Smart Stuff

Rush to conclusions

Every successful person has a vision. Neil Peart of Rush is a classic example and a classic rocker.

A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission

THE WORDS OF A ‘70S ROCKER ARE STILL RELEVANT TODAY

Neil Peart, drummer and lyricist of the N legendary rock band, Rush, was a smart guy. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician and celebrated author looked to philosophy, mythology and fantasy as inspiration for his lyrics and musical vision. Though he was often referred to as a visionary, like most visionaries Peart was also a student. He joined Rush in 1979 and as recently as 2007 took drumming lessons. He was a voracious reader. He embraced technology and launched a website in 2009. Visionaries are always learning. Even if you have a vision like Peart’s drum skills, perhaps it can be improved.

The good news is you can create a vision and can achieve the results you want. Just ask Mama Odie. If you don’t know where to start, try a one-page business plan, or take a crack at a vision and mission statement. Often the most difficult part is getting started. ■ “ We sometimes catch a window

A glimpse of what’s beyond

Was it just imagination

Stringing us along?

More things than are dreamed about

Unseen and unexplained

We suspend our disbelief

And we are entertained.”

— MYSTIC RHYTHMS, RUSH

One-page business plan

Writing a business plan does not need to be as daunting as it sounds. This one-page approach captures most of the critical points and will help you gather your thoughts and articulate your vision.

VISION

This section should articulate your hopes and dreams for the business. You can write a vision statement. For example: • What are you building? What do you see this business becoming in x years? • How do you plan to grow the business and to what degree? For example, will you hire employees, open up branch outlets, or take the business public?

BUSINESS OVERVIEW (OR MISSION)

The business overview or mission should describe how you intend to achieve your vision. For example: • What services will you provide? What is the target market that will buy your services? How will your service offerings address the needs of customers; for example, what is your unique selling proposition? How will you provide your services?

PRICING STRATEGY

The pricing strategy section needs to demonstrate how your business will be profitable. Summarize your projected revenue and expenses: • How much will you charge for your services? Briefly describe how your pricing will be competitive enough to attract customers but be high enough to generate a profit after subtracting expenses. • What is your break-even?

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

This section describes how you intend to get the word out to customers about your services. For example: • What are the most efficient ways to market your services? For example, will you market them via a business website, email, social media or newspapers? • Will you use sales promotional methods such as pricing discounts for new customers? • What marketing materials will be used — business cards, flyers or brochures? Referrals?

OBJECTIVES

This section lists your objectives and metrics for success by time frame as well as potential questions or challenges. For example: • Capture 20 percent of the local market share by year-end • Gain five steady customers in the first six months of operation • Earn a net income of $50,000 for the first fiscal year

ACTION PLANS

Briefly describe the action items needed to achieve your objectives, using milestone dates. For example: • By "date" a fully equipped home office will be completed. • By "date" purchase of delivery van negotiated with dealer. • By "date" social media marketing plan in place and potential customers connected via Facebook.

The hardest part in defining your vision Getting started

As with many things in business and life, getting started is the A most difficult part. Defining your company’s vision, mission and values can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is a whiteboard, markers and a cross-section of people on your team. You can make it more complicated, but you don’t have to. Use this cheat sheet and put a long list of words on your board. You will see which ones resonate, then narrow it down. This first step is just that, a first step, but that is usually the most difficult step. Don’t be surprised if you have fun in the process.

There are many ways to define mission, vision and values — we thought this graphic provides a simple way to start.

CHEAT SHEET: DEFINITIONS

MISSION STATEMENT

What an organization does and for whom.

VISION STATEMENT

What an organization desires to achieve in the long run (usually 5-10 years).

VALUE STATEMENTS

Beliefs, philosophies and principles that drive your organization.

MAMA ODIE'S Q1 BusinessScope

WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WORK, A RAISE, OR A PROMOTION, LOOK TO THE STARS TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE IS HEADED. STARS TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE IS HEADED.

Aries

Rams are known to act first and think later, but you might surprise yourself with a change of pace this quarter. You’re starting the year on an introspective (and intense) note as you contemplate the goals and resolutions you have for not only 2023 but the next few years of your career. Ask yourself, what is it you really want? If your answer is anything other than what you have – or what you’re doing – right now, then it may be time for some course correction.

