1. Knowing where you have been
We all keep some information however sparse about what’s gone on in the past, even if it’s just invoices. Before doing any planning it pays to know as much as you can about what has happened in the past. Take a look at your past records, your accounts, address books, client records, whatever you have. Identify what worked for you in terms of profitability, fun and delighted clients.

2. Know who you are
This can be a hard one and many of us stumble into being something we don’t really want to be. Be realistic here and decide what it is you want. This applies both to the individuals within your organization and the organization itself. It’s a lot easier to pull together in the same direction when you know who everyone is.

3. Know where you want to get to
This is where the you develop that vision statement, the one that encapsulates in one short statement what you are here for. Make it real and something that each individual can relate to. The vision statement can be used as the ‘comfort thermometer’ by everyone in the organization. Does what I’m doing fit with the vision statement? If it does then it should be right for all of us.

Following on from the vision statement you can set some real objectives. You know, the SMART ones:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Timebound

Include financial objectives, branding objectives, sales objectives and people objectives as they all need to be addressed to keep things chugging along.

4. Know how you are going to get there
This now becomes the easy part. How are you going to get there? Get creative but stay measurable. Invite inclusion from everyone. Delegate responsibilities and roles. Set targets and agree how they will be measured.

5. Know when to adjust the steering
Some of what you decide to do will work and some won’t. This doesn’t mean that your direction is wrong, only that you need to check the steering. Decide how you will collect feedback about when things are not working right and be prepared to try something new or leave one tactic behind as a lesson well–learned.

6.Know when to celebrate
Probably the most important part of any plan is the celebration on success. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most frequently overlooked steps. We all respond well to positive reinforcement. Reward frequently and appropriately and the urge to get things right and have fun getting there will increase dramatically….. which has to be good, doesn’t it!