Get your strategic business plan in place for 2014

Planning ahead is vital to the success of any salon business says Linton Husbands, managing director of Group Momentum. “Strategic Planning is one of those topics that can raise feelings of either thrill or fear, and sometimes both of these in equal measure. Understanding that strategic planning is looking at the big picture and deciding on the direction of the business, was for me, a real turning point in enabling a strategic business plan to be shaped. It’s critically important to be objective about your business and view it as if through the eyes of an outside consultant, as potentially, there will be findings that may be uncomfortable to accept – but they must be accepted if a successful outcome is to be realised.  Stand back from the business and look at it from a macro perspective, and really examine "what's working, versus, what's not working". The opportunities for growth in the business lie within further developing the “what’s working’ elements, along with taking decisive action in the “what’s not working” elements.  Once identified, these key elements will form the foundations upon which the strategic plan can be put into place. As for the roll-out of the plan, set each element a clear objective, with planned stage goals at set times, looking at what’s needed to close any gaps if the plan is not on track…and finally, but arguably most importantly, share it with your team – they are the ones who will get you there!” Read HJ's interview with Linton in our February issue.