In my experience, now is the perfect time to be thinking about how to improve and grow your business in 2009. It’s time to review your progress during the last 12 months and begin to think strategically about the year ahead.
Did 2008 bring you the success and growth you desired? If not, why?
Many times entrepreneurs spend their every waking moment running the day-to-day operations of their business. Very little time, if any, is designated for thinking and planning. And yet, 80% of businesses that have a business and marketing plan, and use it, will reach their goals.
Wouldn’t you like to be one of those companies?
In order to “get there” you first must take the time to figure out where you want your business to be in the next 12 months. Do you have certain revenue goals? Staffing goals? Vacation or number of days you want to be able to take? How much money does your business have to generate in order for your to take out the “salary’” you desire? How many people do you have to employ, and what skill sets do they need to have in order for you to take time away from the business?
By spending the time now, before the New Year really gets going, business owners can ensure that come January, their road ahead is clearly in sight. Entrepreneurs should also begin strategically thinking about the long-term. These days, that can mean three to five years, but for those business owners who are thinking about retirement, planning now for retirement is essential.
In the world of entrepreneurship “retirement” is probably the wrong word. In fact, I know of few entrepreneurs that ever retire, but in any case, what do you want to do with your business when you want to go off and do other things?
Whether you’re planning on selling your business, handing it down to Junior, or simply closing its doors, pre-planning is essential for a smooth and effective transition.
By developing and implementing a strategic marketing system and staffing it appropriately, you can cover the bases.
Following are our four favourite reasons to develop a system for your marketing:
1. You get really clear on who you are and why certain prospects should do business with you.
2. You identify areas and markets where the greatest opportunities exist, and develop strategies for capitalizing on them.
3. Your entire team will get a clear shot of the big picture and how it positively impacts them.
4. Your business will show higher profits.
Author: Liz Walker
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