@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Using Strategic Planning to Build a Family-Friendly Business

Susan LowApril 26, 2011

Business Moms Meetup

My niece and nephew

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

My Family Friendly BusinessThis is Me: This is My Family:In business since 2003Max out at 40

hours/weekTravel on business

6x/year

Provide strategic planning consulting services for SMBs & non-profit organizations

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

What is Strategic Planning Anyway?•Setting the direction for your business

•Making the most of your resources in your unique context

•Making choices that guide your actions & decisions

Mission, Vision, Values

Value Propositio

n & Competiti

ve Strategy

Metrics, Targets

and Priorities

Action & Feedback

Environmental Scan

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

It All Begins With ValuesWhat do you believe in, for yourself?

How will that manifest in your business?

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Values Exercise at: http://www.selfcounseling.com/help/personalsuccess/personalvalues.htmlNifty Graphic Gadget at: http://wordle.net

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Manifesting Values in BusinessIf you value… Your business

decision might be:

Creativity Offer products or services that allow you to express your creativity or encourage it in others

Friendship Schedule business hours to give you time to socialize or help your friends

Raising your children full-time

Change timing of your start-up; start with a smaller scope; set realistic expectations; giving employees flexible working hours

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Live in Awareness:Values affect ALL business decisions, whether

consciously or not

What’s right for one person may not be right for another: refrain from judging, even yourself.Values change as you & your family grow &

mature – so too can business decisions, plans and policies

Each decision you make about your resources (time, money, emotional energy) will affect your outcomes

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Setting Goals & TargetsWhat do you want to achieve?

By quarter (3 months) – by year – in three years

Choose up to 3 to really focus on

Make them STRETCH you, and plan to support the growth

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Some Family-Friendly Biz Tips:Define your “business zone” and set rules for it

Remember your biggest supporter is YOU.Invest in her development – in doing and managingHonour your flubs as well as your successes – lessons

Make health care & disability insurance part of your non-negotiable budget or family employment plan

Learn these two words:

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

HELP

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

NO

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

That old holy grail… work/lifeBalance: Harmony:Implies two sides of

something (Work and Life… SELF?)

Requires equitable or equal treatment of opposing forces

Is hard to maintain, easy to wreck

Acknowledges fluctuation, different levels

Is ever-shifting and changing

Can be grown, added-to

@Susan_Low #BizMomsYYJ

Don’t Mess with Family.Susan Low(250) 479-8303

May 25, 5:30-7:00pmDIY Strategic Planning Workshopwww.directis.ca/diysp