What Should I Do Next?

There are a number of reasons why businesses might make a business plan.

Some are good, some are necessary, some potentially might be a distraction.

But this article looks at one benefit to you, and to your business, in writing a business plan, and actually following it. Because the business plan ought to provide some help in answering the question at the top of the page.

There are a number of things you could do next. You could play around with some emails. You could do a non urgent task. You could just skip the day and go for a walk.

I believe it is of value for us to know the answer to this question. What is the thing that takes me forward towards the chosen business outcome?

The second thing that is of value is to know how to do that, and to keep focused on doing that.

Whatever format your business plan takes, and whatever time period it covers, it ought to give some guidance on this question.

I do know that there are days that are less black and white than this. And I do know that as a year, or month, unfolds the exact business goals might change. That is OK. But having no plan at all increases the probability that you and I will just faff about. We might achieve something. It might be useful. But we might not know.

So start your plan with a clear goal. And fill it out with a clear list of stuff to do that will get you there. And keep it available to hold you to account.