There are many things to think about when you are starting a business. For example, will it be a brick and mortar business, or internet based? Will you have employees right away, or hire later?
Obviously, these are just a couple of examples of the kinds of decisions you will have to make when you start a business. There are lots more, and some you may not even consider until some unforeseen event forces you to.
But one thing some people believe should not be addressed until later on, after your business is established, is a strategic plan. Be that as it may, there could be reasons why your startup needs a strategic plan sooner rather than later.
What is a Strategic Plan?
One reason why your startup needs a strategic plan is because it can help your business by giving it direction. Having a one allows you to know what actions take priority and where to concentrate resources.
Creating a strategic plan enables other staff and business partners, if any, to know what the goals are and work with you toward reaching them. In addition, as the world changes around you, it’ll help you make changes to your startup to meet new needs and expectations.
The people in an organization who create the strategic plan are usually senior management such as a board of directors or the owner. However, strategists may be hired to help a company create their strategic plan.
There are generally four steps to a strategic plan. They are analysis, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and evaluation and management.
Why Your Startup Needs One
Of course, there are several reasons why your startup needs a strategic plan. Here are a few:
1. Direction
As mentioned above, a strategic plan gives your business direction. Without a clear path of where you are going it can make certain business decisions harder to make. Conversely, once you have a plan you are able to take action more easily.
2. Focus
When your startup grows, as I’m sure you hope it will, it can be easy to lose focus. Once your business has lost sight of its reason for being it can be hard to gain it back.
3. Funding
Funding is another reason why your startup needs a strategic plan. If you hope to get outside funding for your business, having it is crucial. You can be certain other investors will ask for it before investing in your dream.
4. Success
In order to make your startup successful you need a strategic plan. There will be many distractions and questions to answer as you begin your business.
While each question or challenge is important, they can push your business further away from its original intent. Refocusing is not easy without having a clear notion of what you are trying to accomplish.
Every business decision you make should be decided based on whether or not it helps or hinders your startup’s ability to meet its strategic plan.
5. Motivation
All actions your startup makes will be fueled by the strategic plan or mission of your company. In addition, every staff member can be motivated to work harder for you if they have clear direction on what the purpose is.
If you wish to encourage others to work hard for your, create a plan and give them something to work for other than a paycheck. After all, they could get a paycheck working somewhere else. But believing in the same vision as you do, on the other hand, is priceless.
As you can clearly see, there are lots of reasons why your startup needs a strategic plan. Create yours right away and get on the right path toward success.
