Strategic Planning... in Business and Life!

I am serving as a mentor in the mentorship program with the San Diego Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development. Recently I was having lunch with my protégé and we were discussing her career goals, aspirations, job search goals and business plans. She had worked diligently on a strategic plan for a business she would like to develop; all of the important concepts that needed to be included where there, such as: Vision statement, Values Clarification, Market Analysis, Market Focus, Business Plan Objectives (Mission Objectives), identify Critical Goal Categories. I could tell that she had really done her homework and I sensed the excitement and passion for her idea!

During our conversation, we discussed the challenge of balancing the need to secure a job alongside the desire to launch full time into implementing the new and exciting business idea. In today’s economy it’s tough not to feel disjointed with a desire for “job” security and the passion to implement a new idea. That’s when during the course of our conversation the idea of integrating the concepts of strategic planning into life planning provided a deeper level of understanding, an understanding of the bigger picture of a fully integrated life. It does not have to be “either/or”! Why not do both?

We live in an age of portfolio careers, and unfortunately we have learned that great job performance does not always equal job security, that sometimes the only one we can count on is ourselves. Yes, a job can provide the stability and security we need to keep the children fed, but let’s admit it not every job “feeds” us. We do not have to settle just because we have a job, or even a career. Most people do not live their life’s passion; the busyness of life distracts us from our passion, or maybe someone once told us not to color out of the lines. What is your passion? If money were no object, what would you do with your life? Why not start now? Even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day! A client of mine had been frustrated that she was not making enough progress on the e-book she had been working on, she always felt like she would need to carve out large blocks of time to write. In the process of working together, she set a goal to work on the book just 15 minutes a day. Her frustration turned to celebration each day she completed the 15 minutes of writing! She is now making steady progress on her book!

It is common in the career coaching process to complete a battery of assessments, to identify skills, interests, strengths, etc. in order to develop short term and long term goals and then develop an action for your job search. Why not incorporate the strategic planning process for business into our personal life?

Here’s a Way Over Simplified Strategic Planning Model -

Values Clarification: What is important to you, to your family? At the end of the day, what really matters to you? Faith, Family, Fun, Community, Business, Contribution, personal development…

Vision statement: What is the vision for your life? What lifestyle do you want? Time at home, travel, vacation, peace, happiness, satisfying work, completing your life’s goals…

Market Analysis: What opportunities might bring you closer to your dream? Do you have to do what you have always done? If you are in transition, is it possible to “seize the moment” and make a change?

Market Focus: Where do I find these opportunities? What other industries might I be able to transfer my skills to? Don’t close your mind to any ideas, there are thousands of unique approaches to business.

Critical Goal Categories (general categories for focused development)
- Family: Fun, Game Night, Staycations…
- Work: Schedule, hours, service, satisfaction, contribution
- Health: Exercise, diet, regular medical check ups
- Make a difference to others: Community, Scouts, Church
- Passion: Working towards what you really want to do!

Business Plan Objectives (Specific and measurable goals in support of the critical goal categories)
- Generate satisfactory income (be specific)
- Carve out time for family – weekly game night
- Plan daily quiet time for me
- Incorporate time for my spouse – weekly date night
- Read a book for 15 minutes a day
- Work for 15 minutes daily to clarify and pursue my life’s goal

Strategic Planning is a great tool for business, and it is used all over the world to develop a plan so businesses can identify and achieve their specific goals, and move toward success. Granted the process is much deeper that this article can demonstrate, I hope you get the general idea!

If you are currently looking for work, in transition, or looking for an opportunity, consider taking some time to re-look at your goals and re-frame them into the context of your life’s strategic plan. Then, the most important thing you can do is to stay focused on your vision and goals. Build your resilience, stay connected to your community, whether it is your church, your professional or trade association, or network marketing colleagues; participate in all of the community activities you can. This can serve not only keep you visible in your network, it will motivate you, and help you to stay positive during the challenging times. Keep the faith in spite of the challenges!