The business plan development process includes following three steps: 1.Analyze business as it exists at this moment in time 2.Determine your 3-5 year vision for business 3.Decide what you need to do to move towards that vision

As you go through this process you will be forced to examine your business, as you have probably never done before. You will uncover your strengths and weaknesses. You will identify market opportunities and threats. You will set goals and objectives and than establish an action plan geared to achieving them.

You will take that image of your “dream house” out of your head and onto paper where it belongs.

When you finish, you will feel exhilarated and motivated like never before. You will find new confidence in your business. If this is not case, it’s time to bail out. Sell farm.

Once your business plan is completed, it than becomes your road map for leading your business. You will use it to make sure that “construction” of your business is just as you have planned for. You may even want to share it with others such as your employees, your banker, or even your family.

Just like chocolate chip cookies.

Your vision is unique to you and will vary from individual to individual. It propels you forward naturally, rather than relying on motivation alone, which doesn't usually last. A vision helps to keep you on track and focused on where you're heading. What I want for you is a vision which grabs you so strongly that it stretches you way beyond your current position. I've found that with a strong vision there isn't need to strive so hard and energy required doesn't drain you so much. It allows you to focus on your achievements in present because a vision doesn't have an end which you reach, like a goal. The energy generated by a vision is much healthier and requires less of a struggle. A vision draws on your natural energy which comes from within you because this is where your vision sits. When aligned with your values, a vision and a mission statement feel truly yours and right for you. In short, a perfect fit.

If you have a vision for your organisation, I encourage you to consider this. If 3 of your top employees were asked to share your vision, would they be able to? If not, what would it take to communicate this throughout organisation? What benefits do you see for your employees in clearly understanding your vision?

Many times, people say "I wish", but unfortunately wishing alone rarely makes things happen. However, a strong vision can really accomplish a great deal, and often more than you'd dared to dream of.

What I want is for you to define a strong vision and a mission statement. Are you ready to do this?