in cooperation there will be some kind of agreed systems in place to enable that working relationship to function.

However it can be simply amazing how systems can be sabotaged, often unknowingly, because of poor organisation and poor time management. For this reason time management is inextricably linked with the nature of the tasks that are undertaken and can never be improved significantly by simply addressing wholly personal matters such as To Do Lists and diary management. Similarly task management cannot be significantly improved by concentrating solely on the nature and value of individual tasks.

The most commonly suggested remedies of poor time management commence with redefining aims and objectives, goals and targets, but do not tackle the causal issues and so are unlikely to be of any lasting benefit.

Summary

Poor time management is a matter that most people recognise to varying degrees, but prefer not to confront. Lasting improvement comes not from adopting new tools or changing working methods, but from recognising personal traits and their impact on how time is used.

Real and lasting improvement comes NOT from redefining aims,objectives, goals and targets within a business plan (although when done properly this does play a significant part) unless and until the underlying causes are tackled.

SELF IMPROVEMENT -1

Just How Good is YOUR Time Management?

Why does time management remain such a real and widespread problem - and just where should you start when seeking to make improvements.

Who and Why?

Ask anyone if they have a time management problem and the answer is almost always very guarded, and usually non-committal. Test this for yourself with a friend. Now ask that same question of yourself and consider what your response would be. Why do people react so defensively?

The answer is simple. Most people see this as a loaded and rather threatening question equating poor time management with personal failure and poor personal skills that should have been mastered in our formative years.

There is perhaps an element of truth in this, yet I know of no one who has never had a time management problem or believes that they consistently use their time to best effect. This presents a beguiling question. Why is it that a skill we would all want to master is so apparently widespread a weakness and why do so few actually take meaningful steps to remedy that?

As problems with time management are so prevalent for individuals, so it is with businesses and organisations. More often than not the skills required to make significant and lasting improvement are simply missing from the organisation where they are needed, not least because the manager has his/her own problems in this area.

This leads us to another conundrum. Why do businesses seldom address this issue, given that developing better time management skills is perhaps the single most effective way to improve personal and business effectiveness and performance?

The Dreaded Cause

It is possible to make time management improvements using various tools and strategies - and many of these can have significant success. However this will be only limited success because there is really only one cause - and it is this which you must tackle first.

So what is the cause? In short, YOU!

Poor time management is a choice. It really is that simple and that stark. There is no hiding place.

Without addressing the fundamental issues that cause poor time management, it is not possible to make anything more than temporary improvements.

Awareness

Whilst the vast majority are aware that they could significantly improve their time management, I have met few who are fully aware of, or recognise their problems quickly and know just how much scope there is for improvement. Even fewer realise the full extent of the impact that can be made on their lives and businesses by improved time management.

The majority are aware that they could improve their time management skills, but are unsure how to do so, or need help in defining their "shortcomings" in devising ways to make lasting improvements.

Features of Poor Time Management

The ways in which people organise their time varies enormously - and the number of variations is limited only by the number of people. In any business in which two or more people work in cooperation there will be some kind of agreed systems in place to enable that working relationship to function.

However it can be simply amazing how systems can be sabotaged, often unknowingly, because of poor organisation and poor time management. For this reason time management is inextricably linked with the nature of the tasks that are undertaken and can never be improved significantly by simply addressing wholly personal matters such as To Do Lists and diary management. Similarly task management cannot be significantly improved by concentrating solely on the nature and value of individual tasks.

The most commonly suggested remedies of poor time management commence with redefining aims and objectives, goals and targets, but do not tackle the causal issues and so are unlikely to be of any lasting benefit.

Summary

Poor time management is a matter that most people recognise to varying degrees, but prefer not to confront. Lasting improvement comes not from adopting new tools or changing working methods, but from recognising personal traits and their impact on how time is used.

Real and lasting improvement comes NOT from redefining aims,objectives, goals and targets within a business plan (although when done properly this does play a significant part) unless and until the underlying causes are tackled.