Preparing to Write Your Business Plan

by Boni Lonnsburry, President and CEO, In Touch Today Corporation

January is the perfect time to begin planning for a successful year, and most business experts agree that instituting and following a business plan is critical to your success.

How successful do you want to be? Is it worth it to spend a few hours now to insure that success? If so, it’s time to formulate a plan!! Here are some helpful hints to prepare to plan what can be the best year of your career:

1. Where do you really and truly want to be in a year? Following a plan takes tenacity and commitment. Think seriously about your answer. Tripling your business may afford a good fantasy but not be anywhere near reality in terms of the time and commitment you are ready to take. Think big, but think real.

2. Get a jump-start on systems. Working smarter means you don’t have to necessarily work harder. You probably already know of some software, programs, systems, etc. that could make your business run smoother and more productively. Learn about them NOW so you’ll be ready to implement them in the coming year.

3. Plan & prepare for the niches you’d like to develop.

If you’re planning on targeting the affluent market, you may want to read books on this market segment to learn about their style, how to approach them, market to them, etc.

If you’re planning on targeting the new homebuyer market, you may want to learn a presentation program for seminars, or research farm lists of apartment dwellers.

If you are planning to target the financially savvy market, you may want to invest in software like Mortgage Coach to be better able to show them the benefits of a certain plan.

If you are planning on targeting the builder market, do some research on new developments planned for your area in the coming year.

4. Find an outline or software to assist you in writing your plan. What will your plan template be? You may consider buying a book or software to help you plan effectively.

5. Research your marketing options. Your marketing plan is usually 30% of your total plan. The time to look at which company to choose to help you market is not in January: it’s NOW, so you can implement in January. (Our shameless plug - For high quality postcards, newsletters and closing gifts at low prices, check out www.intouchtoday.com first!)

6. Expect and plan for the extra income. If you’re planning on being a great deal more successful, expect the money! It has been said that success is mostly mental. See yourself successful. Begin to read and learn about investments, taxes, etc. so you’ll be prepared when that money starts rolling in. Hold the vision and stay positive (this may be a good time to invest in tapes and books to help you achieve that as well).

If you'd like more help with your plan for 2009, download a FREE One Hour Marketing Plan worksheet.

© 2009 by In Touch Today Corporation and its licensors. This article may be reproduced only in its entirety. In Touch Today is a marketing company based in Denver, Colorado, that assists professionals in increasing their repeat and referral business as well as building professional referral sources and prospecting new clients. www.intouchtoday.com

Question of the Month

We're adding an exciting new feature to Top Producer Strategies! Each month we will pose an interesting and/or fun question for you to think about. Share your answers with us (just email them to newsletter@topproducerstrategies.com with "question of the month" in the subject line) and we'll compile them for a future article. This should be a great way for us all to learn more about each other and our industry!

This Month's Question...

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done to market yourself?