January is such a good time for planning the future of your business. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate your challenges and achievements of 2012 and map out what you would like to achieve in 2013. However it can sometimes be hard to see the year ahead.
If it seems like anything can happen, then focus on the next 90 days.
You are probably familiar with my “is the business driving you, or are you driving the business?” mantra. I encourage you to decide what happens in your business and not to be propelled in just any direction by circumstances. If, however, you are finding it difficult to envisage the whole of 2013 then start with just the next 90 days.
Why? Planning for the next 90 days gives you real focus.
Do you have unfinished projects that have remained unfinished for some time?
Have you missed opportunities by not reacting quickly enough?
Do you have just too many good ideas and cannot decide which is best?
Has your business plateaued?
As business owners we try and do everything. We need to accept that we can only do a few things well and we can only actually do one thing at a time. We have many ideas, choices, options and decisions to make. Focus means just that, concentrating on a limited number of things, perhaps only one, and doing this well.
Have a go at planning for the next 90 days. Try it on for size. Planning isn’t a one-off, keep it rolling on a 90 day cycle. Think about and write down the answers to these 6 key questions.
What am I trying to achieve in the next 30, 60, 90 days? [Focus on your Top 3]
What measurable targets must I achieve in the next 30, 60, 90 days? [Focus on your Top 3]
How will I successfully manage the business in the next 30, 60, 90 days?
What actions will I take in the next 90 days, per month, per week?
What will my actions achieve in the next 90 days, per month, per week?
What will my sales, costs, profitability and cash flow be in the next 30, 60, 90 days?
Check your 90 day plan helps to fulfil your vision; is in line with your values and meets your purpose.
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