by Lorraine Ball

Too often business owners have brilliant ideas but don’t think through all the steps necessary to turn their ideas into reality. The result… failure or mediocre performance when there could have been extraordinary success.

Whether you are trying to launch a new product or company, or simply run a successful promotion or special event, a well thought out tactical plan gives you a great foundation. While the amount of detail required will vary, any tactical plan should include the following:

• Resources Required – Make a comprehensive list of the resources and costs involved. Be sure you have allocated enough funds in your budget to cover unexpected expenses.
• Specific Roles – What specific activities must occur, and who will do them? Don’t leave important details to chance, assuming “someone” on the team will handle it. I have seen too many plans fall apart, because everyone assumed, someone else was going to handle a key action.
• Timeline – Working backward from the launch date, create your timeline. Be sure to consider the order in which things must occur Look at your critical path to ensure things don’t get held up waiting for a minor item to be completed.
• Measures for Success – When it is all done, how will you measure the success of the project? Take time to debrief. Look for weaknesses in your execution plan which should be addressed before the next launch. Use what you learn to be more successful next time.