Do you have a written business plan?
Long gone are the days of the 30-50 page business plan. Every business needs a written plan, but it doesn't need to be that huge document that you submit to a lender.
I develop Micro Business Plans for my clients. The plan is a one page document that focuses on the area of need (i.e. social media, marketing, operations, strategy, concept vetting, etc.) Micro Business plans identify your objectives and priorities, are easily updated, track and measure your efforts and lay out simple guidelines to help you get accustomed to small business fundamentals and simple success behaviors.
If you have a business plan, do you refer to it often?
Yes, I have a plan for myself as well. I refer to it monthly. Depending on the client, I suggest they keep it posted at their desk and keep one in their briefcase or bag so that they easily refer to it and stay focused on what they should be working on. Micro Business Plans should be updated at least once per month to measure the results of your efforts and progress.
Advice
- mindmapping platforms like Freemind and Mind42 to get all the thoughts and ideas out on the table so you can see clear and see how pieces can fit together.