3 Easy Steps to Updating Your Business Plan for the New Year

“Most people don’t live 70-90 years, they live the same year 70-90 times.” – Derek Rydall 

The first time I heard that quote I thought ouch! It was even worse when I was able to look back over several “clumps” of years in my life and find no real change in circumstances.

In other words one year ran into the next, and the next, and the next and not much had changed. This finally changed when I launched my business because I had never even imagined I could do such a thing.

Since then I’ve been determined to make sure I am not repeating the same cycle of events and circumstances year after year, both in my personal life and my business. 

You’ve probably heard that your business plan is a living, breathing document and should be revisited and revised regularly- and it should.

So since we are entering into a new year what better time to avoid the repeat cycle and touch up our business plans?

Step 1: Review Last Years Ups, Downs and In-Between’s

Start by writing down a list of everything you offered last year. Include every product, service, and program that you made available for purchase – whether or not they actually sold.

Next to each offering jot down the number of each offering sold and the dollar amount it generated.

So it should look something like this:

Now take a look at the products/services that earned the most over the previous 12 months and answer the following questions:

Who bought it? ( Describe in detail.)

[Is this target market still a good fit for your business? Do they pay on time or are they always trying to negotiate and get a discount?]

What did they think of it and would they buy it again or refer your business to others? (If you don’t know, stop here and contact them to find out.)

Step 2: Eliminate the Junk

Of all the products/services you offered and were actually purchased which:

Did you love?

[Great! These programs are a good fit for your business let's keep them for the upcoming year. If sales were high, it may be time to raise the price, if sales were low it may be time to increase our marketing efforts.]

Did you dread providing? 

[Even if these products/services were profitable, if they were too time consuming, costly, or stressful to provide it may be time to let them go. Determine if the production of these products/services can be outsourced or delegated. If they cannot, determine if there are some slight changes that can be made to make them easier for you to provide.]

Failed to sell but you really love? 

[Evaluate the value in these products or services. Having a great idea that no one in your target market wants is a setup for heartbreak. Give a few samples or trials away in exchange for feedback before adding these to this year's "for sale" list.]

Step 3 – Set the New Plan in Stone

Update your website, marketing materials, social media posts, and all business listings to include only what you will be offering this year. If there will be a price increase don’t forget to notify your customers so that they can budget accordingly. 

So tell me, what steps have you taken to update your business plan this year?

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Summer Alexander

Hi I’m Summer the CEO of Summer Alexander Research & Marketing. If you are a business owner who is short on time and low on revenue let me prepare a custom strategic marketing plan for your company and allow my team to implement that plan for you. We’ll handle all of your on and offline marketing activities allowing you to do what you do best – run your business. Learn more here: Done For Your Marketing. If you are an entrepreneur in need of guidance, structure and accountability I’d be honored to serve as your business coach.