Hoping for a better year is not enough. You need to develop an actual plan that you can run day in and day out to increase your chances of success. Although the specific plans for every business are different, there are a few elements that are generic and can be used to create an overall plan.
1.Your Optimisation list
Have a look at what you are already doing in all areas of your business – sales, marketing, deliveries, customer service, team, administration – and highlight those areas that could be improved.
Make a list of how you can improve each area then circle the three that will have the most impact on the overall progress of your business.
Start to strategise and work out ways you could step up in each of these three areas. Make a plan and take action.
Once things are progressing with these three items you can then move onto the next three things on your list – just make sure you don’t drop the ball with the first three.
Work through your list. Identify and take action.
2. Your Innovation list
What new things could you try in your business?
Have a brainstorm and write a list of new things you could try, products you could offer, new staff you could employ or new advertising mediums you could try. Perhaps you could expand into new regions or update your office systems.
Think big and write all your ideas down.
Collate everything and, as per the first exercise, pick three items that will have the most impact on your business and start working on those.
3. Your Becoming list
For this year to be rewarding and profitable what type of person would you have to become?
Perhaps you need to change your attitude, upskill or update your wardrobe? Perhaps you need some coaching to find out what’s holding you back or to get over some of your limiting beliefs.
You cannot achieve lasting overall improvements in your business if you continue to function at the same level as you have been in the past.
Your earning potential goes hand in hand with your level of internal development so you need to work on yourself too.
If you actively and continuously work on these three lists the chances of you having an amazing and fruitful year are exceptionally high.
