Developing a roadmap for growth is essential for you personally and for your business. We recommend you start with a simple roadmap.
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.” – Lewis Carroll
We’ve talked about vision and reflecting on the past to help you build a roadmap to follow.
Think about where you are now as it relates to where you want to be. What needs to be done first? Setting strategic priorities as well as working out the specific action items and timelines can be overwhelming. Avoid letting that happen by using a simple brainstorming tool referred to as a Mindmap:
Next prioritize which of the above items are the best ones to get you moving forward to improve sales by 10%. Keep it to a couple of items initially. You cannot stop there, as your next step is to work out SMART action items to create the energy needed for implementation and execution.
S (specific) M (measurable) A (attainable) R (results driven) T (time phased with a deadline)
To develop SMART actions, use the Mindmap to develop many ideas for each area. Then apply the Pareto 80/20 rule to select those items that will the biggest impact on your roadmap.
Put all of this into your plan and get to work. Be sure your plan has strategies, assignee, actions and milestones. As a result, there is built in accountability to do what you say you will do. Over time you will refine your process. The good news is by following a plan, you have a better chance of success than taking any road that comes along.
Start now to plan a well-lived life by creating a roadmap for growth – it will have the greatest impact on you, your family and your business!