Strategic Planning

Last year about this time, I created a strategic planning tool to make available for my clients. I gavee a talk on the topic, and one of the attendees asked me if I did all of the things I was suggesting they do. He wanted to know if I 'walked the talk'. Fortunately, I did and I gave him several examples of how I incorporate planning into my life.

A couple of weeks ago, I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with all that was on my plate and a little depressed about all the things that weren't on my plate. In a flash of wisdom, decided now would be a good time for my own annual strategic planning session. So I selected one of the days I had set aside for business development, cleared the few activities that were on the calendar and dedicated the day for a strategic planning session with myself.

Wow! It was wonderful! So wonderful, in fact that I have now promised myself to devote more time to this activity on an annual basis. As I was winding down, I realized that I could have used another day to review and prioritize items from all of the conferences and workshops I've attended over the last year. Next year, I will devote two days to the activity.

I revamped my mission statement, refined my target market, developed strategies and goals that left me feeling refreshed, recharged and focused! My mood had shifted dramatically. The world seemed like a playground rather than a prison. It was truly amazing.

Pick up your own copy (http://www.emeraldharvest.com/StrategicBusinessPlanning/strategicbusinessplanning.html) and go forth and plan!