What's good for the goose is definitely good for the gander!
I just got back from a two-day retreat, strategic planning for my business. That's right. I don't just talk about this stuff. I actually do it. And have been doing so, religiously, since I started my business 10 years ago.
So, while it's still fresh for me, here's why this annual event is so vital to my consulting practice:
- When I review my notes from the previous session, I realize I'd been focused on my priorities throughout the whole year. Consistently, most or all of my goals from the previous year have been met.
- During my advance preparation, I find surprising changes in my business. I would have noticed them eventually, but not until after the opportunity was long gone or the impact of an issue was seriously felt. With regular planning, I can act in a timely fashion.
- At the actual event, I revisit everything about my business and I am prepared to change / scrap or add as needed to supports my goals. Have my objectives changed? What types of clients are most strategically aligned? What area of the business is most profitable? How's my work / life balance? What's in the pipeline? How should I be bolstering the marketing plan? Are any systems or work processes in need of refinement? What's new in the marketplace? And so the line of questioning continues...
Today, I'm back at my desk. But, I know that I have the seeds for an action plan and I've begun implementing it before even putting it to paper. It's all good for my business. And, given the additional charge I get from the process, it's good for me.
Exactly like my clients.
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Related articles:
- Sandra Bekhor, Toronto
President, Bekhor Management
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