My very first boss developed our annual marketing plan (since we were in the marketing department of the company) and she never filed the business plan away. Instead, she considered it a living document and something we referred to on a somewhat regular basis. It became our blueprint for the year and while we didn't always follow it to the letter, it was a great way for us to keep focused and not take our eye off the ball.
My business plan, therefore, is always available. In addition to the "yearly" plan, I developed quarterly goals as well as monthly goals. The monthly goals are actually more tactical in nature than goals, but they're meant to keep me on my toes and actually do what I say I should do. Those tactics help me meet my quarterly and yearly goals.
So, with that in mind, dust off your annual business plan and take a look:
- Are you on track to meet your goals at year end?
- What can you adjust now to make those goals a reality if you've strayed a bit?
- Are you ahead of goals (wonderful!)? Stay on track!
- Is there anything more you could do or should be doing to get your name out? Even if it's one small thing a month, pencil it in the plan.
Be honest with yourself. If you're not where you want to be, seek the advice or support of others. Form a networking group where you can bring your plan to the table and talk it through.
Best of luck with mid-year review! Enjoy the process!
-Megy
Posts
