Stop making excuses and start planning for a successful 2025
It was dark when I left the house yesterday and dark when I got home.
You know what that means…
Summer holidays are over and the kids are back at school?
Autumn is setting in?
We’re on the countdown to X**s?
All true.
It also means that there are four months, 17 weeks or 84 working days until the end of 2024.
And that means it is time to start planning for your business for 2025 and beyond, anytime soon.
This time of the year is the perfect time for businesses to focus on updating or developing their business plans ahead of the new calendar year. It provides an opportunity to reflect on 2024’s achievements, evaluate current challenges and future opportunities, and plan for the future.
A well-crafted business plan is not just a static document; it’s a dynamic tool that guides you and your company’s growth, adapts to market changes, and aligns with your long-term goals so it is used daily rather than being left collecting dust on a shelf somewhere.
Why update your Business Plan now?
Autumn is the ideal time for strategic planning because it allows businesses to capitalise on the lessons learned throughout the year. By this point, companies typically have a clear understanding of their financial performance, their market position, and customer requirements. This insight will drive adjustments to the Business Plan, ensuring that strategies remain relevant and effective.
Updating your Business Plan now also sets the stage for a strong start in the New Year rather than taking time to warm up and lose vital ground. With the end of the year fast approaching, many companies enter a period of high operational activity and forget to or don’t have time to plan.
Having a clear plan in place now allows you to navigate this busy period with confidence, ensuring that you and your team are aligned and prepared to meet any challenges head-on.
The importance of team involvement
I was involved in a business leader peer group this week that was discussing culture and alignment. The phrase that was used by the speaker was “move authority to where the info is.”. Read that again.
In essence, let the decisions be made (within agreed guidelines of course) where the information is. If the marketing team know where their stats are, let them take action and so on. Don’t be dictating from above when they have the information to make informed decisions.
Gone are the days where plans are developed off site by the leaders and then cascaded down to the team for them to get onboard. The businesses that are delivering the best results are those where the team (often the ones close to the action) are involved in the planning process.
Involving your team in the business planning process is crucial. When employees participate in planning, they feel more connected to the company’s vision and are more likely to be committed to its success. Team involvement drives a sense of ownership, encourages innovative ideas, and promotes a strong culture of collaboration. This inclusive approach can lead to more comprehensive strategies, as different perspectives often reveal new opportunities and potential pitfalls that might have been overlooked.
When your team understands the strategic goals and the reasons behind them, they are more empowered to contribute effectively. Clear communication of the Business Plan ensures everyone is on the same page (literally), reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or misaligned efforts. A joined up approach none the less.
It should be their plan that you are helping them deliver and not the other way round.
Taking the time this Autumn to update your business plan and actively involving your team in the process can set you and your business up for success in the coming year. It’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of a motivated and retained team, a clear and aligned direction, and a stronger, more resilient business.
Perhaps it is time to stop listening to the excuses you keep telling yourself and develop a plan that will help you deliver the results you desire in 2025 and beyond. Get started now using my unique single page business planning tool.
What is really stopping you?
Are you ready to stop dithering and unlock your full potential? Curious about how I can help? Book a complimentary discovery 30 minute call now and let’s explore your goals together.
