Read time: 4 mins
In this week’s issue, (and since today is January 1st) I want to talk about how a plan will significantly increase your chances of success as a Local Small Business Consultant or Digital Marketing Agency Owner…
And no, hope is not a plan…
So with that in mind…
Let’s dive in!
Why You Need A Plan
I think it’s pretty obvious why you need to plan out the year for your business…
But just in case you don’t let me be perfectly clear.
Without a plan, you’ll be hard pressed to attain your goals and achieve the success you desire for your business.
I don’t know one successful business that doesn’t start each and every year with a plan.
Without one, it’s a surefire way to set yourself and your business up for failure.
So the best way to avoid that is by being disciplined enough to develop a plan of action.
As I previously mentioned…
“Hope is not a plan.”
I’m not sure who originally came up with that quote…
But no matter, it’s 100% true!
What A Plan Will Do For Your Business
First and foremost, a plan will help you stay focused…
Essentially keeping you and your business on track…
Preventing the waste of time (and even money in some circumstances).
Typically when you don’t have a plan…
You end up losing focus…
Even losing motivation…
And that’s the surest way to fail. (and if it doesn’t result in complete failure, it certainly will prevent growth)
Plus it leads to shiny object syndrome.
Because it’s super easy to get sidetracked when you’re fumbling around trying this or that…
Instead of having a clear and concise plan of action.
And most importantly, sticking to it!
So if you want to avoid all of that nonsense…
Carve out some time in your day and sit down and develop your game plan for 2024.
What You Should Plan For
Your yearly business plan should include all the things that are “needle movers”…
Meaning, what are the things you need to do in your business daily, weekly, and monthly, that ultimately contribute to generating revenues.
This might include things like…
- Cold emailing 10 hot prospects per day
- Facebook ads reaching 1,000 people per day
- Waking into at least 2 brick & mortar businesses per day
- Making one offer to one prospective client/customer per day
- Generating $2,500 per week in revenue
- Etc.
The examples listed above are all “needle movers” for your business.
Again, a good plan is made up of goals…
But not just any goals…
REALISTIC GOALS!
And every one of those aforementioned goals are only achievable when you break them down into their simplest form.
Because when you do that…
It makes it so much easier to stick to the plan by actually doing what it takes to hit those goals.
How To Create A Plan
Before you actually start creating your plan for your business…
You should reflect on what went well and what didn’t go so well the year before.
Ask yourself why those things went well and double down on it in your new plan.
Then ask yourself why some other things didn’t go so well and be 100% honest with yourself as to why.
See if any of those things that didn’t go so well you can turn around if they are given the proper planning.
After you’re done doing that…
You should dream big!
Meaning, brainstorm some big audacious ideas for your business and write them all down even if they are “pie in the sky.”
After you’ve done that…
Start to think about your financial goals.
And ask yourself…
How much do I need to make, per week, per month, per year?
How much would I like to make, per week, per month, per year?
Once you have these numbers figured out…
Ask yourself…
What will it take to realistically achieve these goals?
Then start writing down the steps you need to take to meet these goals.
All of this should help you get a better understanding of what you will have to do over the next year in order to attain your goals.
Now you can start crafting your plan of action.
Remember none of this is set in stone.
It’s merely a guide to help you stay on track throughout the year.
Because, “What gets measured, gets managed.” – Peter Ducker
And, “What gets managed, can be improved.” – Kerry Knoll 😉
BTW, it might be January 1st…
But it’s too late!
Start planning today (or tomorrow)…
You got this!
See you next Monday!
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