NOVEMBER 2013
In this issue: 1 2014 Strategic Planning 2 Octoberfest 4 Holiday Mail for Heroes 6 Top 10 7 Chart Toppers, Personal Best 8 Kudos 10 Advertising Resource 11 Words of Wisdom
SUN
T HE
SERVPRO® of Southern New England and New York
The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just gotten married for the fourth time.
2014
The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband’s occupation.
Use the information gained from your ongoing Business Analysis as a platform to create your 2014 Business Plan.
This is what you call strategic planning
“He’s a funeral director,” she answered. “Interesting,” the newsman thought. He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20’s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40’s, and a preacher when in her 60’s, and now – in her 80’s – a funeral director. The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers. (wait for it) She smiled and explained, “I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.” From Funny Stories
Strategic Planning
Achieving a vision is moving toward the desired outcome with a relentless focus on continuous priority improvement.
A business plan is a formal (or informal; we’re all friends here) statement of a set of business goals, the reasons the goals are attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. The business plan may also contain background and current information about the organization attempting to reach those goals. Business plans are inherently strategic. They start at a specific place and time: today – here and now, and move toward another: the future – there and then. At the conclusion of the plan, your organization will have a different set of resources and abilities. The business will have grown, the customer base will have grown, and public awareness of your organization will have grown. All these will lead to increased revenue, increased profitability, and increased success. There is no fixed content for a business plan, but an effective plan will include an executive summary, a company description, a market analysis, financial projections, a listing of services and products, and a plan for marketing and sales. Business plans are generally three to five years in scope and address both long and short-term goals. Your Business Plan should be updated annually to reflect changes in business environment, personnel, and business goals. In addition to the overarching multi-year plan, a more focused annual plan should be used in conjunction to more effectively accomplish short-term goals. In addition to the basics, and other material considered relevant by the business managers, business plans can also address changes in perception or branding, and when the business will expand or contract. Do you intend to purchase an additional Franchise License? Has there been an increase in production equipment, Continued on next page