The sun is shining in California this morning, the birds are chirping outside my window and my mind is speeding down my virtual runway. 

Have my teams executed as expected?  Which organizational touch points need my attention for the day?  At the top of my list . . .  actual company revenue targets for the month of April, sales department objective attainment, project management profitability analysis and, of course, what is the weather so I can pick out the perfect dress?

Luckily, my companion mentions my weather concerns are easily addressed by an iPhone app.  He solved one of my  top items in less than two minutes. Access to pertinent information at his fingertips — I just love technology. 

Once the perfect dress is identified, my remaining thoughts are solved with SharePoint executive dashboards.  Real-time, dynamic data pulled from my accounting application, my contact management application and my professional services automation tool.  You see, I have already defined the metrics that matter most to me. SharePoint delivers this information, allowing me to make educated decisions with specific information about the business.  All the while, I am fashionably prepping for the day.

I can view profitability metrics, gauge sales performance and review dynamic pipeline on my iPad – securely.   Every project, every milestone, every piece of information I need is right at my fingertips. Just like the perfect pair of earrings or the bangles that make the couture sparkle, SharePoint sets the tone for the day and enables me for success.

Just like the perfect little black dress, it’s all about the fit, and I can tell you that SharePoint fits seamlessly into any business. If you’re like me, seeing is believing which is why I’m giving a presentation in Burlingame, CA on May 24^th to share my firsthand experiences with SharePoint and demonstrate the business process automation features. You can get a sneak peak right now, just check out my YouTube video, enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuLEKf3FS3A

March Madness is in full swing and I am addicted to the intensity.  One shot, one chance to be successful and move on to the next round.  The desire to be the Champion is presented in every shot, every rebound, every foul.  You can see it in each player’s eyes, a loss is devastating.

I can relate to this intensity through business.  The passion to win, the motivation to execute flawlessly.    I am inspired by those who have chalked up the past two years as a moment in time and taken 2012 in full force.  The past is boring — setting the stage for the future you desire is where it is at!  The desire to be successful each day, with intensity, separates the men from the boys.  I say this as a woman in business with the same desire, but must use this term to prove my point.  2012 has been a great year, but March Madness has reminded me success is a choice, not a chance. Have you taken your shot today?

Fifteen years ago I sat in a boardroom waiting to present my first sales forecast to a business consultant we all referred to as Uncle Ed.  He had a fierceness about him that we all dreaded. There was no smoke and mirrors with Uncle Ed.  He taught me at a very early age sales success could be predicted with the proper forecasting strategy. 

Over the years, I have refined this process and virtually eliminated the opportunity for my sales team to make statements such as, “Well, the customer SAID it was my deal” or “They promised to provide signatures.”  The bottom line is there is not hope in sales, and it is up to the executive leadership team to build a foundation where sales forecasts are an emotionless resource for the organization to predict revenue expectations. 

If your organization is held ho$tage by an emotional sales cycle, ask yourself, “Does my CRM solution provide milestone-based metrics for which the entire sales department uses to streamline their focus and increase their close ratio? Do these milestones translate to your average sales cycle? Hindsight is 20/20.  Did your forecast of the past predict revenue of today?  Did it come close?” Managing milestones that ring consistent through a sales department prove to increase the desired results for both the sales professional and the organization. 

So call in the swat team and let’s end this showdown today.