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References

"I've been working with patients for almost 10 years as a Chiropractic Physician. I'm always looking for new ways to increase awareness of the valuable clinical services provided at my centers. Bruce Freeman has given me insightful ideas to assist in my marketing efforts. I rely on his 'Ask the Small Business Professor' column to keep me abreast of new trends and developments in the field. I couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable and capable advisor as my companies move forward into providing nationwide healthcare for patients."

Dr. Daniel Houshmand, D.C.

AlternaCare Wellness Centers, LLC

"The Small Business Professor is a site that should be bookmarked by every entrepreneur. In today's business environment, it is difficult to gather information and obtain answers to the myriad of questions that face business owners. Bruce Freeman's 'Ask the Small Business Professor' column is an excellent resource that provides guidance, up-to-the-minute information, mentoring, and more."

Irene Maslowski

APR Principal

Maslowski & Associates Public Relations

"I find the column inspiring and helpful to me in running my own small business."

Dan Janal

President and Founder

PRleads.com

"'Ask the Small Business Professor' is a must read for small business owners looking for free expert business advice. Using a Q&A format, Bruce Freeman covers important small business topics weekly by bringing in recognized experts on subjects including accounting, legal issues, trademarks marketing and sales. Don't miss it!"

Joseph L. Rosenberg

CPA

"Bruce Freeman, The Small Business Professor, is a most valued and enthusiastic guest contributor to the business segment of our radio show dealing with the challenges facing today's entrepreneurs. His practical and insightful advice has served to enhance our ability, as broadcasters, to help business owners move ahead in their various fields of endeavor. ....Thank you, Bruce."

Sue Tovey / Sande Foster

Co-Hosts

WTBQ 1110 AM (ABC Affiliate Station)

The Value of a Strategic Plan

Dear Professor Bruce:

Many business books advise that I write a strategic plan for my business. I’ve been up and running for three years without one. The idea makes sense, but is it worth the time and effort?

Answer:

Many businesses get by without a strategic plan, however all they do is get by. If you really want to succeed in business, a strategic plan is essential.

Sid Kemp, president of Quality Technology & Instruction (San Antonio,TX) and author of Entrepreneur Press's Ultimate Guide to Project Management for Small Business illustrates this point with two examples. One small business owner spent eight years planning his new business—a café at the shore. He designed the business, scouted the location, and launched when the time was right. He ended up opening four businesses in four years. He is very successful, and is having the time of his life. He planned, and followed the plan, and got what he wanted.

Another small business owner was a highly respected landscaper in a small town in Texas. He really enjoyed his work. He thought it would be good to grow his business. When he started, he had just one team—himself and one assistant. When he finished growing, he had twelve teams—24 employees, all doing landscaping in the area. He came to two conclusions. First, after paying all his employees, he wasn’t making any more money than when he started. Second, he was spending all his time doing paperwork. What he loved most about his business was being outdoors! He undid everything he built and went back to being a landscaper with one assistant.

Write a plan, follow it, and you won’t just keep your business running—you’ll be on the way to the life and business of your dreams. A strategic plan isn’t for everyone, but it increases the chances that you’ll get what you want, instead of letting your business take you where it will.

If you really want to succeed in business, a strategic plan is essential.