A Business Plan All On One Page

03/06/2015 | Roger and Susie Engelau

The 2nd quarter of 2015 is coming up

As the 2nd quarter begins, I’m talking about creating your long-term and quarterly short-term business plan.

I don’t believe in long, drawn-out business plans that could fill a binder. As I described in last week’s post, I use Verne Harnish’s “1-Page Strategic Plan” tool –a framework that lets you see all the components of your business plan at once while making sure you have all the short-term pieces to accomplish your long-term goals.

It’s so important for every business owner that every quarter I run a workshop in central Indiana, pricing it only to cover my cost. Business owners come together and help each other complete their 1-Page Strategic Plans. Many owners attend most every quarter to update their long-term business plans and make new 90-Day Action Plans—its become a ritual for all of us.

I thought you’d like to see what the Growth Plan Workshop and our quarterly ritual has meant to the business owners who attend. Here are a few of the hundreds of comments directly from the business owners:

Real business owner reactions

“We’re on target to exceed our planned growth due to a simplified strategic business plan combined with quarterly action plans.” Plumbing, heating, and cooling company owner

“I have not ceased moving the ball forward. I was stuck previously. Forward momentum requires regular monitoring and advancing expected actions.” Lawyer

“The program was eye-opening. I enjoyed it so much. I need it to keep me focused on what’s important in terms of driving profitability.” Iron manufacturer

“The value I get is everything! 1 million details transformed into clear and focused priorities.” Publishing Company Owner

“The opportunity to step away and put together the business plan for next steps is so valuable—it’s what keeps us on target with our plan.” Construction company owner

“Business is much improved – from no plan to an actual business plan.” Veterinarian

“I learned so much about the importance of communication [the educational topic in that quarter’s session], setting goals, and seeing other business owners with the same issues.” Manufacturer

“Really liked the team-building exercise. I think I have changed as much as my business!” Design Firm Owner

“I’m starting to think like an owner and think in terms of the future.” Manufacturer

“Now I feel like I have a direction and a roadmap.” Funeral home director

“The bridge-building exercise was eye-opening. Plus we have a business plan in place to build a better organization structure.” Metal manufacturer

“I treasure the fellowship, fun, and focused direction I get from these sessions!” Lawyer

“I’m more determined to plan my dream!” Accounting firm owner

“The building block exercise was brilliant! You bring me back to focusing ON my business [vs IN my business].” Mobility equipment company owner

“I’m so thankful for Roger and all he has done for my business.” Heating and cooling company owner

I invite you to join us. The day includes an educational period, work in small groups, a fun exercise, and we enjoy a nice hot lunch together. The 2nd Qtr 2015 Growth Plan Workshop is

Fri., Mar. 27, 2015, 9—4pm

Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Airport, 8910 Hatfield Dr., Indianapolis  46231

To register, click here.  

You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear picture of where you want your business to be in 10-30 years, a 3-5 year plan, a 90-day plan, & a ready-to-implement action plan to get you there
  • Your 12-month goals broken into bite-size quarterly goals, monthly milestones, & weekly actions
  • Strategies to build your profits right away
  • A network of like-minded business owners

If you want, start to work on your business plan now and I’ll help you complete it at the session.  Click here to download the 1-Page Strategic Plan form.