Plan Ahead - Stay Ahead: Why waiting to plan for 2025 could cost you.

What difference will a strategic plan make for your business in 2025?

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” – Japanese proverb.

It’s been 200+ days without load shedding, and you haven’t started planning for 2025 yet?

Yes, there’s buzz around AI and new tech, but success comes from solid strategies and executable plans. These are the backbone of any business. 

Earlier this year, I wrote about strategic planning for those who hadn’t started. This time, I’m writing early—just like we always do at The Alternative Board (TAB).

We start by reviewing the past year: what went well, what didn’t, and what changed. This reflection is key to fresh thinking for the year ahead. 

There are three types of business starts to a new year:

1. The slow, sluggish start, wasting time checking everything.

2. The frantic start, like when you’re rushing out of the house and forget things.

3. The smooth start, planned ahead, with everything packed and ready.

We like the third one.

If you haven’t started your 2025 strategy yet, now’s the time! I know ‘silly season’ is approaching, and it gets busy with orders and meetings. But don’t let busyness become an excuse.

Making time to plan now will set you up for success. Here are three tips to get started:

1. Start with Vision  

Your vision guides every business decision. Reflect on it and ask:

- In which areas have we moved forward?

- Where have we fallen back?

- Has our thinking around the vision changed?

2. Review Your SWOT Analysis  

Take a high-level look at your business. What’s changed in your internal and external environment? This review brings clarity on what must change and what stays. Consider your role, customers, competition, and operations.

3. Focus on Critical Success Factors (CSFs)  

Identify 3-5 CSFs that are crucial to your success. These could be projects, metrics, or people. Write SMART goals to stay focused and avoid distractions.

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Starting now means a smoother 2025. Remember: Vision, Review, and Critical Success Factors.

“In real life, strategy is actually very straightforward. You pick a general direction and implement like hell.” – Jack Welch

Cheers,  

Coach Colin at The Alternative Board

Coach | Facilitator | Change Agent