In a previous post about the Biosphere 2 project, I talked about the overall failure of the program and some of the lessons we can learn from their defeat. The first is how vital a well-thought-out and meaningful plan is to the success of any venture. One of the reasons for the disappointing outcome of the Biosphere 2 project was the lack of planning in terms of oxygen replenishment via photosynthesis. The trees in the giant greenhouse were not growing properly, and the entire experiment suffered as a result. Had the scientists accounted for the needs of the trees from the beginning, the outcome may have been better.
Planning Should Not Be a Chore!
As a business owner, you want to see the vision of your successful business come to fruition. It can be tempting to spend all your time focusing on making customers happy as no business can be successful without them. However, we have seen how failing to make a meaningful plan can lead to devastating results so it’s critical to set time aside to organize your course of action.
Focus on planning as a way to generate information and insights into your business, not an obligation or a chore. Remember, you want to be excited about your plan so you are enthusiastic about executing it. Use the time to return to your core values and realign your path with these principles. Don’t be afraid to challenge and change your views and biases to refine your business idea and continue down a path of success.
Planning Should be Continuous
When you first set out as an entrepreneur, it is likely that a considerable amount of time was spent developing ideas and plans. Once it was finally time to execute that plan and get to work, the planning is not over! Instead, your roadmap should be evaluated continuously using everything you have learned to this point.
As time goes on, you may find that some ideas are not working or that others are working much better than expected. It does not make sense to continue with ideas that are not working just because they are in the plan. Reflect on the knowledge you have gained and revise your course often to ensure you are always headed in the right direction.
Mind the Details
One important component of your plan will always be your guiding principles. Why are you in business? What makes you different from others in the marketplace? What goals do you want to reach? The other crucial element is actionable items. What specifically will you do to meet your goals and accomplish the tasks are part of your plan?
When you include actionable items, you’ll be better able to see how the different components of your plan are connected and whether you’ve missed any steps or forgotten critical information. That way, your plan will be more meaningful and more likely to bring you success.
Knowing how to create a meaningful plan isn’t a talent that people are simply born with. In most cases, it’s a skill that needs to be learned. If you need help formulating a plan or you’re not confident that yours is well-thought-out and might have a few gaps, I can help. Contact me and we’ll work together to help you achieve business success.
