"The plan itself enables you to create a checklist of things you must do and learn in order to succeed. It forces leaders to get really clear about those strategies and tactics, and most importantly, to debate those issues with other smart people who can help you. Until you commit to a plan, there is no accountability and no way to clearly measure progress. As it turns out, most plans don't turn out as planned exactly -- things may be better or worse. But without a plan, failure is more likely because you'll thrash about wasting time and effort without accountability. The planning process saves you time, effort and energy." -- Mark Thompson, co-Author of Success

The saying I know goes something like this "Insanity is doing the thing over and over again, and expecting different results". I recently came across a new version of this quote. "If you don't adapt the way you fundamentally think about your business you will continue to get the results you wish were different." James Fisher, Growth Curve Institute. What do you think of James's quote?

Let's say for a moment that succession planning wasn't important. Making good decisions is always important. Many of us humans are either "tree people" or "forest people" to varying degrees. We're apt to automatically make decisions based only on what we see right in front of us; or what the long term goals are. Apt to be real good with detail or the big picture, again to varying degrees. However, to run a viable business, IMO we need to both make decisions based on now and how it might affect the company’s future. Ergo, when someone has a business it's important to create (at a minimum) a vision for 1 year, an exit vision, and a

As a business owner, you need to make a date with your business.  Once a year (at least) you need to take it out of the drawer, or off the shelf, and update it. Even better, this time, do it differently.  Create a One Page Business Plan(R), this way, you only have one page to review!  Really, create a one-page plan and never put it on the shelf because you use it daily. Achieve Your Goal$ Faster with a Strategic Plan on One-Page®  In one day, create a strategic business plan that’s powerful enough to turbo-charge your business, yet flexible enough to switch gears when you have to. Can You Answer “Yes” To These 5 Questions?

If you've been in business for a "while",  you may need a strategic plan if… You walk into your office each day and become a fire fighter responding to the nearest fire first. You focus on everything and anything that comes across your desk because it’s a priority. You can’t answer the questions “where will your business be in a year”  “where will your business be in 10 years”? You’ve been trying to earn more and you’re unsure how to get to the next level of success. You’re ready to work a 30 hour week. You’re unsure how to evaluation new opportunities and “bling” so you try them all on for size. Your company is ready