Graduation Implementation

There are probably several places you have these ideas for your business, including, but not limited to the ones mentioned above. The first thing we suggest is to gather all of them and put them in one place. Not having all your ideas in one place makes it difficult to track the bigger picture and forces you to waste time and energy just remembering where they are kept. Consider keeping them in:

 

Several of us have a mental block when it comes to the words, "creative" and "strategy." Think back to when you were in school and had to write a class essay. You may have sat there in front of your computer (or typewriter), or looking at the reference materials in the library, or at your desk with a notepad and pencil. Where did you begin? What techniques have worked for you in the past? If you can't remember what you did in school, here are some suggestions to try:

 

Next, describe how your business will be when the idea is in place. What are the possibilities? Write out how your business will be different and benefit with this new idea. Add detail to the result with tangible items; changes to product, employees, customers, or yourself. Include details that will change the senses. For example: will there be a different look, feel, smell, etc.?
 

With the end result known, decisions along the way are easier to make, because you always know the direction in which you are headed. The actions, steps and even roadblocks may be handled with clarity. 
 

When the end result is known, creating an outline and overview of what needs to happen along the way is the next step. Start by brainstorming all the needed activities or actions. Decisions that need to be made along the way will begin to crystallize. You will also continue identifying who needs to participate in the project. Document every activity or action that comes to mind without worrying about the order or which one needs to happen first. The focus is getting everything listed.
 

After you have every action and activity you can think of listed, then begin to put them into an executable order. When you move them around and consider what might happen, and how that changes other parts, you'll create a timeline and know what needs to start today, tomorrow, next week, and so on. You can now even fill in the estimated time for each action. 
 

When this step is completed, the detail on who and what emerges; you have the actions in order; and, you have the estimated timeline to complete the overall project.
 

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. Did we say communicate? Once you have the result documented, details listed, and the timeline set, don't forget to communicate the initiative to your entire business. Describe the benefits and how it will improve the company, customer experience or benefit your employees. Be specific and refer back to the end result. Don't forget to communicate to those employees not involved in the implementation. They will appreciate the knowledge and understanding of what everyone else is doing and talking about. Communication about a new initiative isn't a one-time activity. Don't just announce the plan and be done. Schedule regular updates and have key participants provide their progress. Everyone in the company will appreciate progress updates so they can be part of the end result even if they play a very small part.
 

It is also important to note that your employees may resist change. It may be hard for them to understand to grasp the benefits. This is another reason to keep communicating on a regular basis. With the consistent communication on the project and progress, you will alleviate their concerns and they will gain trust in the project and outcome.
 

This month we wish you much success in graduating your business to the next level. The challenge is to recognize how your business will benefit from change, and to take action to implement change initiatives. Change, no matter how small can have a large impact on the bottom line of your business and the experience of your customers and employees.