25th May 2012

Defining business vision and objectives

'Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.'
Joel Barker

Planning for change

At the end of last year, I finished a speaking tour across the country, where I was privileged to speak face to face with over 400 financial advisers about planning for change.

My opening gambit at these sessions is usually: 'OK then, who has a business plan?'

Not many hands go up. At one of my earlier sessions, a hand did go up. I asked if this adviser had a clear vision for his business and he said yes. I then asked him if he set business and personal goals, and the answer was yes again.

I thought he could help me with the session and asked him where his plan was - hoping it was not in his top drawer gathering dust. He replied, 'It's in my head.'

This adviser had highlighted the key issue I've found around the country. People realise they want to change. People realise they have to manage this change and they need a plan. But storing it in your head isn't enough - a powerful, effective plan needs to be written down.

In response to this need over the next few months, I'm going to highlight each of the key steps you can take to put your own business plan together.

John Joe McGinley - Head of Business Brain, Aegon

Panacea Comment, Investments