Member Article

‘Now is the time to…get planning’ Tara Bilton explores why effective business planning can help your organisation push forward through difficult times.

Now is the time to…get planning

With a somewhat fragile recovery underway and consumer confidence still weak, businesses need to be planning their next steps for success.

Whether it is about keeping the business going or supporting growth, organisations still need to think about the plans they have in place and how they will help to negotiate the turbulent months ahead.

So now is the time to review your plans for the future and consider whether they are robust enough to support your organisation moving forward. Whilst undertaking your planning review, why not consider the theme and questions below.

ENVIRONMENT - Make sure you know what’s happening in your market environment

What are the current opportunities which can be exploited? What are the potential threats? Do you know what the competition is up to? What are the implications for your business?

STRATEGY - Develop a strategy to deliver the results – it won’t just happen on its own

Do you have a clear handle on your current business performance compared to projections? Are there plans in place to address any shortfalls?

CHANGE – Think about the changes you are anticipating and how this can be managed smoothly with miminal disruption

Are you and your people sufficiently equipped to manage changes which may present themselves over the next few months?

PEOPLE – Look after your people, they will make the difference between business success and failure

How engaged are your team? Are they ready willing and able to take on the challenges ahead, what is morale like? Are they motivated and loyal? Have you got the skills you need to take your business to the next level, indeed do you know what skills you need?

COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE – Even if there is nothing to say

Are you sharing enough information about what is happening in the business, future priorities and plans? Do your people know enough about what is going on and understand what they can do to help? People aren’t daft and if you don’t tell them, they will make it up for themselves. Getting people involved in making suggestions can be a great way to galvanise and enthuse the team.

MANAGERS – Ensure your managers and leaders are fully engaged and committed to the challenges ahead

Are your managers and leaders helping or hindering the process of managing change? Are they inspiring your people to rise to the challenge, encouraging and supporting them to be able to deliver their best and fostering a belief that the future is positive albeit challenging?

idg is passionate about making a difference to organisations helping them to improve develop and grow in what is continuing to be a challenging environment. More information about our business support services can be found on our website: www.i-dg.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tara Bilton .