Planning for 2012

November 1. Every year I intend to spend time at the beginning of third quarter planning for the next year. And every year when I flip the calendar from October to November, I recognize that, yet again, I am behind in giving serious thought to what must be done the following year to ensure success. Now, I do push my clients to plan early, but somehow I always end up behind!

When you own a business, it’s really hard to take a full day (or more) away from operations, so here is my plan:

• I am setting aside one afternoon without interruption to brainstorm about next year. Some of the questions I’ll ask:

a.       How successful were we at meeting last year’s goals?

b.      Where do we want the firm to go in 2012 (and 2-3 years beyond)?

c.       Have we integrated our message across all platforms well?

d.      Have we taken advantage of new marketing means and the tried and true?

e.      Do we have the right resources to get there?

f.        What can we do differently to help us succeed?

g.       Are we meeting the needs of our clients?

h.      Have things changed within the firm where we need a brand review (or do you have a brand image and message)?

i.         Without consideration to budget, what would I do?

• After mulling the answers to the above questions over, I’ll dedicate a second session to laying out a high level plan.
• Session three will have to include the budget. Love brainstorming, but not so much the budget process…
• The fourth and final session will be a more detailed planning session based on those pesky budget numbers and key benchmark goals.

Last but not least will be the old company meeting where we talk through next year’s plan and how the team can meet our goals. It’s a big task, but breaking it into manageable chunks works every time. Do you have a process you follow to do your annual plan? I’d love to hear what works for you and what doesn’t!

Recharge Your Passion

Many business professionals and entrepreneurs get so busy with the day-to-day details of running their businesses that they don’t recognize the drain this constant running can cause both personally (i.e., on their health) and to the business. I am guilty of doing the same thing!

It’s important to step back and ask yourself a few questions:
1. Have I looked at the long term goals of the business lately?
2. Generated any new ideas?
3. Is my passion for my work at least as high as it was when I joined or started the firm?
4. Are business-related tasks or stress keeping me from sleeping, making time to exercise, eating right, or otherwise taking care of my health?

Sometimes it’s better for you AND your business to take that vacation! A real vacation (not one where you are working in your hotel room overlooking the beach!) can open your eyes to new ideas and recharge the passion you had for your work.

I just returned from a trip to the Cotswolds in England and must say that I AM recharged and ready to go! Looking at things from a wider perspective and taking time away from the office does matter—I returned to the office today ready to take on the world!

So get out there and plan a real vacation—it can recharge your passion for your job and for life.