Prepare to think differently about the year ahead.

Look to see what’s working and what’s not.

Adjust your focus as you head into the New Year.

Now is the time to create one (a plan, that is).

PLAN. Such a simple little word that creates such stress for new entrepreneurs but provides real relief and solutions when actually done. Planning is one of the very best tools that an entrepreneur has to help save time and money. Why is planning so critical for success?

1. A plan gives you a roadmap. It helps you to focus your ideas so that you know how to put one hoof, er, foot in front of the other. As Shannon says, you’ll take a rifle approach instead of a shotgun one. This is true for marketing, budgeting, client building, grant writing, physical plant, etc.
2. A plan helps you answer the questions “Should we spend money on it?” and “Should we invest the time in it?” Makes a difference when you’re working on a shoe string budget and if you’re a small operation.

This is a great time of year to create a plan for your business. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. One of my favorite plans was designed by some clients of mine 5 years ago when they decided to start their business over dinner one night– they sketched it out on a cocktail napkin!

Two favorite resources I’ll recommend for your planning pleasure:

Attracting Perfect Customers by Stacy Hall and Jan Brogniez – An attraction based approach to doing business. Create a Strategic Attraction Plan in just 2 hours and watch your focus get clear and inspired!

The One Page Business Plan by Jim Horan – an easy to use guide with interactive exercises for the creative entrepreneur – that’s you! – helps walk you through five critical stages: vision, mission, objectives, strategies and plans.

Happy Planning!
--- Coach Elizabeth
www.elizabethbarbour.com