The results of Gap Analysis are used as inputs to produce a project plan.

Planning Project

The Project Plan details materials and tools that will help management control project as well set budgets and schedules. Most of us are familiar with components necessary to manage conversion of a bare piece of land into architect’s vision: drawings, bids, permits, contracts, work orders, and inspections. But what is required to develop a management system?

Your project planning phase includes producing these components that will greatly ease Development and Implementation Phases (III and IV, respectively) and make for an overall solid structure:

•Project roles and responsibilities •Organization chart •Activities, resources, dates •Reviews structure •Status reports •Document control and format •Process map •Compliance requirements •Training, implementation, testing and audit plans

Review Process Map

Before concluding Planning Phase, a review is conducted of each component with emphasis on process map and effectiveness criteria to ensure alignment with identified organizational goals. This check will help eliminate project drift in coming phases.

The Planning Phase takes from 2-4 weeks.

WHY ARE THESE THINGS IMPORTANT? Why do investors cringe when a company suffers from shortcomings listed in case study above? It’s very simple. Each of these things portrays company as immature, sloppy, and unfocused. These traits do not speak well for a company’s future success. Investors like a company that has been well thought out and is professionally presented because these things speak volumes about a company’s professionalism, and thoroughness; both traits that will enhance a young company’s chance for success. WHAT DO YOU DO ONCE YOU’VE CREATED THE “PACKAGE”? Once you have built your plan and packaged your business so that you look smart and professional, you’ll need to find right investor(s) to help you expand your business to meet your goals. Finding right investor requires that you become noticed. The following are a few of ways you can get noticed by right people: Put out well-written press releases announcing new products, customer wins, changes in business direction, or that you are looking to expand in near future. Attend investor showcase events and present wherever possible. Practice, practice, practice telling your company story. Finding right investor is much like finding your marriage partner: it takes a great deal of dating and courting to find just right partner. Get yourself into business publications; either write your own articles or get someone to write one about your business. Network with advisors, and be willing to share in a successful placement on a fee paid basis. Screen potential investors wisely. Find right partner that is aligned with your management style, goals, and vision. HOW TO GET STARTED In real world, Plaid Software and Consulting turned to Sales and Marketing Pros to better position company to attract investors and key employees. Sales and Marketing Pros guided them through process of revising their overall business plan and helped them build their sales organization, allowing them to win investor support. SMP’s Opportunity Maximizer Workshop performs a full-scale assessment of your business plan, including your sales and marketing infrastructure. The workshop provides you with a gap analysis and steps to close identified gaps. If requested, SMP can develop a customized statement of work to help you execute your ultimate exit strategy. SMP also offers part or full time Advisory Services, such as seasoned business writers, design experts, or marketing and public relations resources; allowing you to just pick up phone and request help as you need it. SMP is ready to work with you and your team to package your business so that it embraces future. With creative planning and packaging, you will win in marketplace, at both investor and customer levels. Contact Bob Decker at 952-955-1200 or visit www.salesandmarketingpros.com for more information.