If your franchise is firing on all cylinders, the first few months of the New Year are a perfect time to continue that trajectory. The business world represents a fast-paced environment, and those who don’t plan properly will be left behind.
Surprisingly, one survey found up to 80% of small-business owners don’t keep tabs on their goals. That means by adopting a few simple strategies for excellence, your company can put itself light-years ahead of competitors.
To get started, simply write your goals down on paper. You might list them in key categories such as revenue objectives compared to a year ago, hiring intentions and professional development. For example, a franchise owner might seek to grow revenue 20% year-over-year; hire 10 new employees, including a middle manager; and provide quarterly training to team members.
Next, put a deadline next to your goals. For example, if that quarterly training objective is part of your plans, you’ll need to budget time for you and your colleagues to do that every three months. Set up calendar alerts for yourself and communicate early and often to your leadership team that training will be a priority. On the day of training, provide coffee and pastries or a comparable snack to keep everyone energized and on point.
Then benchmark. Whether you review progress every other week or once per month, determine how well you’re meeting goals. If you’ve veered off course, identify practical steps to get back on track. If your hiring process has fallen behind, begin posting job announcements around town and online and get referrals from people you trust. Block out several days each month for interviews until those positions are filled.
By adopting a spirit of intentionality, your franchise will thrive in 2015. Enjoy the ride, and remember to have fun along the way. Your business is counting on it!
