| Many companies start in
a garage, begin to manufacture a product, and before a president,
secretary, or VP of Sales can be named, their product is in demand
far outpacing their capacity to supply the need. (now wouldn’t
that be nice?) Other companies get started, have some success, and
begin to rely on the demand of their one product without a thought
of where they wish to go or why (usual small business startup).
Other, rather mature companies have their vision proudly displayed
on the wall as visitors enter the front of the building. The only
problem is they’ve long since forgotten the words and certainly
the message of those good intentions (typical corporate environment).
All of the companies above share a common element: they’ve
either never had or forgotten to use their company business plan.
When I’m asked to do a business plan, I ask the person,
“What is the purpose of a business plan?” Most answer
that the plan is to be used to demonstrate viability and secure
outside capital to fund expansion plans. I nod, and say, “That’s
one purpose. What’s the other?” I never get the response
for which I’m looking; a business plan is for me, the author,
to assure myself that my thinking is clear, and this business
venture makes sense in my own mind.
For this last reason, I never take on a business plan and agree
that the business plan is the end product of our association.
The business plan must be written by the company participants,
and carry their mark on the plan just as the business must carry
their mark. I only agree to provide aid to the drafters of the
plan and to enumerate the elements generally included in a business
plan.
It is my position that we all have a purpose here on this earth.
Some of us live our entire lives searching for that purpose. Others
seem born to certain lives, and find continual joy in living a
purposeful life….those are the lucky ones. Most of us live
quite some time before some activity or calling strikes a cord
deep within us; we are still lucky. Businesses are similar in
that each has a purpose. To be massively successful, the designers
and leaders of a business must know the purpose of that business.
Some of you know it by the term “vision”. Leaders
must communicate the company vision at every opportunity. Everyone
in the corporation must know that corporation’s purpose
or vision. It is the leader’s task to breathe the essence
of the company vision into every conversation, with every employee,
at every opportunity.
If you would like to discuss your future, your corporation, or
a combination of the two, please contact me here
for more information about individual coaching or request a complimentary
coaching session here.
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