Action Plans - Why do we procrastinate?

Everyone tells us that business plans are the best way to navigate and build our business - so why is it so difficult to accomplish? And, what about the plans we do find the time to write down but never come to fruition. Unfortunately, these obstacles are the realities of being an entrepreneur or new business owner. We wear many hats and we tend to let our businesses consume us. Action plans (or business plans) tend to be plans that are reactive rather than proactive for small businesses. Sound familiar?

Let's start with the types of plans first, how we can start the process, and how to eliminate waste and get the plans working for you rather than sitting on the shelf.

The following plans are considered to be relevant to small and growing businesses. Depending on the size of your company, these plans may only consist of a one page document or even just a statement. They are:

Business Plan
Marketing Plan
Strategic Plan
Productivity Plan
Tactical Plans
Budgets
Sales Forecasting

As explained by business strategist, LaCosta Lolly of LLS International Consulting, "a comprehensive plan should be developed even if you have to implement in stages". Whether you have the resources to implement the plan or not, planning is still essential. Ms. Lolly goes on to explain, "For the small or mid-sized business seeking to grow or expand, planning is essential. It is important not to focus solely on acquiring new customers without being prepared for those customers and the reverse is true in that preparation without new customers creates unnecessary expenses. Strategic planning will help your business plan for growth from the inside out and determine what is necessary to take your business to the next level." To read more about strategic planning visit LLS International Consulting's NEW informative Web site.