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One cannot effectively build a business without a viable, workable, applicable business plan. Success comes from knowing what constitutes a winning plan and then what must be done to insure that the plan brings the results that are needed.
So, what is required for a “winning plan” to be developed; and, what must be done to insure that the plan has an opportunity to achieve the results the framer intended? Over the next few weeks I’m sharing 7 attributes of a winning plan.
Fifth, a winning plan must have flexibility.
Rigidity can be good when dealing with stabilizing new trees or building skyscrapers but it will fall short when you are building winning business plans. In order to meet changing customer demands, address marketplace shortfalls or advance unexpected windfalls, your business plan must allow you the leeway to alter its process to meet the changes you could face.
Author David W. Jones points out, “Planning is helpful. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll seldom get it. But, no matter how well you plan, you will fare better if you expect the unexpected. The unexpected, by nature, comes unseen, unthought, unenvisioned. All you can do is plan to go unplanned, prepare to be unprepared, make going with the flow part of your agenda, for the most successful among us envision, plan, and prepare, but cast all aside as needed, while those who are unable to go with the flow often suffer, if they survive.”
When you fail to be flexible in planning, you will indeed be planning to fail. This does not mean that you should not be sold on your goals, etc. To the contrary, that is the essence of what planning entails. However, having flexibility as a component allows you to insure even greater potential for the plan to succeed since you are not limited in your actions. As has been said, “The key to sustained happiness, health, and longevity is flexibility.”
Next week we’ll look at the Sixth Attribute of a winning plan.
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