Ask a small business owner, “how are things going” and you’ll likely hear “okay”. This means things aren’t going as planned. Occasionally, the atypical case exists when “things” are planned and events trigger a change to plans made. However, if things aren’t going as planned, it’s because many small business owners haven’t taken the time to plan.
Why Things Don’t Go As Planned
I’ve been coaching small business owners on the strategic development and growth of their business since 1997. From owners of marketing firms to physical therapy clinics, small business entrepreneurs share two missing links that cause “things” to not go as planned: goals and plans.
Ask an entrepreneur their goal and you’ll likely hear a litany of actions they intend to take. Delve deeper into their plans, and you’ll quickly understand why “things” aren’t going as planned. Simply? There is no plan. No goal + no plan = small business struggle.
The Small Business Solution
The solution to this small business dilemma is really quite simple. So simple, in fact, small business owners skip these significant steps. For “things” to go as planned in your business, this is your simple two-step solution:
1. Set a goal. Goal setting is a valuable practice for making progress to your desired end-point. (i.e., the reason you started your small business). Goals aligned with the mission and vision of your business promote better decision-making and ensure each effort contributes to your success.
To make sure your goals get you where you want to go, download Are You Heading the Right Direction? Unlock Your Future with Smart Goals. It’s free!
2. Create a plan. A plan is made up of a serious of steps needed to reach your goal. Like mapping out your vacation, each step takes you closer to your destination.
Develop a fruitful plan by continually asking yourself, “How does this get me closer to my destination?” If the contribution is not crystal clear, don’t make it part of your plan.
Your business doesn’t have to be complicated…or stressful…or overwhelming…for things to go as planned. You just need the simple things that matter most. Imagine that!
Ready for things to go as planned? Need help crafting clear goals and creating effective plans? We’d love to help. Feel free to reach out to us for a complimentary consultation.
