We are near the midpoint of the calendar year and for many companies, this is also the middle of the fiscal year. This is also a key time to start setting 2011 objectives. By now you should understand if your 2010 objectives are on track and what measures must be taken to ensure you meet budget/plan. Your vision should take you into 2011 opportunity planning.
First initial step for 2011 planning:
As most employees are overwhelmed with current priorities, it's important to make this a fun process. Get your team together and set the rules. Create sheets and divide into 4 columns:
- Opportunity
- Cost of Opportunity
- Probability (1-4) (1 being most likely to succeed)
- Potential Dollar Volume
Now just brain storm. No idea is a bad idea, think out of the box and title each sheet accordingly:
- Current Customers
- New Customers
- Promotions/Marketing and Merchandising Tools and Ideas
- Food shows and Customer Events
- Product and Category Opportunities
- Cost Savings
This is a great way to start the planning process for 2011. Include representatives from marketing and finance only if you feel it will lend positive feedback and maintain an open thinking process. Order in pizza/lunch, close the doors and shut off all outside interference. Even offer an incentive to the participant who delivers the best idea---and have the team vote on it. Everyone feels committed. Everyone feels involved. It may even get them excited about the 2011 planning process.
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