When it comes to business plans, most entrepreneurs and sales people slip into a low grade coma anticipating the exercises of creating vision and mission statements.   Heck, go ask 10 experts what is the difference between a vision and mission statement and you get 12 different answers.

It’s no wonder we can all  relate to the following definition:

A mission statement is defined as “a long awkward sentence that demonstrates management’s inability to think clearly.” All good companies have one. (From The Dilbert Principle, 1996)

You see the exercise of gaining clarity and eliminating the fluff and fat is the key.  You must become crystal clear and hold daily, in the forefront,  your vision of what you are ultimately trying to accomplish.  We can’t become what we want to be by remaining what we are. It is going to take some time, thought-energy and work. However, you have a choice here. You can either make it drudgery or you can be inspired by the process.  Again, it’s your choice. Choose wisely.

Your brain works faster than you think.  You only need to have clarity around 6 elements with regards to your business and your plan.

1. What business are you building over the next 3-5 years & what do you want the business to look like when you get there?

2. What is the purpose of your business?

3. What are your company’s guiding business values?

4. What key performance indicators will you measure to grow the business?

5. How exactly will you achieve those key indicators in order to  grow  your business?

6. What is the specific work that needs  to be done, by when & by whom?

Once you are clear of what business you are building (your vision) and you understand and are inspired by why your business exists (your mission) then and only then can you be clear on what key performance indicators will  carry out your mission and manifest your vision.  Your KPIs, which must be measurable and graphable, can only be executed through clearly defined completion oriented strategies.

The tactical action project section of your business plan defines the work that must be done and specifically by when and who has each action.   These are the key links in order to carry out the key strategies to support the KPIs of  what you are trying to accomplish by ultimately bending your sales curve.

There are 4 quarters in a year so don’t load everything up in the 1st quarter and subject yourself to overwhelm. Spread it out over 4 quarters.  Keep this in mind – time exists so everything doesn’t have to happen all at once. Think! Plan! And get your winning business plan down on paper.

The important thing is to get your business plan  in writing even if it’s not perfect.  Your business plan is a working document. It’s dynamic, organic and always changing form.  It will never really be done.  Things come up. Life happens. You will need to recalibrate your business plan throughout the year…and that’s okay.

Once you have created your business plan the best thing you can do is to review it every single day. Stay engaged with your business vision and know specifically what you must accomplish every day to achieve your business vision.

It’s like Mario Andretti says – “If things seem really under control, you’re not going fast enough.” So go BIG and capture on paper how you are going to make this your best year yet!