The BIG Plan

, The BIG Plan

The magic of the business plan is not the “plan” itself, but the process that the business goes through in putting it together, and then using it as a living document to guide and direct the business. Here are 5 Steps necessary to begin the Planning Process:


1. Know where your business is going.

Do you have a vision of what you want your business to look like in 5 years? 10 years? It’s impossible to put together a realistic plan if you don’t have a destination in mind.

2. Break the plan down into realistic chunks.
Rather than just do an annual plan, break it down into Quarterly Plans so that you can focus on short-term accomplishments while working towards long-range goals.

3. Assign tasks to team members.
Do not think you can do everything yourself. Make sure you get your team involved in fulfilling the plan.

4. Dedicate a block of time to do the plan.
Once a quarter spend an entire day away from your business putting the plan together. This will get you away from all of your day-to-day distractions and help you focus on completing the plan.

5. Have a Business Coach assist you.
Having an outsider’s perspective to give you ideas and guidance keeps you from developing unrealistic expectations, and going down a direction that doesn’t make sense for you and your business. Having a solid and realistic business plan can help you overcome the pitfalls that every business owner will encounter. Start today, and make your future happen.

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2 Comments

  1. Terry Murphy 31st July 2010 at 16:16

    Exactly right… A lot of people say a Business Plan is only as good as the day it is written, because it varies so quickly. There is some truth in this, but it is NOT a license to “not bother”.

    Success is often just about focus. The off-site is fabulously powerful, but remember it includes NO email and NO mobile phones. If you business cannot do with you out for a day, it is way too delicate…strengthen it this quarter!

    Reply
  2. Sire 20th May 2012 at 07:45

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a culoeagle who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

    Reply

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