Flexible Planning

Flexibility in business planning

We believe that the lockdown will last three months, perhaps longer. It is very important to plan for this period so that business owners are focussed on key areas. In this video, I share what my clients are doing.

(JK) One of the most important things about the whole of what’s happening at the moment is the rules have all changed.

Planning, in particular, is something which has changed completely because we are now looking at a far more flexible playing field.

Do you have examples of this and what advice would you give to people for changing the way they plan things?

(FD) Basically, any plans that people had made at the end of 2019 – 2020 for their business have changed, everything has changed.

We are in a life and business reset if you like.

It’s now important to plan for this period, which we think is going to last at least three or four months.

I am suggesting to my clients that they plan for 90 days at a time in 30-day chunks.

Things are changing very quickly so looking at your business 30 days at a time is really being focused on what’s going on. If you make a plan for 30 days, probably you have to change it or something will happen and you’ll have to change it again.

Really think about

What can I do to survive this period?

because it’s about survival first, thrive second. Getting through this period and surviving it and then, of course, building on it. Make a plan which is going to take you through this period.

Things like what are the things that you really need to pivot ON.

Communication is a strong example.

It’s vital to keep communicating with your team, your customers, your network, all your stakeholders.

The other thing to pivot on is cash flow management.

Liquidity is key at the moment. Really, make sure that you’re on top of your numbers.

The other thing is what needs to shift because things are not the same.

For example, your marketing needs to shift.

Your messaging needs to shift in your marketing. It’s got to be more compassionate. Yes, sales continue, but your tone needs to change and how are you going to do that?

Read more: Episode 7: Marketing Messaging

What areas of your business do you need to shift and then what do you need to adjust in your business?

Flexibility in business planning: The biggest adjustment has been remote working, so that is people are still settling down to it.

In terms of your employees, what needs adjusting? Are their roles and responsibilities changing?

What else in your business do you need to adjust to?

There are lots of things going on. If you plan them and they are on your radar, you can then implement whatever needs to be implemented because otherwise, things become quite chaotic.

Does this resonate with you? If you would like to book a complimentary, no-obligation, coaching session to discuss this further, please email me at falgunidesai@actioncoach.com