Don’t overlook the value of a business plan. Begin creating a road map for your blog.
A business plan sounds formal and complicated. The idea of sitting down to create one may seem like a mindless chore. But knowing your plan is a living document that can help your blog (business) be more successful, you should have one knocked out by the end of the week.
I’m not talking about a 60 page report that you intend to present to investors (that’s in your five year plan *wink*wink*). I’m talking about establishing your vision and direction. Making a plan to focus your goals, actions and resources.
Your plan is your management tool. It will keep you on track and help your blog grow.
Put some time into your plan and you will begin to outline the core purpose of all your hard work.
To help you begin, use the list below to get some important facts down on paper.
- Blog (Business) Description — What exactly is your site all about? Describe what you do.
- Overview of Products and Services (or Planned Products and Services) — Here is where you will list specifics of what you sell, produce or service. Identify your target market and describe any niches you intend to fill.
Put together your mission, vision and values statement:
Mission Statement — State why your business exists. What are you doing and what do you hope to accomplish? Include the reasons why you founded your blog, what’s the overall purpose? Find more details at StephenCovey.com.
Vision Statement — Communicate the long-term projections and outlook for your blog. How will your site grow? How will it evolve into a stronger business? Check out MyStrategicPlan.com for more specifics.
Values Statement — What are the tenets you hold as most important? List your core priorities including profitability, staffing and other factors that will improve the staying power of your blog.
The future success of your blog (business) depends, in part, on the planning you do now. A thoughtful plan can make your entrepreneurial journey much smoother.
To your success!
Andrea Pokorny writes about money and home management at MainstreamMom. She has been published in Reader’s Digest and contributes to websites like RealMomsRealViews. She is passionate about delivering tools and resources to help women everywhere with the toughest job on the planet as Mothers. Visit her site and receive her free workbook titled “7 Simple Steps to Managing Your Money (That You Can Actually Do)”.
