Entrepreneurs, Independent Contractors, Small and Large Businesses Must Plan and Set Goals

By Leach Larson

Most all successful business entities have Company Mission Statements, Goal Setting and Planning encompassed in their Policy and Procedure Manuals. This goal setting and planning objectives are the foundation of any successful business. Having a common balance between the company and employees ensures permanence.

No matter how long you have been in business, you are always vulnerable to the changing economy. Always plan and set goals ahead to help overcome obstacles along the way. Be prepared and be ahead of the curve. This is a must if you want continued growth. Confronting "road blocks" will be much easier to overcome and lead you to the path of success.

Many of us might not want to admit it, but we will find all kinds of excuses to avoid goal setting and planning for the future. Keep in mind that this adage holds true. "To fail to plan is to plan to fail". Here are several so-called excuses that I've heard and encountered over the years.

I am hard working and disciplined and know what needs to be done. This might be true but just thinking what needs to be done, will continue to set you on a path in a backwards direction. This thought process, however positive, won't be good enough. What might work one year does not mean it will work in the future. Always plan ahead and be prepared. Make a group effort today for tomorrow's success.

If I know what needs to be accomplished, I don't need to put it in writing. There is no such thing as an "unwritten" goal. Goal setting and planning needs to have a charted course and written on paper with a beginning and an ending date. Written goals will also entice your employees and give them the confidence they will need to contribute to the company's success.

GOALS ARE ALL YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL! If this were true, we never would have heard of Bill gates or Warren Buffet. Success in any business or profession is dependent on the implementation, supervision, and coordination of the written goals.

THERE'S NO NEED TO REVIEW MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR! This belief might have been true with some businesses in the past, but with the economic downturn and turmoil over the past several years, a revisiting of our written plan and goals makes sense more than once yearly. Adaptation and redirection could save the life of a company if properly sequenced.

As we approach another new year, it will be important to consider our established goals and reset them; either to meet increased production, or even to downsize if necessary. A well thought out business plan and appropriate goal setting will make navigating the stormy business seas less perilous. Keeping a constant vigil on that plan and its course will allow you to make necessary and profitable changes during the year, and not waiting for the New Year.

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