Do You Know Where Your Business is Headed?
No matter what time of year it is, if you don't have a clear and concise written plan for where your business is heading you're in for a surprise. Twelve months from now it will end up somewhere, you just won't know where. In most cases where you find yourself will not be where you hoped you would be. The key word to notice in the previous sentence is 'hope' - successful businesses aren't run on hope.
Why not try on a new perspective and see planning as a way to reduce future frustration and disappointment instead of seeing it as a boring task you are supposed to do. Stay connected to the positive feelings you want to have about your business. Focus on having a business that is thriving, profitable, fun, and provides value to your clients.
You may have heard this metaphor before but stick with me because it is so powerful in illustrating why written goals, plans, and strategies are critical to the success of your business. Imagine a trip you have always wanted to take. Think about all the detailed preparation and planning involved in making it happen.
How will you get there (train, bus, boat, fly, walk)? How long will it take you to get there (two hours, three days, one week)? How much money do you need to get there (hundreds, thousands)? How much money will you need when you get there? What tools and equipment do you need to take with you (clothes, maps, books)? What kind of preparations do you need to make (reservations, visa/passport, shots)?
So how does this apply to your business? Think about taking your business on an adventure trip. Where do you want to take it and how will you get it there? It doesn't have to be complicated and can even fit on one piece of paper. Yes, you must write it down. Here are five simple questions to get you started:
1) How much money will your business make over the next twelve months?
2) What will you sell and for what price?
3) How many clients will you need to reach this goal?
"Do You Know Where Your Business is Headed? - Page 2"
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"Do You Know Where Your Business is Headed? - Page 2"
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