The sky is falling!

We’re living in unpredictable times, that’s true. But I’m fed up with the doom and gloom merchants out there who talk everything down (and who certainly aren’t entrepreneurs). Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the future. So, don’t let uncertainty stop you from plotting, planning, and building your firm’s future.

To help with that process here are some triple planning questions you might like to work through.

Revenue What was your revenue achievement 3 years ago? What was your revenue achievement this year? What would you like your year end revenue to be in 3 years time?

Average project size What was your average project size 3 years ago? What was your average project size this year? What would you like average project size to be at year end in 3 years time?

Key accounts  How many key accounts did you have 3 years ago? How many key accounts did you work with this year? How many key accounts would you like to work with in 3 years time?

Key account revenue What was your average revenue from key accounts 3 years ago? What was your average revenue from key accounts this year? What do you want your average key account revenue to be in 3 years time?

Key account project size What was your average key account project size 3 years ago? What was your average key account project size this year? What do you want average key account project size to be in 3 years time?

In each triplet you’ll already have the figures for 3 years ago and this year. You’ll need to make up the numbers for 3 years time.

If that seems scary, consider this. As an entrepreneurial consultant … and to achieve any goal …. you first have to make that goal up, in your head, by envisioning what success looks like.

Then you need to figure out how to make it happen. One of the best ways to do that is to backcast, or plan from the future backwards. Choose your goal, then step into the envisioned future where you’ve already achieved it. Look backwards from that future state and notice the steps you took to achieve success. Trust this process and your unconscious mind will present you with some amazing ideas and solutions.

If you find it difficult to do by yourself then find a partner to work with, or hire a coach. Remember, don’t over analyse, go with the answers your unconscious mind presents.

Design your future. Don’t simple accept the barriers the doom and gloomers tell you you’re going to face. The sky isn’t falling … despite what they say.

Try it and let me know how you get on.