Economic Uncertainty? Here’s How a 90-Day Plan Can Save Your Business!

Building Your Business in a Financial Pinch: The Power of 90-Day Plans

Welcome to the heart of your entrepreneurial journey where the path to success is paved with strategic planning and steadfast goals. We're nearly at the halfway mark of our transformative 20-day series (Growing your Business in a Financial Pinch), where each day is a step closer to fortifying your business against the financial gales that threaten to knock many off course.

Our mission is simple: to arm you with an arsenal of tools and strategies that will not only help you conclude the year with a bang but also ensure that the years ahead are built on a foundation of resilience and strength.

As part of our commitment, we've been delivering daily doses of wisdom through videos and articles designed to serve as a guiding light. The tools we offer are yours to wield—adapt what resonates with your business and leave what doesn't. The goal is to gain a fresh perspective, one that can elevate your business above the fray of economic uncertainty.

Remember, while we cannot command the winds of change that swirl around us, we hold dominion over the sails of our own enterprises.

Today, we delve into an indispensable tool that is crucial for any business or organization seeking to navigate effectively through the tumultuous seas of commerce. I'm referring to the creation of robust, effective 90-day plans.

Perhaps you've heard the term 'agile' tossed around in business circles, often associated with software development. But let me assure you, the concept of a 90-day plan transcends industry jargon. It's about breaking your annual goals into manageable quarters, recognizing that just as the year has its seasons, so too does your business.

A 90-day span equates to roughly 13 weeks, allowing you to further distill your objectives into weekly action plans. But where to begin? The first step is setting short-term goals that are not only clear and concise but also serve as stepping stones towards your overarching 12-month ambitions.

Goals are the compass that points your business in the right direction, shaping who you become, what you learn, and the momentum you build. Today, we focus on the art of setting these short-term targets and breaking them down into weekly milestones.

But we don't stop there. Monitoring progress is a mantra you've likely heard from me before, yet it's a principle that bears repeating. And to truly harness the power of a 90-day plan, there are five key strategies to embrace:

1. Set Clear, Outcome-Based Goals: Begin by defining three to four key goals that are specific, measurable, and outcome-focused. It’s essential to avoid overloading yourself with too many objectives; a few well-chosen goals allow you to direct your energy effectively and achieve meaningful results. Make sure each goal is closely aligned with your long-term vision for the business, providing a clear path from where you are now to where you want to be. This clarity not only keeps you focused but also motivates you to stay on track, knowing that each 90-day milestone contributes to your bigger-picture ambitions. (Note: Remember, these goals are outcome-based, NOT just a list of things you'll do. Focus on what you will ACHIEVE in 90 days and COMMIT to that).
2. Establish a Financial Goal: Financial stability is fundamental to business health, so include a profitability goal in each 90-day plan. This could involve increasing revenue, cutting costs, or improving cash flow management, depending on current priorities. By setting a clear financial target, you can track and measure the monetary impact of your efforts over the quarter. This financial goal serves as both a benchmark for success and a reminder that profitability is key to sustaining and growing your business.
3. Include a People Goal to Foster Team Growth: Your team plays a vital role in achieving business goals, so dedicate part of your 90-day plan to enhancing their development and engagement. This could involve training sessions, team-building activities, or setting individual performance targets that align with overall business objectives. A people-focused goal not only helps your team feel valued but also strengthens their capabilities, making them better equipped to contribute to your success. By investing in your team, you cultivate a motivated workforce that’s aligned with your vision and committed to achieving shared goals.
4. Incorporate a Systems or Technology Goal: To stay competitive and efficient, consider a systems or technology goal aimed at improving your operations. This might involve streamlining a workflow, adopting new software, or automating repetitive tasks. By focusing on operational improvements, you can reduce time spent on manual work, enhance productivity, and increase accuracy. Technology and systems upgrades make your business more resilient and agile, ensuring that you can scale more effectively and respond quickly to changes in demand or market conditions.
5. Always Be Learning: Growth as a business owner involves continuous learning, so include a personal development goal in your 90-day plan. Choose an area that challenges you to acquire new skills or knowledge—whether that’s understanding new industry trends, honing your leadership abilities, mastering a new technology or hiking a track to get more perspective on what matters in life. This commitment to learning not only keeps you adaptable and informed but also sets a positive example for your team. A focus on personal growth ensures that, as your business evolves, you’re equipped with the insights and skills to lead it effectively. As Jim Rohn said, work harder on yourself than you do on your business.

Once your goals are set, divide them into weekly tasks, working backward from the 90-day mark. Regularly assess what's working, what's not, and adjust accordingly. This iterative process is vital to staying agile and responsive.

And when you reach a milestone, celebrate it! Whether it's a team dinner or a well-deserved bonus, acknowledging achievements is crucial for morale and motivation.

To sum it up, your 90-day plan should be a beacon that guides you through the immediate future while keeping your long-term objectives in sight. It's about setting goals, breaking them down, monitoring progress, adjusting as needed, and celebrating success.

If you're intrigued by the simplicity yet effectiveness of a one-page 90-day plan that encapsulates all these principles, I'm here to help. Reach out, and I'll gladly share a simple 90-day template with you. It is used every day by business owners all around the world and can revolutionize the way you approach your business goals.

Here's to building businesses that not only withstand the test of time but flourish in the face of adversity. Let's dive into the next chapter with purpose and clarity, and I'll be right here to share more insights tomorrow.

Want to speak to Chris. Book a Discovery Call at https://calendly.com/chris-5ns/brief-overview-call