Your business plans don’t need to be perfect but here are some common mistakes to avoid.  

Don’t procrastinate when planning. Honestly I dread writing plans because it’s no fun to sit down and plan when there seem to be so many other things to do.  Truth is the busier you are the more you need a good plan to keep you on track. Planning will help you step back a look at your issues and goals objectively.

Planning is for more then start ups. Planning is an important part of running a business. They can be operational plans, action plans, training plans, financial plans or promotion plans.  Creating a plan is like drawing a map to reach your goals. It also helps focus your efforts and makes you more productive.

Avoid writing vague plans.  Avoid making vague statements like “my business will be successful in 2 years.” Define what success is. For the best results, planning needs to be specific and measurable so you can track your progress. Write down deadlines and assign clear responsibilities to achieve those goals. It’s important to note that you don’t need to get bogged down with every minor detail either. Focus on your priorities and get started.  

Do not create a plan that is not realistic.  Don’t create a plan that has unrealistic statements, assumptions and projections.  Create a realistic picture and don’t over estimate potential or inflate numbers.  Your goals may be lofty but they need to be obtainable as well.