Brian Foster’s Blog

This is tricky business, start at the beginning or the end? I personally
favor starting at the end, a target is defined loosely and can be
divided into steps.

Starting at the beginning will produce a set of detailed steps, a big
bunch of steps with little positive direction. These steps will be in
categories lumped by what you thought at at the time. A great way
to make a real mess is to plan in the middle of doing research.

I do it all the time, make a mess and spend a lot of time cleaning it up.
It’s a great way to learn but lacks positive direction and burns down
time like crazy.

Develop a list of what must be done, keep it as an overview,
with main items and sub items only.

Set goals 3 year, 2 year 1st year in approximate Dollar targets
by quarters. Plan year 1 in quarters, weeks and days then take
year 1′s quarterly targets, add 30% and check or fill in year 2.

For year 3 add a 50%increase based on year 2. Do it on a large
sheet of paper, use a big marker and keep it simple. It’s all a guess
at this point and will change many times.

Year 1 will be more complex, start by planning monthly, weekly,
daily tasks. This should give you a feel for (a time line)
to see what is possible.

Use your 1st quarter estimates adjusted by 7%per quarter to project
an improvement in your business after 1 years experience.

Check your time against dollars, if it makes sense great, if not,
start over, make adjustments until it works.

You now have a reasonable plan that will indicate
several (estimated) things.

1. What your hourly rate must be.
2. What cash flow you might need.
3. Must you outsource or employ staff.

This should be done in a short period of time, once you decide
your plan makes sense, then do a detailed task list.
Set your priorities and complete list.

All I have to do now is work the rest of my life into The Plan.

Thanks

Brian