We are in a world with massive uncertainty, and yet we need to run our business. How do we create a plan for the rest of 2020?
The first thing I know is that it’s not going to be a plan like you made in January. We can’t just take last year, add 15%, target the same clients with the same services. With the economic, social, political, and public health instabilities we’re experiencing we can’t count on the “same old, same old.“
In fact, I’m not sure there is any kind of rational way to set objective top-line goals for the rest of 2020 — there’s just too much we don’t know.
But that leaves us in a pickle. If we don’t have goals, how do we measure progress? How do we orient ourselves within the swirling world of 2020? How do we set priorities or know we’re doing a good job?
Start Small.
Even if the rest of the year is uncertain, even if we can’t project December from today, there are some things we know we need to do to be successful.
What are the things, that if done consistently between now and the year, would move your firm forward the most? Where is a place where you could create a discipline, or a habit or a practice that would drive continuous improvement in any market conditions?
Do that. Do it every day, or every week. Look to make incremental progress consistently.
Let’s get specific
What if you decided that you would talk to (in real-time, not via chat or email) one ideal client every day for the rest of the year? If you set that as a goal and were consistent about it for the second half of 2020, you’d talk to 525 ideal prospects this year — do you think that would be good for your business?
What if you decided to document one process in your business, start to finish, each week in the second half of 2020? You’d have 25 completely up-to-date, processes — with measurements and who’s responsible. Start with the things that change the least, accounting, onboarding, marketing, then move on to the more volatile processes. What would that do for your business?
What if you decided to write 2,000 words a day, 5 days a week? You’d have written 100,000 words by the end of the year. You’d have completed a book draft and the rewrites. You’d be ready for publication!
How would I do that?
That’s where the creativity comes in. You’d have to find a way to do it. Everyday. Every. Day.
I can hear you saying, “Brad, I’m not so good at being consistent.” I know that — but what if you did this? What if it was your priority? What would it mean to have this one thing to focus on through all the swirling uncertainties of the rest of 2020?
- You’d have a sense of accomplishment no matter what else happened.
- You’d be working toward something that you know you would get value from no matter what.
- You’d build a habit, a muscle that you could keep using for the rest of your life!
Why wouldn’t you want to set a goal like that? Let’s do it together!
If you are “in” — reply to this email and let me know — I’m going to create a private channel within my Business Owner’s Slack group where we can stay accountable and get encouragement. I’d love to see you there.
