Top 3 Most
Forgotten or Neglected
Strategic Planning Objectives
#1 -
Nothing Really Concrete Came Out of The Retreat so, the Binder Is Still Sitting on the Shelf
#2 - No One Was Assigned to Any Task
#3 - The Follow-up Process Was Not Clear
For this Newsletter we will tackle
Mistake #1
Nothing Really Concrete Came Out of The Retreat, so, the Binder Is Still Sitting on the Shelf
This is unfortunately, a common complaint and reason why business owners believe that Strategic Planning is not necessary. Any successful business person will tell you that this is just not the case.
Strategic Planning, at any level, is critical to future success. It creates a roadmap that describes what you want to accomplish over the next year, 18 months, 2 years, or beyond. If you think that what you have been doing is good enough, then, you are only fooling yourself.
You started your business to fill a need or a gap in the marketplace. Others came behind you with a little different take on your idea, added something new, or offered an enhanced service that you did not think about.
The reality is that business needs change and what is needed today, is, not necessarily, what will be needed in the future. It is important to plan for changes in the marketplace. To stay one step ahead. But, I should not be telling you anything new.
However, this is what happens time and time again. So, your first mistake is that you don't take time to plan - Strategically Plan. It does not have to be a one or two day retreat. Especially if you are a small business. So, here are some tips that can help you.
1. Get together your most important customers, vendors and clients. Ask them what is important to them, why they come to you, what changes they see in the future, what they would like you to change, enhance or add.
2. Next, identify for yourself what financial changes, vendor changes you want for yourself as a business owner.
3. What percentage increase will you need to maintain or increase your business.
4. Advertising needs
Then, look at your own Public Relations Department. Yes, you have one, but, if you don't know it then you need to develop one because you are your own best advertisement. Think back on how you got your business going in the first place - did every person you know, know what you were doing?
Other considerations:
* How do you keep in touch with your customers?
* Do you have a Newsletter?
* Do you advertise?
* Do you offer specials
Within each of these suggestions I have mentioned today lie great opportunities to expand and keep your business growing and at the top of your customers minds.
For more in-depth assistance please contact me to set a personal appointment and check out my blog at http://stratpartner.blogspot.com
or email me at creativecorpsol@aol.com
Next month I will talk about,
Mistake #2 : No One Was Assigned To Any Task: So Now What?
Want to become part of my Combined Strategic Partnership Consortium (CSPC)? Contact me to learn more about how you can connect with other business owners who understand the importance of getting connected in order to achieve their goals - together.
CSPC is a new concept, so, join as a Charter Member and SAVE 25% until December 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
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