Have that business plan done? If you have even half of it done, congratulations! I hope you did it in the right order. If you’re ready to create your action plan, you’ll love this post.
Don’t Start at the End of the Planning Process!
“What actions should I put in my business plan for next year?” “What should I do?” “Give me what to do so I’ll do everything right next year.” Unfortunately, that’s doing your business plan backwards. It’s like starting at the end of a piece of music and playing it to the beginning. Creating your action plan is the last thing you should do in your business plan.
What You CAN ‘Copy’ for a Great Business Plan every Time
Another thing you may have heard from agents: “Give me a business plan.” or “I want to use _______’s plan.” That’s another big mistake. It’s your business and it needs to be your plan. However, what you can copy is the process for a great plan. In fact, Dwight D. Eisenhower (former US President), said, “The planning is everything. The plan is nothing.” What he meant was that it’s the thought process that’s important. So, use a planning process that takes you and your agents through the necessary steps. (See Beyond the Basics of Business Planning, for an online business planning system based on the strategic planning process).
10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Create the Right Action Plan for You
Recently, I did a business planning webinar for an association. I provided attendees with 10 questions to ask themselves. The answers to these questions provide the guidance needed to create that effective, individualized business plan. Here are those questions for you to use as you create your plan.
Your Answers will Inspire you to Make AND Use your Plan
Using these 10 questions will motivate you to create plans that work. Let me know your results!
