If you are anything like me, you may feel a bit inferior when someone uses the word strategy. It’s a bit pompous in my opinion, when good old ‘plan’ works just as well. And that is exactly what a ‘strategy’ is anyhow, a plan of action that has been designed to achieve a goal, whether the goal is long-term or short-term… 

So, let’s do away with a strategy and focus on a plan instead. 

Let’s start with how we come up with our detailed proposal in order to achieve something (aka THE PLAN)… Remember it’s all well and good to have an idea of what you want to do, but it’s the actual doing that is the important bit! How are we going to take action on our plan? How are we going to achieve our goal?

First and foremost, think about what your goal is. Is it business-related? Do you want more sales? Are you offering the right products/services? Are you worried about your pricing? How are your timeframes?

 Step 1: Listen to your customers, community, stakeholders basically anyone who will be affected by your end goal.

How can you do this? Social media is a great way to gain feedback from your customers, perhaps a simple “this or that” game. Ask a question and take note of the responses. By engaging in your audience you can find out what your customers want Vs what you are currently offering them.

Step 2: Once you have identified the difference between what they want Vs what you are providing, this is where your ‘plan’ can come into action. The missing link becomes your goal.

So, how can you achieve your goal? To avoid being overwhelmed with your goal, try and break it down into smaller steps along the way. Set deadlines at different intervals to keep you accountable. Make sure you review your plan regularly to keep yourself focused, and on target. 

Step 3: Celebrate your wins: Remember to cross things off once you have achieved them, this will promote self-satisfaction and increase your drive to succeed. Once you have reached your final goal, make sure you take a moment to congratulate yourself and your team. 

Step 4: Check in: Make sure you follow up again with your customers and ensure the changes that you have made are what they wanted.

If you feel like you need help with planning for your business goals, check out our Planner Bundle. In it you will find everything you need to keep you on task and help you easily identify the steps along the way to help you achieve your goal in the most efficient of ways.