Business Plans - Who Needs 'Em?

YOU DO!

I see almost every problem in business stemming back to inadequate planning.

I can understand why people don't plan and "just want to get on with it":

• Planning is boring for get up and go types
• Entrepreneurs are often creative directors who aren't concerned about details
• Planning is tedious and delays getting on with the job
• Planning isn't "sexy"
• Planning doesn't immediately produce tangible results

I have heard so many small business people making comments to the effect : "We should have done our planning years ago". They realise that an effective business plan is necessary to achieve success in business but so often, this realisation comes after missed opportunities or unforeseen threats have clobbered the business.

So, WHAT do you do? WHAT don't you do? Let's get the "don'ts" out of the way first. Then we finish on the positives as they are constructive and encouraging (sorry, it resembles dog training in some respects for the same reason that dog training does)

• DON'T be tempted by sexy new planning tools and gadgets and gizmos
• DON'T blindly follow advisers who say "you should do it this way" or "that way". There are innumerable versions of planning templates, ideas and opinions and the one that suits you is the one that is going to serve you best. You know the old saying: "Two Consultants - Five Opinions"
• DON'T keep attending seminars and courses and incessantly reading books on the topic. These become convenient procrastination excuses because it is easy to say "I am still researching it so I can't do it yet"
• DON'T think of it as a "necessary evil". Or something to do "for the bank manager"
• DON'T keep changing it without very good cause. Moving the goal posts continually means you won't reach them with intent. They will also weaken and collapse. You won't be able to kick as well if the goals are moving. If you can't kick the goals because the posts are mobile or fallen over, how will your employees ever do it?

Now for the POSITIVE stuff:

• DO Keep it simple
• DO relate it to your personal goals and expectations
• DO treat it as a living document that should be reviewed and carefully considered on a regular basis. One of my most successful and satisfied clients reviews his business plan at least every 3 months. If there is a real need to change it, then do so but KEEP the superseded version and a documented record of WHY and HOW you changed it
• DO consider the Business Plan the hardy root stock of the flourishing plant that is your business. A rose or tomato on a lousy or weak root stock will struggle at best and die prematurely at worst
• DO consider its implications in all business initiatives and activities. This will force you to look at it and review it. It will also make it easier to focus consistently in all the activities of your business

We are happy to assist you with some simple and effective techniques to achieve an effective business plan. Please drop me an email at AskUs@HarmonicBiz.com.au and we will gladly reply to you. There is a query form on our home page at www.harmonicbiz.com.au which you may find more convenient.

Cheers and keep smiling - Business and Life should be FUN!

Roger