Keep Your Plan Clear and Simple
Plan ahead and keep your plan clear, so that you and your employees can understand it. Do not just change the figures of the previous year to create a new plan. Take note of the changed market conditions and then devise a new plan.
Your goals should be high, but achievable.
Stick To the Plan
Keep your plan visible so that you and your employees can look at it on a daily basis. Plan your monthly targets and try to predict and head off possible hiccups. If possible, keep blank tick-boxes next to your plans, so that you can tick off each one as you achieve them. This will enable you to keep visual track of your progress.
Sticking to your plan will require discipline; but if you are persistent, it will set a good example to your staff and motivate them to strive towards your business goals.
Integrate All Departments in Your Plan
Chalk out a clear path for all your departments – this includes sales, finance and HR. This way, you will ensure that they all work in tandem instead of duplicating their efforts, which could negate any positive work that each of them may have done.
Schedule regular meetings between the heads of each department to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Having regular planning meetings can also help your ‘mission critical’ employees realign themselves, if they find that their departments are moving out of sync.
Take Short Breaks and Reassess Your Work
Sometimes it is a good idea to step back and look at the big picture. Working day-in-and day-out can make you lose sight of your end goal, and make your moves mechanical. Take small breaks, get away from the office atmosphere, and visualize your business from the outside.
Think about the positive aspects of your business. This will create a sense of satisfaction and enable you to come back fully recharged and re-energized.
Motivate Your Staff
You may be the boss, but you can’t carry your business ahead by yourself! You will need to delegate responsibilities to your employees. Keep them motivated by offering rewards and show them that you appreciate their efforts.
At the same time, pull up lagging employees and try to get them on the right track.
Get Professional Help
If you are unable to increase sales or your profit margin, then hire professional marketing and salespeople to help you. By observing them, you will also absorb some of their ideas and incorporate them in future.
Plan a Strategy for Your Back End
Integrate your strategy to include cost-saving methods for your inventory, purchases and running expenses. For example, if one of your suppliers is giving you prompt deliveries but no substantial quantity discounts, then order smaller quantities from them.
This will enable you to reduce your inventory and roll over your products faster, enabling you to increase profits.
Stay Positive and Persistent
If your plan does not start off with a bang, don’t worry – the key is to be persistent. Having a proper plan always pays off in the long run.
