A strategic plan will help you avoid shiny object syndrome so you can achieve the success on your own terms. How?
I want you to think about how often you get distracted by the latest greatest tool or trend on social media?
Don’t feel bad if it happens more than you would like to admit because you are not alone! I see this quite frequently and honestly I’ve had the same problem in my journey and I have to be very conscious of the choices that I make so that I don’t fall back into my bad habits.
If you’re wondering how I do that, then this is just what you need!
Let’s start by talking about what shiny objects are that distract us. I’m referring to all the things that distract you from being productive. It can be some new tool you see someone using that you admire, social media in general because there are so many options that you can loose track of time, online courses, free trainings and challenges, and so many other things I can spend a lot of time talking about.
Now I am going to be transparent and say that when you are just starting your business or your business isn’t generating the income you desire, it’s much easier to get distracted. The reason why this is the case is because you don’t have a strategic plan which is the key to staying focused.
To create a strategic plan you have to analyze your business to determine where you are and where you want to go. This detailed plan outlines your mission, vision, and values, your long-term goals, your short term goals and the action plan that will help you reach them. This plan is key to your success because it helps you evaluate opportunities and deal with challenges.
So when you don’t have a strategic plan, you can get easily distracted because let’s face it, trying something new is fun and exciting. Sticking to the plan when things get difficult is not as fun at all.
So before you try one more thing, I want you to follow this simple 5 step process to help you start creating your strategic plan so you can start to build momentum in your business over the next 90 days and start reaching your goals to end the year strong.
1. Write Out Your Mission
This statement defines your values, fundamental goals and reveals what your business does, how it does it, and why you do it.
“To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” – Starbucks
Your mission statement shapes the decisions you make in your business every day. It boils down to whether the choice you’re making helps you achieve your mission. Is it aligned? If it isn’t, then you need to pass.
2. Write Out Your Vision
This helps you prepare for tomorrow so you need to be specific. Specify what you will accomplish and by when. If everything went according to the strategic plan over the next 3-5 years, what does your business look like? What kind of successes do you have? Where do you want to be? What kind of leader are you? What kind of team do you have if you want to build one? What kind of offers do you have? What kind of revenue are you generating?
Spend the time to define that vision.
- Create one new revenue stream by the end of the year.
- Increase email subscriber list 20% by the end of the quarter.
How does having a vision help? If you know where you are going and can see those details then it will help you in making a solid decision when that shiny new thing catches your attention.
3. Set Your Goals and Objectives for 90 Days
First off let me say, yes they are different but they work together. A goal is the outcome you want to achieve. An objective is the specific, measurable action you’re going to take to achieve a goal.
Let’s say your goal for the remainder of this year is these two goals:
- Increase your brand awareness
- Increase email subscribers by 20%
Great…now what?
Now you need to write out some data to determine how you will achieve these goals. Think about what resources this will require. How many hours do you have to focus on marketing your business online? Look at the return of investment, meaning how long will it take you to recoup the cost, time, and energy that you will have to put into achieving those goals.
By gathering this data you will have the data you need to create a step by step plan to reach your goal. So it would identify what platforms you need to be active on, what you are going to post and when, do you need a new lead magnet or can you refresh one you already have. Those are some of the things you would need to consider for these goals.
And once you have written out your goals and objectives, imagine what your life would be like when you achieve them. Notice I said when, not if. Next…
4. Assess Your Business Operations
No matter what your goals are and no matter how good your plan is, if you do not have systems in place in your business you will not be able to achieve sustainable growth, if you ever have any at all.
So you REALLY need to audit your back office and get some processes documented and incorporate some automation. There are six core systems every business needs to be able to achieve sustainable growth and I have talked about all six in other episodes. But you can click here to learn about the first three you need right away. Then click here for information on the next three. Click here to learn about the top five tools I can’t live without in my business.
Now, if you want help auditing your back office, I’ve made it easy for you. Grab a copy of my DIY Back Office Assessment. The worksheets will help you identify the gaps in your current business operations in about 15 minutes or less. You also get a 15 minute call with me to discuss your results and map out a quick action plan and it’s just $27. Click here to check it out. And be sure to tune in to the podcast episode for a special offer. The links are below!
6. Get Feedback
Once you go through steps 1-4, I want you to share your plan with your mentor, coach, or biz bestie. Ask them for their opinion, give them real facts, and a picture of the impact this strategic plan will have.
If you are looking for a group of likeminded women in business that you can talk shop and life with, then feel free to join The More Than Capable Mompreneur Facebook Group. We would love to support you, answer questions you may have and even help you identify some goals that you can reach this year!
I brainstorm with them and bounce ideas off of them which helps me get clarity. With their support, I feel empowered and excited as I grow my business and become a better woman, business owner and podcaster. If you would like to join, there is a link in the show notes.
Remember, there’s no straight path to success. There will be obstacles that will arise and have you rethinking yourself and your strategic plan. Ignore the shiny things, you won’t miss out on anything you see others doing.
If necessary, partner with someone who can help you be methodical so you can create a plan that works for you and is right for your business. I would love to be that person! So if you want to see if we’re a good fit, schedule a Discovery Call with me and let’s do this!
If you would like to hear the audio version of this episode, be sure to check out episode 74 of the podcast. Tune in on your favorite platform by clicking one of the links below.
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