How to create an action plan in your business that you can follow
You’ve got goals for your business? Let’s make them happen! Setting goals is the first step but the work comes in the continuous small steps that move you closer to that goal. So in this blog we’re going to break down what you need to have in your action plan, that you can follow and guides you towards your goals.
If you need help with setting your goals, check out this blog.
The Reason for having a Business Action Plan
An action plan helps to keep you moving in an intentional direction, it combines your aligned goals with manageable action steps. It breaks down big overwhelming goals into smaller stages.
Step 1: Define Your Goals with Clarity
The initial step in your action plan is to get clear and specific about your goals. If you’ve read my blog on setting goals so you can achieve them, you’ve done this first step and you’re ready to move onto implementing the stages of your goals. If you haven’t read that blog and need help with setting goals, have a read here and then come back to this step.
Step 2: Break Down Goals into Achievable Tasks
Once you know your goal and what each stage involves, it’s time to break down each stage into actionable tasks. Write a list of action steps for each stage - if you need to, assign responsibilities, estimate how much time each task will take and establish and end date for each stage.
Step 3: Schedule Time to take Action
This is often where action plans get stuck, you’ve set your goals, listed out what actions you need to take, then it’s a case of scheduling these tasks so you can implement them. So, let’s turn your lists into an action plan. Schedule dedicated time in your weekly calendar for actioning your plan, you may want to create regular time blocks during the week for working on your business goal, or if you weeks vary, start at your first stage and the end date and schedule these tasks into your calendar for the first stage. How you manage your work and schedule needs to feel good for you. But once you’ve set time to take action, set boundaries so they remain a priority.
Step 4: Flexibility and Adaptability
Allow your action plan the room to evolve and adapt. It’s normal that things may need to change and that can lead to adjusting your strategy. Being flexible and adapting to changes is all part of the process, remember nothing is urgent.
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FREE WORKSHOP: Build Your Business With Intention
In this 30 minute workshop we look at the 4S’s within your business that impact how you show up and run your business. You will then identify which of these areas needs more support and clarity around what you want this to look like, then set out action steps for you to work on and implement after the workshop.
Step 5: Accountability and Support
Did you know according to research we are 65% more likely to follow through with our actions when we’ve voiced them to someone else. Having someone to hold you accountable as you implement your action plan can be so impactful, this could be a business friend, a co-working group or your business coach. When we work together in Your Season To Bloom, I am there to support you over the three months to help you take action on the goals you’ve set and stay on track with your action plan, whilst considering your energy levels, if this is something you feel you’d benefit from, read more about my 3 month 1:1 programme here.
Step 6: Regular Evaluation and Iteration
Regularly reviewing your progress against each stage of your goal is part of following through with your goals. This gives you the space to celebrate achievements and learn from things that may not have worked as well. Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and refining your action plan as you go.
Step 7: Keep Going
You’ve taken all the right steps to achieve your goals, but there may still be challenges and obstacles that feel hard. It’s these moments when you keep going is where the growth and learning happens. Know that if things change it’s all part of the process and a lesson.
Conclusion
Remember, the nature of a successful action plan is not just in its creation, but in the commitment to take action and implement it.
Embrace the process, adapt and keep going. Let your action plan not just be a document, but a guide to where you want your business to be.
Crafting an action plan can feel like a big job, but so rewarding! It sets you up with intention and direction as you head into your next season of work.
