My Business Looks Like a Dogs Dinner
My business looks like a dog’s dinner and I’m going to clean it up.
Have you heard the old saying about business?
“They don’t plan to fail. They fail to plan.”
As part of my plan to stop procrastinating I am going to write a business plan to keep me on track.
I don’t know how many times I have heard how important it is and I have still not done it.
- I have worked on my mindset. That has been a challenge.
- I have found the support to build an online business. This means I can succeed.
- I have the service I want to market. I am not looking for the next shiny object.
I haven’t:
- Organised my thoughts
- Recorded my intentions
- Listed the most important aspects of my business
They are in my head and on the hard drive of my computer……… somewhere.
My business has reached the tipping point. It will go onto greater things or fail miserably if I don’t have a start-up plan.
I have to answer the following questions about the business and WRITE THEM DOWN in a document I can be proud to show others
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
Why?
How?
How much?
I am telling you all I am going to get this done. The completion date is before the next financial year begins here in Australia.
That’s in three days!
What I will include in my BUSINESS PLAN
- My mission statement.
- The specific need it fulfils – the problem it solves.
- My target market.
- Business objectives in what time scale.
- Major milestones.
- Structures. For example, website monitoring.
- Income Statement.
- Market research and marketing plan.
Fortunately, I have a lot of information to add to each area. It will take time to collate though.
One of the aims of a business should be to sell it at a profit. You don’t have to do this but you should always keep this objective in mind. You must have systems in place that will enable anyone to take your place.
Your business must be able to survive without you.
You must work on the business not do every task in it. You will need help.
Where’s your business plan?
Recent Comments
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Good old 30 June. Here the financial year is the same as the calendar year, lost in holidays and snow without much bang. I like your emphasis on an exit strategy, a good test of business health. Larry
Hi Larry. What an amazing sea change. Cold here in Melbourne too.
No snow though. Thanks for your comment.
I agree with you Marilynm1 about writing out a business plan. I did one for college about starting out grocery store;I even went out of my way to find mentors, financial plan and networking with people who are professional in that field. Thanks for reminding me to write mines out.
I wanted to also add to your note that everyone needs to write down two other plans, which are financial plan and marketing plan. every business needs this to succeed in my opinion.
Well anyway, thanks for the tip.
Hi Jenise. You are absolutely right. You have had a head start on business plan writing. Thank you for your comment.
Great plan, I think I will use it as a template if you don't mind. My current one is too flexible!
Hi Helen. I certainly don't mind. Our plan doesn't have to be complicated but it has to be specific.
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Great focus, let us know if you get it done by your personal deadline :)