Counting the Cost?

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)

This seems like such an obvious instruction. But how often do we leap into something without really looking at the cost. That may be in terms outside a pure financial evaluation.  Will this new direction, project or product take up too much of our existing resources? Does it cannibalize our existing range, etc? Sometimes the unintended consequences can do some damage beyond financial failure. 

This scripture talks specifically abut money. Do you have enough financial resources to complete what you are building? Know how much you will need to get the job done. Simple advice from a God who cares abut you and your success.

Quick Prayer. “Lord, please remind me to be thorough and prepare well.” Amen

Do you have a Plan?

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5.)

The old adage goes; “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Cliched, yes, but it is none the less true, and the scriptures agree. I have seen many business plans that have been so long and so complex, as to render them useless. They go straight in someone’s bottom drawer, only to see the light of day at the next ‘strategic review.’

Planning in its purest sense is clearly identifying what you want t look like in the future. Taking a view, say three years hence, and very clearly, and more importantly, demonstrably and empirically, writing down in the simplest measurable terms, what your business should look like. My personal view is to do this as an “ideal sweet spot” in your industry, regardless of your current state.

The second phase looks at how you will get from where you are now, to where you want to be. Just the significant things that need to be done. A short list broken down into 90 day segments. A list of no more that ten things that will build you toward your stated goals. Again these should be measurable, demonstrable and allocated to a specific resource. Review this every 90 days and set your next goals, taking into account any changes in the internal or external environment over the last 90 days.

This is a one page, goal driven planning process that is flexible, easy to understand, inclusive and moves you toward where you want to be. You will be amazed you quickly you can move. The planning process ensures you focus on what is important, rather than what is urgent. That you focus on what will make you great, rather than just good. That is a vital distinction.

Quick Prayer. “Lord, help me to plan, and as I commit these plans to you, bring them to pass according to your word. Thank you and Amen”