With the challenges and uncertainties facing small business owners in 2010, a well-crafted plan is more important than ever. Many companies with 2009 plans that were “in my head” or “sketched on a napkin” aren’t making plans for 2010; they’re no longer in business. Unless your 2010 plans include becoming a statistic, you must resolve to commit the resources necessary to develop a high quality plan for 2010. Developing an actionable plan that increases your odds of success is as technically demanding as any of the products or services you offer to customers.

Preparing a quality plan is a 5 stage process. Stage 1, Visioning, and Stage 2, Strategic Thinking and Planning, provide the “Whys” for your plan. Stage 3, Business Planning, Stage 4, Implementation, and Stage 5, Review and Continuous Improvement, provide the “Hows” for putting the plan to work. Only when each stage is diligently undertaken will you and your employees have the roadmap you need to reach your full potential.

Stage 1 – Visioning (Why)
It’s often been said, “We’d better pay attention to the future, because that’s where we’re going to spend the rest of our lives.” The foundation for success in any business is a clear picture of where the business is going, and what you want the end to look like even though there is technically no “end.” The vision is a statement of potential. A vision statement is a description of what your organization wants to become.

Stage 2 – Strategic Thinking and Planning (Why)
The term strategic thinking can be defined as the process that determines the future direction of an organization, professional or medical practice, or business. Strategic thinking addresses all aspects of your business and its resources. Its foundation is a strategic thinking process; its conclusion is a logical and well thought out plan that, when implemented, will ensure your success.

Stage 3 – Business Planning (How)
Business planning is the process that actualizes the strategic plan. Without the strategic plan to guide it, a business plan is incapable of moving an organization toward any meaningful destination. During the business planning process, your mission is crystallized into specific goal categories. These categories then become actionable through goals and action steps. If you have other people working in your organization or if there are different departments, each will have a mission and business plan which is their contribution to the organization’s mission. The progressive achievement of the mission or all of the departmental missions will propel the entire organization toward the realization of its vision.

Stage 4 – Implementing the Plans (How)
The real key to the success of the planning process is action. Vision alone does not ensure success. Even the most comprehensive plan will not ensure success without action steps and measurement. Without action steps, time frames, and accountability, the process is just a mental exercise that, while it may be stimulating, is meaningless or a waste of time and energy.

Stage 5 – Review and Continuous Improvement (How)
Without measurement, it is difficult to see progress, and it is impossible to manage a business. Creating a dashboard for the communication of goals and objectives is critical for measurement. Everything relies on execution! Success requires continuous learning and improvement. There is always something you can do to gain control over virtually any situation. There is always something you can learn to help you become better. Your business will change and should change due to growth.

The 5 stages of the planning process set the cornerstone for building a successful, enduring business. But keep in mind that it is just that, a process. If you’ve never embarked upon a quality planning process, you may find it tedious and difficult at times. Seeking the assistance of a trusted business advisor to guide you through the process assures that you will achieve greater success in less time. Once you’ve experienced the entire process, you will find it invigorating, exciting, and rewarding. Business owners find the process of planning to be empowering…they once again feel in control of their destiny.

Make 2010 the year you regain control of your business and your life. Resolve to implement the 5 Stages of Planning and make 2010 your most prosperous year ever!

© Copyright 2010. Bill Gschwind, inPURSUIT Consulting, LLC. All rights reserved.