Don’t Fail to Plan

It is that time to year to reflect on 2011 and plan for 2012.  This is one activity that you do not want to put off any longer. All successful small businesses grew by strategically planning the route that was best for their organization.  Do not overthink this task!  Sit down with a calendar of the previous year.  Look at what you did and evaluate the success or failure of your business growth strategy.  Did you add the number of new clients that you had hoped? Did you attend the training seminars that you needed to attend?  Did you increase your profits by the margins that you needed to over the year?

After this reflection, it is time to move forward.  You cannot change 2011, but you can plan 2012 in a manner that will set you up for success. First, select your objectives for the year.  These objectives are your areas of focus for the entire year.  I think that many people mess up when they significantly stray from their original objectives.

Secondly, sit with your calendar of choice.  Something as simple as the calendar in Google’s Gmail can get you started.  I like this calendar because you can have multiple calendars in one.  You can invite others to view your calendar and you can set up reminders that come to your smart phone. When you have decided on your calendar, let the fun begin. Look at every component of your business from the events you may need to plant to the events that you would like to attend.  Leave no stone unturned.

Know that this calendar is a living document.  Just because you pencil items into your calendar in a certain order, it does not mean that they have to stay that way.  Don’t hesitate to reevaluate your plan at least monthly.  Make sure that you are keeping on track with your objectives and key messages.

There are many of you that already do a great job planning ahead.  Please feel free to share your tips on creating your plan. This is a weakness for many small business owners and nonprofits.  At Selsi Enterprises, it is our hope to share as many tips as we can to help your business or nonprofit reach its’ full potential!

Cheers to a successful 2012!