Another client question on Tuesday’s call-in day – “Chris – how do I create a business plan when I’ve never done it before?”
I asked what research he had done so far:
1. had a look on the internet at downloadable packages;
2. had a look in a local PC store at off-the-shelf packages:
3. had a look at his local bookstore.
He was bewildered and confused by the choices.
This client has been in my core dental programme for 3 years.
So I asked him the following questions:
1. have you written a 3-year vision statement?
Yes
2. have you created personal and professional cash flow forecasts?
Yes
3. have you written operational systems for the practice?
Yes
So I shared with him a formula:
Vision + Cash Flows + Systems = Business Plan
He had already written it – he just didn’t realise that those disparate pieces of paper could be joined together.
So, relieved that he has done 80% of the work, he is now off to polish his business plan.