Ok. You have loads of things and ideas in your head. You are putting off writing or updating your business plan. You have been chasing a grant or loan, but are stressed about filling in the forms.
Instead of panicking about not knowing where to start, how about starting simply, with a list approach.
Getting started
So this is a simple methodology. The aim is to get you into the habit of thinking about your business with an organised mindset. Same logic can be applied to any aspect of your life. There is no point doing SWOTs, Business canvas etc if you don't have a method for actioning outcomes from those exercises.
The steps
1. No matter the medium, write down what is in your head - to do. Walk away for 30 mins (or even make a cup of tea). Then look at the list with fresh eyes.
2. For each item:
a. Can I do it myself?
b. Is it dependant on someone else?
c. How long will it take?
d. Are there dependencies on other tasks?
e. Any barriers - E.G. planning application with the council
Pick out the quick wins and write them on the top of your to do list. There might be a bit of trial and error with the more complex tasks.
3. Neither the less, redraft the list in a way you are are 80% happy with. Aiming for 100% means you will never get started. Then work through the list. You can set up calendar reminders, write up a list on a white board. Create a spread sheet. Play around with what works for you. Make sure as a task is achieved, cross it out.
The sense of achievement will boast your confidence.
You can also do some items in parallel. Writing a business plan can be time consuming. So, you could set a schedule that you break up the time. Spend x hours a day/week to that task. At the same time achieve other activities. Some of which will help complete your business plan, E.G. getting quotes.
4. Set times to revise the list. Remove all the items done. Things change, new opportunities and challenge present themselves.
Look at the remaining list, have some tasks become obsolete? Did you delegate to someone else? If so follow up and make sure it is done or what can you do to help get the task done.
For some tasks don't be afraid to run past a mentor, colleague even customers. To see if you need to amend or change the priority.
Then reset your list and work through the tasks.
Final thoughts
You are going to find road blocks - a sick kid, unexpected weather, a delayed delivery.
Don't use that as an excuse not to tackle other items. Make sure you get something out of your day. Look at the list and see if there other things you can do (re-prioritise).
Can you reach out to someone else to look at an alternative route. Be flexible and be willing to (I hate to say it) think outside the box.
Stop worrying about perfection. If people didn't know what the end product was supposed to be, they won't see the fault. You might even have some happy accidents.
Start small and build your confidence getting organised. You will get far more out of business strategies tools if you have a method to implement the findings.
