Chapter 2.  Planning

Starting a business is a real journey and just like going on a trip, you must have a plan, a map. 

I have always been a planner.

When I started the National Rental Department with Motorola, I had to prepare and present an Action Plan which included:

• Marketing
• Product Offerings
• Rental Prices and Rates
• Points of Distribution
• 3-Year Proforma Financial Plan
• Goals
• Critical Must Dos

(I still have the original plan)

The very first year, 1990, I developed my Action Plan for Houston 2-Way Radio and it included all the above.

A few other important points regarding planning.  Do it early as possible and review it often.  As my business grew the annual plans became more precise and granular and would cover 1 Year,

3 Year and 5 Years.

Important tips regarding planning:

• Review your plan quarterly and adjust as necessary.
• Engage your key associates and managers—your Stakeholders!
• Require your managers and especially your sales team to present their plans and review these plans monthly or at a minimum, quarterly.