Plan (but then be flexible)
Plan Thoroughly but be Thoroughly Flexible
This is going to be a short post but will hopefully make a point that I have to live my life by.
Everyone talks about a plan but I've heard few talk about being flexible with your plans as different situations arise. Some of us are super administrative. List here. List there. Plan for this. Plan for that.
I actually have a small Gumby and a Pokey on my desk to remind me that even though I have a plan I have to be flexible or I'll repell those I want to get close to.
When you deal with people, very few times will things go exactly according to your plan. You NEED to be flexible.
People Have Different Perspectives
As someone who has counselled hundreds of people (especially marriages) over my lifetime it is VERY appearant to me that different people are different. What one person sees as perfect and a 'must', another sees as rediculous and totally unnecessary.
We Have to Remember-Websites Are for People
If we stick to our 'plan' instead of figuring out using some of the great tools available to find out what real people want our content might actually repell people instead of attracting them. So keep in mind that what you write is for people...not robots.
How do you go about making sure your content is written for people and not just for bots?
Do you use tools to do that or just keep it in the front of your mind while writing?
I am curious. Please let me know.
Recent Comments
25
I agree, Steve. Flexibility is important. I don't know if I'm very good at it though. I don't understand people at all. I do the best I can, but as far as knowing if my writing will appeal to my readers, I don't know the answer. Other than research and what is taught in the training, I don't think I use any tools to help me write. Of course, I've only written two posts at WA so far.
You may not know it now but with practice you will get better and that’s all it takes. Keep on keeping on.
I loved your article, Steve. Especially the Gumby and pokey visual on your desk. Really, you make important points for me to consider. I’m new here and am still building my first site. I’m pondering writing a blog soon and this introvert will have to take a deep breath when I do. But I’ll take to heart that I’m writing for, and care about, people not only rankings etc.
Have a good Saturday!
Peace,
Kristina
Thanks for reading and replying! That’s a first step! It’s not a bad thing to be an introvert. It means you may have more in terms of great content to share with the world ...more stuff than fluff😜. But it also means you have one extra hurdle to get over bringing it to the world. But I’m convinced you can and you will! You got this girl! Keep on keeping on.
Hi Steve
Excellent post ... If it wasn't for people, plans would always be perfect! :-).
Sometimes a plan gets sidetracked so much that it needs to be re-jigged. Over the years I have seen a few projects go off at a tangent and when re-jigged the manager has just gone back to the original plan, when a new plan, starting from the new position, would have been much more efficient.
:-)
Richard
I've seen that too Richard. People are AWLAYS more important than any one person's plan. Thanks for reading and replying.
You're very welcome Steve.
I've never been a councillor ... but have been coaching and facilitating since around 1980... so we have similar skills I expect.
:-)
Richard
Great post Steve!
I used to think that I was an avid planner and sticking to the plan was all that mattered.
But as time passes by my perception has changed!
Plans are great! But, we always need to know when and how to change them given the circumstances at any given time.
Even the best laid plans need to be flexible!
Have a fantastic weekend my friend.
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Great Post, Steve!
First time I saw your post congrats!
I Like to "Plan but then be flexible."
Yes, sure, you can not always follow your plan. Sometimes some things arrive, and out of your plan, you need to adjust by then. Several times it happened to me. As a business owner, your mindset awareness is ready to be flexible and understand the situation that arises at a certain time.
Thanks. Joyce