Imagine just for a moment going to the grocery store and that you all of a sudden you realize that you left your written grocery list at home. What happens is usually the beginning of a disaster - you SPEND more more, time and feelings. And what you probably didn't realize is that grocery store owner absolutely loves you because your unplanned SPENDING made him that more richer for the day. By not having that written list or plan, you are now on the grocery's owner plan. Your destiny is now controlled by another. Is that you truly want? Now, think about your business. If you don't have a written plan of who does what by when or what some call a strategic plan, then the destiny of your business is potentially being controlled by another and it may just be your competition. Have you ever asked yourself these questions: - Is your business where you wish it to be?
- Do you wonder why others in the same industry appear to have more success?
- Are you curious how others are starting new businesses in the same or similar industry when your business is not growing and possibly faltering?
- Do you feel like you are always behind the competition instead of in front of it?
- Are you tired of putting out fires and scrambling just to make ends meet?
Did you answer yes to any of these questions? Then, maybe it is time to begin working your business instead of in your business. Strategic Planning - who does what by when - may be just what you need to deal with the competition. There is an old adage that those you fail to plan, plan to fail. Thomas Edison recognized this adage, but his positive attitude turned this quote around to: Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning. You can catapult your small business, meet the competition head on and exceed your desired results or goals by taking the action to create an executable (written) strategic plan who does what why when. Or, you could continue to be on your competitors plan, the choice is yours. |