Taurus

Keep your eyes peeled, Taurus, and get ready to dodge a curveball you didn’t see coming. Bulls have a reputation for being steady, stubborn and slow to change their minds, but this quarter you might have to rely on the lessons you’ve learned since 2020 about pivoting at a moment's notice. But not all change is for the worse, even sudden change. Sometimes what didn’t work out for you really did work out for you (go ahead and read that again).

Gemini

If someone were to make a documentary about this quarter, it would probably be titled, “Gemini: The Uncut Version,” because you’re ready to tell it like it is. You’re probably known for having the “gift of gab.” But for better or worse, you’re not holding back this quarter. On the one hand, this is an excellent time to finally share that idea you’ve been incubating, agree to be a keynote speaker at your next conference or have those tough conversations with your new hires (you know the ones). On the other hand, check yourself before you say something you might regret later.

Cancer

You know what they say, Cancer: clear desk, clear mind. Well, at least WE said it! This quarter’s systematic star map has you running like a well-oiled machine and could prompt a decluttering spree to help you get even more organized at home and in the office. Streamline, simplify and prioritize, Crab, then pare your to-do list down to the essentials too.

Leo

No one needs to tell you to set your sights on a goal this quarter, Leo, but a little encouragement might be nice. You’re not afraid of a challenge, but you don’t appreciate an obstacle course, especially when your hard work and determined efforts get stymied. This quarter things will start to ease up to the point where you can start making real progress on your next project, but be careful that you don’t set things in motion so fast that eventually they run away from you.

Virgo

How about a little rest after a hectic holiday season, Virgo? This quarter you’re finally ready to take your foot off the gas, feel the breeze in your hair and possibly take a much-needed getaway. Virgos are typically “planners,” but everyone needs to loosen their grip on the wheel every once in a while. You could find yourself on a detour – or even a reroute – on your way to achieving your 2023 goals. But be cautious about putting all systems in cruise control; you never know when roadblocks will come up that need to be dealt with.

Libra

How’s the weather up there? When the pressure starts building, it’s a good time to bring things back down to Earth (and avoid flying too close to the sun). You might be inspired to put all kinds of plans into motion in the first few months of the year, but launching even two or three new products can lead to an exponential number of meetings, moving parts and deadlines. Instead focus your energies on one project – and only one – until you have the capacity to take on more.

Scorpio

As we say here in the South, get ‘er done, Scorpio! For the first few months of the year, you’re all about getting down to business and tending to the nuts and bolts of your work and finances. To keep things fun, set small goals and then reward your progress along the way. Surely there’s a decadent treat or two that will keep you motivated.

Sagittarius

Give your indie spirit a short sabbatical this quarter, Sag. This quarter is a fabulous time to build and nurture key connections that will help you get ahead. And with your powers of attraction stronger than ever, new contacts will most likely be coming to you. Go outside your usual circle, and invite a potential mentor, investor or supervisor out to lunch. Be clear about your goals, and remember reciprocity. Make sure you follow up with a handwritten thank-you card. (We know, we know. So last millennium.)

Capricorn

Cue the slow-mo walk-out music, Capricorn. This quarter you did not come to play. Whether or not advancing your leadership skills or taking charge of a committee was on your New Year’s resolutions list, you’ll find yourself stepping up to the plate this quarter. And the best part? People are eager to be on your team. How you manage yourself and others over the next few months will determine your position for the rest of the year, so choose your moves wisely.

Aquarius

Aquarians are ever the individualists, but this quarter two’s your magic number. Although you're an independent sign by nature, you need people – and now is the time to put a few key players in place to support your mission. This is one of the most social times of the year for you and possibly your favorite quarter because of it. You might be the visionary (it’s like this issue was written for you!), but you’ll need multiple minds and manpower to make it happen.

Pisces

Just keep swimming, Pisces. The beginning of the year feels like a slog for many of us, but you might find yourself wondering, wasn’t the holiday rush supposed to be the hard part? Don’t feel pressured to hit the ground running right after the busiest time of the year. Call in reinforcements, reconnect with your personal interests, and take a mental health day when you need it. Those 2023 projections can wait one more day.