writeahead
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I teach entrepreneurs how to write business plans that get them from 'idea' to 'open' in record time.
@Ben_Patton Absolutely agree that a business plan isn't for everyone. But you didn't address my comment about having clear objectives. Sure, they don't have to be outlined in a business plan format, but wouldn't you agree that the work spent "out there" is all for naught if it isn't aligned with a few clear goals and objectives?
I'd like to challenge this statement: "If you write a business plan you are less likely to adjust to customer/market feedback and alter the course of your business because you will be somewhat “glued” to the ideas of your business plan."
Why is an entrepreneur necessarily glued to the ideas just because they've written a plan? It is possible to write a plan that makes an excellent guideline, keeps you true to your goals, and is easily adjustable. We teach our clients how to do that.
A To Do list is essential but without clear objectives (which you can use a business plan format to outline), it's like throwing darts at a tiny target in the dark.
Ha! I just dealt with a company that messed up, and they said all of the things your article says not to do. So timely and humourous. Thank you!
I would say we're not there yet - but getting there. We're working in an extremely price sensitive market where there is lots of undercutting - still, many prosper and there's no reason we can't be among them. I'm working on using more solution language. It really does make it easier to communicate the value of what we do. Thanks for the post!
Best. Blog post. Ever. I completely agree - there is a difference between bending the rules for effect, and ignoring the rules completely because you have no clue what they are. I've created a whole business based on this premise.
Never let an editor change your tone - or your voice! Your writing must be authentic and reflect who you are - especially if your brand is YOU. A good editor should know the difference. We certainly do!
Great ideas, all :) I am looking to secure some speaking engagements as part of my company's marketing strategy. Can't wait to share my knowledge with a bigger audience!
Very interesting to see this posted the same day as this article about customer satisfaction and Facebook: http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/220041 - a good reminder that even the big players need to think about how their customers feel about them.
Interesting twitter tip at the end. I often wonder if I could RT more links and if people would find that annoying or engaging. I have personally unfollowed at least one Twitterer who posted so frequently that it practically overtook my feed. That's overkill.
I love your comment about the newsletter subscriptions, and hope people take it to heart as it's one of my peeves too. Write Ahead just started a newsletter and I would obviously like to have many more subscribers, but I really want people to opt in. I may only have 9 subscribers now, but I know this will grow to hundreds organically if I play my social media right!
Great tips! Another one is to make sure your laptop is charged if you plan to work while waiting for the plane. At some airports (like Vancouver) it's so hard to find an outlet to plug into!
I remember a couple years ago I forgot to take my little keychain knife off before heading off for a flight to Hawaii...talk about a *headdesk* moment. And it was a keepsake, so I shelled out the $12 for them to mail it home to me. Argh!