Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

In building my business, I KNOW what to do to make it successful. The question is, am I doing those things, or am I making excuses about why not?

1) Set written goals - numbers for the business (USD$ amount in sales;# of customers/referrals/downline members, etc.). Make a specific plan to make them happen. Be clear on the tracking and financials. Act and correct, keeping goals in mind daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. Assess plan periodically and make adjustments as needed.
2) Make sales - directly or in partnership with other entrepreneurs
3) Build a team - choose people with complementary skills and strengths
4) Be organized - consistently make new contacts, follow up and close; order work space, contacts and schedule for effective action
5) Set up efficient systems - be clear about roles, responsibilities and timelines for each individual and the team as a whole to accomplish stated business goals

Off the top of my head, these are fundamentals as I build my successful business. Yesterday morning, I went to a very good Sales Partners meeting. And last night I had a phenomenal evening of networking at a meetup on Fifth Avenue, put on by Andrew Ran Wong who organizes NYEBN. I met many interesting people in different industries who were open to taking a look at my business or to referring others they know to take a look. Perfect! I made over 21 great professional contacts who would be wonderful additions to my team and/or potential customers, if they like the business opportunity and/or savings (Cool Links on left - AP Flex Plus).

This morning, I was meant to attend a meetup at 7:15 am (NOT a morning person), doing a spotlight for my business in front of 8 other entrepreneurs. But this morning, I hit the snooze alarm three times and slept through the whole thing. Aaargh! So this morning I have excuses instead of results - so far. I am discovering that it takes fortitude to keep on going and discipline to shift my habits to consistent action. I have a choice now to either give up on today or continue to invite new team members and customers to take a look, despite the fact that nothing, so far, has gone as planned. And the only failure is giving up.

In Maine one morning, I was crossing a sand flats that the tide revealed when it went out. Usually I had to go the long way around on the granite rocks. I spied a tiny crab, perhaps an inch wide at the width of its shell. As my shadow fell on it, the crab backed a step away from the giant. Then, raising its claws, it advanced two steps towards me.

I need to remember, even on a day when I hit the snooze button too many times, that two steps forward, one step back is still being in action and moving ahead - in my business and in life.

Easy Free Business Plan Template

I read a book by Scott Fox called e-Riches 2.0 that I thought was exceptional so this is a clip about creating a basic business plan from his blog at www.ScottFox.com. Enjoy!

My Easy 10 Question Free Business Plan Template by Scott Fox
Last week in my new Click Millionaires Forum, a member named Tony asked me for a free business plan template recommendation. My response? Most entrepreneurs spend way too much time on writing business plans. I’d rather see your creative energy invested in product development or marketing, things that will directly lead you to more revenue.

So I sat down and thought about all the business plans that I’ve written and seen over the years. I think that they all boil down to a few basic questions that apply to any startup business.

Here are my Top Ten questions I think are most important for you to answer when starting a new business. You can use these to focus your thinking and to impress potential partners or investors (like your spouse!). This basic business plan template doesn’t cover everything, but if you can answer these questions solidly, you are on your way. (Conversely, if you spend much time beyond answering these fundamental questions, your business planning process may be too much.)

Scott Fox’s Top Ten Business Plan Template Questions

1. Who is your target customer? Be specific.
2. How does your product or service solve a problem for them?
3. Will your solution to the problem be unique and valuable enough that these customers will pay you a good price for it?
4. How can you reach this target audience cost-effectively?
5. Will satisfied customers naturally tell others? If so, how can you encourage them to do so?
6. How much time and money can you afford to invest in this new business before you need to stop? (Set a time and money cut-off.)
7. What will it cost you to get started? Why? How can the Internet reduce those costs?
8. If you make conservative assumptions about the number of people who buy, and how much it costs you in both time and money to sell to them, can you make enough money to achieve your goals?
9. How can you differentiate yourself from the competition?
10. What are the 3 key assumptions you are making that are required for you to succeed? Are they reasonable and probable? If not, what could you do to change them?

Bonus Question: How can you systematize your new business so it takes proportionally less of your time as it grows but makes as much or more money? (Creating a business that will grow without you can lead to a true Click Millionaire lifestyle!)

[Note: These questions are for a solopreneur considering starting a new venture. If you are planning a larger venture or looking to raise money from investors, you’ll need to be a lot more thorough, especially with financial analysis.]

An Easy, Instant Business Plan!
If you can write just a couple of solid paragraphs answering each of these questions, you will be well on your way to creating a respectable business plan, as well as clarifying your own strategy. Don’t fall victim to “analysis paralysis” by over-indulging in business planning. I recommend emphasizing “doing” over “planning”. It pays the bills much better!