Creating your business plan and budget.

When POB asked me to write this article on company planning, I jumped at the chance. As many of you already know, I love working with and giving advice to surveyors on how to run their businesses. I think my article will allow both small- and medium-sized companies to develop a sound, workable business plan. If you don't approach writing your plan with the attitude that it will change the way you do business, we are both wasting our time.

Over the years I have acquired written plans by big companies that were so complex and confusing no one could implement them. One was a full two inches thick and stamped confidential. I can tell you what that plan was used for-collecting dust. We are not going to fall victim to the two-inch thick business plan syndrome. On the other side is the one-page plan. I wish we could write a good plan on one page. Most of us need more space to outline our intentions in the one- and five-year range, so maybe we are talking five to 10 very well thought-out pages of information. We are going to practice the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle. I have heard people say, "But I have a plan in my head." That is fine, but how do you communicate the information to others? Also I have heard people say planning is "dumb" or "boring." A business plan will only be as successful as you-the company owner-makes it. The best way to start is by interviewing members of your firm; you may be pleasantly surprised at the great input you get from employees. They may know what is at the heart of making your company a success.