Visionary

For most of us, being a Visionary means we create a Vision Statement that is our business plan overview. I usually suggest you set your Vision for three years. Ask yourself, what are the top two or three achievements you envision accomplishing in the next three years? Here is a link to a sample 1 Page Annual Plan (Scroll down to second image in right column.)

Vision Statement – Begin by listing your priorities. Here is a sample of some potential ones: revenue, new products, new customers, locations, technology, operations improvement, customer service or new routes. Consider what is most important at this stage of your business. Is it items sold, revenue growth, talent acquisition, or adding new territories? List three key objectives in your Vision statement with measurable targets. A sample might be: In three years, we plan to bring in XX revenue, have XX customers, have XX locations, XX products, etc.

 Once you establish your Vision Statement, the next step is slightly more detailed. You will need to list specifically how you are going to achieve that vision. These two sections work hand in hand. In the linked sample, I have listed Goals on the left and the Approach on the right.

Goals – For your goals, list what must be accomplished in each major segment or department of your business: sales, products, staffing, technology, inventory, or any other relevant goals that apply. Generally, one major goal per department for the year is sufficient. Example: Sales Goal. Reach total sales revenue of $19 million.

Approach – Now that you have listed your goals, you will want to determine how to accomplish each goal. Our example was a sales revenue goal of $19 million; In Approach you will explain how you are going to achieve that goal. Example: Add a new salesperson and expand the territory to include State A, State B and State C.

Happy Planning!

 Excerpt from The Extraordinary Business by Mike Hill 

  

Write to Mike at Mike.Hill@TeamTrenton.com