Make Strategic Planning a Team Effort

What does the future hold for your small business, and what can you do about it? These are questions that every entrepreneur would love to have answered. And the best way to find them is by drawing on the experience and insights of your management team or advisors in an intensive growth planning session.

Consultant John Jantsch, founder of Duct Tape Marketing Network, says these sessions provide opportunities to "ask tough questions, explore new opportunities, and embrace changes," necessary in order to realize a growth strategy. Jantsch himself sets aside a day each year when he and his staff focus exclusively on planning. "It's our day to say what if and why not," he says. "It's the time to set the course for next year and perhaps realign the vision for the next three to five years."

Here are some outcomes and benefits that a "planning day" can offer any small business:

Fewer Priorities. By thinking bigger and then thinking realistically about what it might take to overcome obstacles, "we naturally start eliminating things we should not focus on in an effort to make room for only the highest priorities," Jantsch says. As a result, his team narrows the number of priority objectives to three, allowing them to aim higher and stop doing low-priority things.

Embrace Results. Objectives are fine, but what do you get when they're achieved? "By creating a list of 'what we gain' if we win, and by contrast 'what it costs' if we lose, we create the motivation to overcome constraints and stay focused on results as a team," Jantsch explains.

Commit to Change. If your stated objectives for the year don't have you asking what needs to change in order to achieve your objectives, you are limiting your thinking. "All growth involves changes" Jantsch says, "You have to commit to how that's going to happen, or your objectives will dissolve into frustrating reminders of failure.

Create Owners. Every objective will naturally spin off a list of projects: things that need to be done, new products and positions, or new processes. Part of your planning day must include identifying these projects, and assigning someone responsible for moving it forward.

Focus on High Payoff. Identify the highest payoff work for everyone in the organization. "This is how you properly assign tasks and stay focused on what matters most," Jantsch says. "The three or four high payoff tasks will differ for everyone in the organization, but they become a 'go to' as you plan your week."

Get Focused. Get Busy. Sprout and Grow.

P. Simon Mahler, a recipient of the Nation Builder Award from the SCORE Organization for startups launched and jobs created, and nominated as both an 'Expert' and 'Leader' in North America for small business development, currently runs a virtual incubator committed to building stronger communities in rural America.

Simon, a frequent traveler to the next small town, is always available to take calls for action and is willing to work with any small business, or small town out there, across the globe. Follow him on the journey of his next endeavor, by starting a business of your own. His virtual incubator program has transformed ideas into sustainable small businesses and yours could be next. His daily blog of activities will be posted on LinkedIn for you to enjoy. Find him on social media and connect to get some great ideas to get your business growing!

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