Does your business suck the time, money and life right out of you?
You can fix it. You can change your business – and your life. It is a matter of thinking new thoughts and taking aligned action. But you better get going. We are just too old to waste time.
Put a business plan together…in a weekend. From Friday evening to Sunday evening, you could clarify your vision for your ideal business. You could lay out the inspired action that will move you in that direction without draining your time and energy for no real reward, without creating a pile of debt, and you could hit the ground running on Monday.
Today, go to the office supply store and get a three ring binder. A nice one. Your business plan is going inside. Arrange for someone to handle the kids, dogs, parents and anyone else who may otherwise need your attention for the weekend. They will all be fine.
On Saturday and Sunday, flesh out your plan and put it in your binder. Below are the essential elements of a sound business plan. Spend an hour or two on each exercise. No more! Don’t fret about it being perfect. Get focused and start writing.
- The Mission – Why should this business exist? What’s the point or purpose? Keep it under 20 words.
- The Elevator Speech – How can you communicate to your customers what problems you solve, differently and better than anyone else?
- Your Goals – What do you want to achieve this coming year? The next? Include dollars and due dates.
- The Organizational Chart – Who can help? What would they do for you? Draw it up.
- The Financial Plan – How will this business make money? How much will you need to charge to make it work?
- The Marketing Plan – How can you get enough of the right calls, at the right time, from the right customers? Not sure? Put something together. You’ll know if it works when you take action.
- The Top 10 Projects – What projects could you energize that would help you solve your most pressing problems or capitalize on your most compelling opportunities?
- The Executive Summary – How can you communicate all this in one page? To show to investors, team members, your spouse or partner.
If this business plan inspires you, then you are on the right track. First thing Monday morning, review and get go go going!
This guest post is from Ellen Rohr. She helps business owners untangle financial messes and put powerful, profitable business plans together. At Bare Bones Biz Our Mission is to Expand Freedom through Successful Businesses!
Image: Keerati / FreeDigitalPhotos.net