What's your opinion? : Tell us what you think by writing a review. merely click on the "Write a Review" link at the very bottom of this page.

Create an Annual Business Plan that Works

Successful clubs have one thing in common, they are proactive versus reactive. They think it through and they have a plan. Here's an 8-Step Approach.

By: Jim Thomas

No one ever said making your goals happen would be easy. Then only thing easy is running around shouting, "What happened?"

Well, January has recently passed. Was it the success you thought it would be? We're always telling anyone who is willing to listen, that January's success is guaranteed to no one. It's about following a proven system and having a winning attitude.

The successful clubs we see all have one thing in common in this regard…they are proactive versus reactive. They think it through and they have a plan.

business plan By putting your plan on paper you will be more empowered and feel less stressed.

It all sounds very easy, but most people who sit down to do this for the first time find it very challenging. Most likely you've become accustomed to putting out fires and reacting to the things around you. Take control today!

Create A Plan of Action

Here is a good place to start each month. A Plan of Action. It becomes your roadmap for success. Use this outline and let us know how you're doing.

1.Starting Point

Before deciding where you want to go, see where you are at. Find a quiet spot and write out a clear statement of where you are today. Take your time. You have been without a road map for this long, a little longer won't hurt. Be as professional as you can. This is not a "make me proud of you" exercise nor is it a "kick-me" one. Be honest.

2. Written Goals

Writing crystallizes thought and thought motivates action! Begin to compile a list of what you would like to accomplish in your club. List both tangible and intangible goals. After completing this list, go back and arrange them in order of their priority - most important to least important. As you do this, be careful your priorities are not all coming from one area.

3. A Plan

Now that you have prioritized your goals, why do you need a plan? business plan

It will be easier to make things happen
Knowing the big picture will allow you to make fewer and easier decisions. Sound planning will not always make it clear what your current decision should be, but it will make your decision-making easier. Ask yourself: Will what I am about to do help me in the attainment of my goals? Planning will allow you to make the best possible decisions about what to do now.
You will control rather than be controlled.
Planning doesn't make the future predictable. It does, however, allow you to anticipate what is most likely to occur.
Planning is a continuous activity, not a periodic one.
You will be better able to translate general goals into specific, measurable objectives.
Planning will help you to identify what must be done to insure desired results.

In your Plan-of-Action notebook, starting with Goal #1, begin to write out just how you plan to go about achieving your goals.

4. How To Deal With Roadblocks and Setbacks

When you have done this for the high-priority goals, write next to each goal where the potential roadblocks and setbacks might occur. Then, assuming they will actually happen, how will you handle them? This may be the toughest part of the program, but no one ever said making your goals happen would be easy. Then only thing easy is running around shouting, "What happened?"

5. Checkpoints

Decide upon a realistic "when" for each of your goals. Once you have chosen a date to accomplish each of your goals, break each goal down into smaller segments of minor goals. Select date accomplished times for these shorter-range goals.

6. Scorecard

Go! Using your plan-of-action and its checkpoints, act on it! You will begin to notice a new internal enthusiasm! What you have to do on a daily basis won't seem as painful and/or difficult because you will know why you are doing it.

7. Reward System

As part of your goals program, decide up-front how you intend to satisfy yourself. You can accomplish any HOW if you know your WHY.

8. Review

Nothing is carved in stone. As often as you like, step back and take a look at your big picture. Want to make a change? Go ahead. It's your plan.

Now you're all set for next month's plan of action.

Good selling!

About The Author

Go to About Jim Thomas for more of his articles and his bio.

More Like This…

Lack of Time! Perception or Reality

Value Added Employment

Rudy Giuliani on Leadership

Maximum Management for Fitness Centers

The Management Challenge

back arrow Back to More Articles About Management and Leadership.

030306