Business Planning when it Really Counts

A well crafted business plan that is actively used to run the business better than ever is an attainable vision for every business.

But sadly, most business plans are worthless. Sorry to be so blunt, but its true. I cringe at the thought of consultants that charge big money to create a fancy, beautifully worded business plan that never produces any additional revenue or profit. What a waste.

I'll agree that if you're trying to raise money or trying to sell your business, you may need a plan that looks good and explains the industry, the market and the like. But that's not what I'm talking about, and that's not what I do.

I'm talking about business plans that you run your business on. The kind of plans that lay out where you are going this year, what targets you must hit, and how you plan to hit them. A working plan that the CEO and the top team execute on, and are measured on. Business plans that deliver results.

There are some hallmarks of a good working business plan, and a good planning process. They are:

1. The plan contains the BEST thinking of the CEO and the management team.
2. The plan is short, clear and concise, so that everybody INSIDE the company can understand it and get it.
3. Enough thought has gone into the execution of the plan to be pretty sure it is achievable. That means there is a real budget that can support the planned activities. That means that all the departments have seen all the OTHER departments' plans, and interdependencies have been reviewed and agreed upon.
4. There is clear responsibility that ties back to an executive for each objective in the plan.
5. The plan has balanced objectives, typically covering four key areas: financial results, customers, processes and learning objectives.
6. The plan focuses on the most excellent opportunities, NOT all the good opportunities. Good isn't good enough to get resources.
7. Key objectives are measured every month, and reviewed every month by the top team, with adjustments being made as needed.

My favorite resource for this sort of planning is the One Page Business Plan by Jim Horan. ISBN-13: 978-1891315091 You should order it on-line. Please try and follow the process carefully, and stay on top of results EVERY MONTH.

But is your situation high stakes, where you REALLY need your business to perform at a higher level?  Where the outcome really counts? Perhaps you've tried to plan, but have gotten derailed or distracted?

That's where I come in. I help my clients get a great plan set up quickly--like in a month's time. Then I stay involved all year long, holding the team accountable (as an outsider), and helping the team adjust as needed.

But I've no patience for people dabbling in planning, and I'm not inexpensive either. The best fit is with CEOs who really need fast traction and results from their plan, and generally, who are frustrated or where the business feels "stuck".

If that's you, please call me at 925-788-1141 and we can see if there's a fit for working together.