How to build a strategic plan

We already understand that for us to succeed, planning is needed. We do this in order to chart for ourselves a roadmap in a pool of uncertainty. Think about the time you drove once upon a time, when Waze and Google Maps weren’t even a thing, and maps could get lost or forgotten. By the way, it is no wonder that one of the things that is talked about in strategic consulting is a sense of uncertainty. 

In order for us to be better prepared for the coming year, it is desirable that we adopt a strategic plan that contains the basics:  

1. Executive Summary - In the first stage, the goal is to map and organize the main points of the program and constitute a focused concentration of the content within it. In the second stage, the plan is implemented when making sure that the entire staff knows and understands what to do. This chapter will be written at the end of the work process of writing the marketing plan and is actually a summary of its contents. Small businesses usually tend to give up writing this chapter, but it is definitely recommended if the business vision of the business is to develop into a company or corporation. In addition, writing this chapter requires small business owners to summarize the business-marketing plan of the business efficiently and in a focused manner. 

2. Vision - Where do you see yourself in about three years, five years? It's time to think big and imagine it in your head. The vision has created for you the passion you need to get going. 

Goals and Objectives - Divide your year by seasons, months, quarters, Hebrew holidays, international holidays. Of course you do not have to get involved and address everything,  but it is recommended to choose your method and with it set goals and set goals for the short and long term. 

3. Product and/or service - Define the product/collection of products/related products/ services that your business and you offer to customers. In each rubric define the name of the product, what it contains, costs. As for the service, define the process, working time and price to the customer. 

* Tip : If there is a service provided to the customer from the moment the call ends, add it to the table (how long will it take). 

4. Geographical location of the business - Write down where the business takes place, whether it is in a residence, office, etc. Is the business flexible in terms of geographical location? It is important to examine this. Flexible geographical location of the business has greater growth potential. The effects of the geographical location of the business and its expected opportunities as a result. However, travel and transportation expenses should be taken into account and calculated. 

5. Situation of the business (up to) two years from the date of its establishment -  in this chapter we will describe the first year of the business separately from its second year. In the first year we will record expenses, income, transaction flows and everything you think can actually exist in the next year in the business. Then write down what will happen in the second year of the business in terms of expenses, income, employees, cash flow and everything you think will happen in the second year of the business. 

6. Excel table -  Do we all love an excel table? Not really but, it is important that we have a table that organizes our products in numbers: product line 1, product line 2 (including services). Fixed expenses, variable expenses, where we started at the beginning of the month and where we ended the month. 

7. Summary -  In the summary chapter we will define the conclusions we received while writing the plan. We will record the big vision in the trial and from there we will continue to goals and objectives in the near and long term. Add in summary a year ahead and two years ahead from the date of starting the business. 

8. When do you go into action? - In order for the plan to be carried out, you have to start with it. Set a deadline in your schedule and begin. If for a moment you have a feeling of hesitation and an excellent slight fear, it is natural! This is the moment to channel it into a winning attitude and achievement. 

Conclusion - as business owners we want to arrive as ready as possible for the time it is needed and for us to be able to do so as accurately as possible, it is advisable to plan a strategic plan at least a year ahead. I know we do not always want to do this and for some of us it sounds like a long and complicated process but, I promise you that once you have such a plan together and everything is clear and defined it will be much easier and you can take a breath. 

If you are interested hearing about a strategy planning meeting > click here.