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Action Versus Strategy

One of my favourite comments by an old family friend is that “Apple pie without the cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze.” The same applies to business strategy without the action.

When you are on the front lines of small business you are so involved in so busy in the day-to-day running of your business you very rarely get time to look up and see where you’re really going. You are all about action, not necessarily direction.

Planning, however, is vital. I know a number of people who’ve been planning to do things for a long long time. “I’m still planning to get that tattoo… the design has to be just right. Tattoos are for life.” and “This business opportunity is unique I have to plan it carefully for it to succeed” – two years later “The revised business plan is almost ready.”

Sir Winston Churchill summed it up:

However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.”

So how do you find the balance between planning and action?

Proactive Vs. Reactive

Whenever I’m working with a new business coaching client before we can develop a long-term strategy we work on a short term (90 day) action plan. Every business has its fires. Unless you force yourself to step back and assess what you’re trying to achieve in the short term, your business life will be a series of reactions without direction. None of which sounds like too much fun.

Create an 90 day action plan to deal with your most urgent fires and set a steady course. Usually it is about getting more customers, consistent delivery, time management and basic cash flow.
Our coaching programs are designed to help busy owners and managers set their short-term action plan, refocus their business on profitability and develop a strategy for long-term growth and success that fits in with a healthy balanced lifestyle.