Solo Entrepreneur - 10 Easy Steps to Get You Moving!

Do you know any solo entrepreneurs who have flourishing businesses and too much time on their hands? I don't. Even if you're up-to-date with the thousands of business related activities you could choose to do, there is always a new idea to implement or marketing to be done.

Therein lies the problem...

This is why setting aside some time to plan the next 3, 6 or 12 months can be challenging. But this is also exactly why you need to do this before you start anything else! Without a plan, you can still be very busy, just very busy going nowhere! If that sounds a little too harsh to you, you probably need to hear this more than you realize! (Sorry!)

Why planning is so darn hard, and necessary!

Sometimes we avoid planning because we are unclear about what we want to do. Planning forces us to face that uncomfortable truth. Sometimes we avoid planning because it feels like plans are just glorified guesses. Well, plans are glorified guesses! But without a plan, any little wind (a fad, a buzz word, a convincing friend/colleague/self-seeking service provider) can easily blow us off track from our dreams.

Hope at the end of the tunnel

The good news is that although our plans may be glorified guesses, they give us a great starting place. They give us impetus even if we need to improve them as we go. With a plan, albeit a "guesstimate", at least you have something to weigh that new opportunity against. Without it, the guessing continues on a much grander scale.

The rewards for having a plan are plentiful

Here are just a few:

• renewed energy and focus
• clarity and confidence in how to move your business forward
• reduced stress levels
• a means to consciously weigh different ideas
• a way to put things in the most effective, strategic sequence
• time savings in the reduction of attractive-looking detours
• raised awareness to opportunities that can help you move forward in a big way!

So, while I realize planning can be hard, I wouldn't be worth a pinch of salt as a business coach, if I didn't STRONGLY RECOMMEND you make this a priority on your schedule! As a minimum, put an hour long appointment in your diary right now! Then, during that session, simply do the 10 steps below.

Signs of a good plan

You know you have a good plan if it leaves you with just enough 'wide eyed' emotion, otherwise known as 'the jitters'. You should be feeling a little uncertain as to whether or not you can actually pull it off!

A plan pitched at this level will ensure that you are engaged, focused and prepared to raise your game to see your dreams realized! Happy, courageous planning!

***

10 Steps to A Powerful Plan!

Step 1

What one thing do you most want your business to achieve next year*?

Step 2

What other big goals do you have for next year? After writing them down, prioritize them in order of importance.

Step 3

What ideas do you have for next year? Make a list. Include in your list any current plans you have and any other projects you're working on or want to work on in the near future.

Step 4

Separate all the items listed into short and long projects. (Short projects are the ones you can do in under a week. The rest are long projects.)

Step 5

For the short projects:

Next to each one put the date by when you want to have it done. (Getting those items off your list will free you up to get moving on the big things.)

Step 6

For the long projects:

Score each one by giving them a point for every 'yes' for the following 5 questions:

• Does this support my overall business vision?
• Will this help me meet the goals I've laid out for next year?
• Will this fill a gap I currently have in my product/service range?
• Will this fill a gap in my marketing?
• Will this meet the needs and/or wants that my ideal clients are thinking or talking about most of all, right now?

Also, for each of the long projects, estimate how long you think it will take from beginning to end.

Step 8

On a calendar, add your short term items, along with your vacation plans and any other firm events you're aware of. (For a draft calendar, take a blank page and write the months of the year down the side leaving room below each one to add your items.)

Step 9

Then, starting with your highest scoring long projects and working your way down the list, add them into your calendar for next year. Keep adding your projects until your year is full!

Step 10

Wrap it up by answering these 3 questions:

• When you've filled out your calendar, take a step back and look at it! How does it feel?
• What support structures (knowledge, tools, people and resources) do you already have in place that will help you be successful? Write them down. (This is VERY important, for gratitude, amongst other things!)
• What support structures will you need to add to reach your goals?

Would you like to boost your solo-entrepreneurial business with online strategies designed around your strengths and passions? Whether you've been in business for years or just starting out, in under 5 minutes, this FREE Business Assessment Tool will give you valuable strategies to help your ideas succeed!

With this tool, based on Candice's award winning "8 Steps to Creating NEW Business", you'll always have a quick and easy way to think through your new ideas! Get your copy at http://www.candicebowles.com.

Candice Bowles helps solo entrepreneurs grow their business by taking them online, strategically and authentically.

© 2009 Candice Bowles Consulting.