“What the heck, I know where I’m going. I don’t need a specific plan.”

But, do we really know where we are going? Just before Christmas, I took a trip just across town. I knew where I was going—only to get lost along the way. They had built a new shopping plaza that caught my eye as I drove right past my turn… Yup, it’s that easy to get distracted and lost in business too.

Is planning just a wing and a dream for you?

You might be thinking:

“I know what I want to do this year.”

“I wrote some notes, somewhere, last year.”

“I don’t need to waste time with a strategic plan!”

We dream about where we want to go. We may even seriously think about what we want. But do we really know how to get there…

Did you achieve everything in 2006 that you wanted to? If not, maybe a quick, one page strategic plan can chart the course for success this year.

A strategic plan creates focus for the business—not distracted by all the Bright Shiny Opportunities (more about BSOs in a later note) that come our way… It is all too easy to get involved in Bright Shiny Opportunities (BSOs). Distracting us from our true dreams. It’s impossible to be everything to everyone. Some of those BSOs may even be great opportunities, but will they really get you where you want to go? If not, it may be an opportunity better left to another person or another time.

Early in 2006, I wasn’t getting the success I was wanting. My friend, Andrew, from TheBeautyResource.com (who, by the way, is a great business coach) told me to remain focused and pull out my plan… “I don’t have time as it is”, I whined. He reminded me that I have personally experienced multiple benefits from goal setting– my top 3 benefits in developing a strategic plan and goals for my own business have been:

• Improved financial status
• Peace of mind
• More time with my family

Let’s all begin the year with a plan in place. Nothing elaborate is required. It can be done on one page. Over the next several articles, we will go over how to put a plan together, but first, focus on what you and your business is really all about.

For clarity, jot down the answers to:

What is the purpose of my business?

Go beyond that it is to sell XYZ Widgets. Be specific.

Why does the company exist? E.g.,
— XYZ Widgets provide hardware solutions to the home construction industry, in the Northwest.
— XYZ Widgets provides quality employment for 100 people in Anytown.
— XYZ Widgets provides my family and I the lifestyle we want.
List everything, every reason no matter what comes to mind. No reason is too silly.

Develop clarity early. It will make the entire planning process easier. Spend some time with it, it’s worth it in the long run.

So why does your company exist?
———–
A Wing and a Dream or Success~
The road to success is paved with Bright, Shiny, Opportunities.
Stay focused.
—Sharon Sayler impressionengineers.com

A printable Action Quote pdf—Wing and Dream.pdf