Have you ever wondered how successful people seem to always achieve their goals? It is almost effortless. Trust me, it is not quite as simple as it seems. There is usually a well thought out plan at work in the background to get them to where they want to be.
One of the first things I like to focus on when I sit down with a new client is to understand what their vision is. Typically, there is a passion and drive behind each business owner that has pulled them into their respective fields. Truly getting to the heart of their motivation is paramount in laying the groundwork for a successful plan. Do you know what drives you to get up each morning and push to succeed?
I like to think of your Strategic Plan as your roadmap to success. There are several key factors that most successful businesses employ in building a Strategic Plan which help them to reach their goals.
Mission/Vision – the heart of your plan. Answers these questions:
What do we do?
Why does this business exist?
Where do we want to be?
Big Picture Goals – what vision do you have for your future?
Try not to focus on solely one area, and rather develop objectives covering your financial success, customer reach/satisfaction, operations, and people.
Define exactly what you want to achieve in each of those areas, using ‘SMART’ goals[1].
Ask yourself what you would like the business to holistically look like for both customers and employees three to five years from now?
Granular Goals – what is it going to take to reach your Big Picture Goals?
Break down those big picture goals to a smaller, short-term goal.
Think about what it will take to achieve your Big Picture Goals, then determine what it would take to get there.
Check out this example to see how you should differentiate the level of your goals.
Big Picture: Increase gross sales by 15% over three years.
Granular: Increase gross sales by 5% in each of the next three years.
Benchmarking (my favorite) –
Create a routine in which you track your progress against your granular goals on a quarterly or monthly basis.
Determine whether you are on- or off-target for each goal during this review, adjusting your plans as necessary.
This can give you renewed energy and focus as you regularly examine your progress.
For 2021, I have included the development of a 3-year Strategic Plan into some of my small business packages. If you are interested in learning more, and what other services we can offer to keep you on track to reach your goals, please reach out today!
[1] Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound
