I have a big issue with long-term business planning.... actually, I have many. 1. It’s very hard to predict the future; 2. I have enough trouble thinking about next month, let alone the next few years; 3. Most small business owners don’t have the time, resources or industry data to make sound predictions or meaningful plans and 4. I actually find it quite daunting to think of everything that is required of me to make my goals a reality, so setting the goals in the first place becomes a bit overwhelming.
However, I still believe it is very important to have an eye on the bigger picture of my business – I mean, let’s face it, if all I have to look forward to for the next 30-odd years is more of the same.... well, that doesn’t exactly turn me on.
I know many small business owners find business planning just as challenging as I do.... which is why I recommend planning in a ‘general’ sense – clarifying the picture of the general essence of your business in the longer term rather than creating a list of ‘disconnected’ targets.
Answering questions like....
-
Who will I be working with?
- How will I fill my days?
- What will my business be known for?
- What kind of lifestyle do I want to have and how will my business support that?
.... give you a sense of the general direction you need to take your business.... and gives you benchmarks against which you can measure new opportunities or strategies.
Once you have this kind of picture in your mind, then you can create short-term goals or focus points for moving closer to your bigger picture. Personally, I work well with a 6-month plan... that keeps me focussed on key projects and strategies that move me closer to my bigger picture outcomes. Once those projects are complete, the next strategies become apparent... and I keep moving forward with flexibility and within the context of the wider economy.... all the while moving closer to my big picture outcomes.
How do you stay focussed on your bigger picture? Vision boards? Goals? Traditional business plan? Other business plan format? Let me know in the comments below.
Igniting your business performance through strategy and mentoring,
Cat
