Want to take your business to the next level?

As I write this, I realize I should have shared this with you in August… Whoops. #BetterLateThanNever!

Every fall, I sit down to map out my business plan for the upcoming year.

Yes, the year ahead.

I schedule program launches and promotions, vacation time, business training, plus any mile markers I hope to meet throughout the year.

(I know, right? Even I’m feeling impressed with my planning…)

For example, if I’m focusing on creating a continuity program, I will decide the number of people I want in the program every month. I will then create a cash flow forecast for the entire year so that I go into the fourth quarter already knowing what the following year is going to look like.

Why do I do this?

1.It ensures that I have time off. Vacations probably wouldn’t happen if I didn’t prioritize them. (And you must prioritize them. But that’s another blog.)

2.It helps me anticipate the peaks and valleys of my income and plan accordingly. Maybe you’ve noticed that a coaching practice doesn’t necessarily generate the same income from month to month…

3. It allows me, believe it or not, so much freedom and flexibility to come up with new ideas to launch new programs, or even to completely throw my calendar out the window and have the mental room to come up with something even better.

4. Planning ahead means you can be strategic about how you’re building your business, instead of flying by the seat of your pants and only reacting to what’s in front of you. It grounds you.

5. Lastly, it ensures that you’re not burning the midnight oil. I already know that I’m doing my biggest launch of the year in September of 2017 and I’m beginning to prepare. That way, come August, it’s done and dusted. It’s easy instead of it being a stress-inducing nightmare.

So, I know it’s November, but it’s not too late! If you haven’t yet, give yourself a couple of hours this weekend to map out your ideal vision and your strategic plan for 2017.

Trust me, your business will thank you.