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What's Your Plan?

I recently gave a talk at a high school, and the discussion was about having goals. Afterward, it hit me square in the face: most of today’s laundry owners are just like the kids I was trying to help.Today’s owners do not set goals. It’s hard to imagine, but many people buy a business because they love the idea, but have no clue what to do once they are holding the keys to the front door. Even if you are an experienced owner, it doesn’t hurt to re-evaluate your goals, and maybe clarify a few things in the process.Let’s back up a second, and look at this objectively. When setting goals, the first thing is to understand what you are getting into. This is also known as due diligence. It’s finding a laundry professional who can help set the platform and get you pointed in the right direction. Be an active participant in this process. Attend industry seminars. Talk to other store owners. In short, do your homework.The next step is to understand your objective. Do you have a short- or long-term business goal? Are you sure you are willing to make the commitment necessary to stay the course? Is this a full- or part-time job? Regardless of your answer, you must be committed to dedicating the time to make the business work properly. What are your financial expectations? What plan of attack will help make these expectations happen?DEDICATIONHaving a plan is like taking a road trip: you get gas, pack the car, pack your clothes, pack some food, and then what? You need a map, because you don’t want to travel down the wrong road. Life and business are a lot alike in this regard. You need to know which direction you are headed; otherwise, you can’t reach a goal. It’s hard to hit a target you can’t see.In order to formulate a specific plan, you need to absorb information like a sponge. Here are some more questions: What goals do you hold for your family? Do you have a plan to reach these goals, and to grow and prosper once you reach them? Have you mapped out your business and personal plans?TIME PASSES QUICKLYMany people never take a shot at the American dream, and that’s sad. If you want to take this shot, do it with no regrets. If you do this while having a plan, and remain dedicated to that plan, you will go from being employed to being empowered. It’s a “rush” to go from 0 to 80 in a matter of months with hard work and effort fulfilling your plan and goals. I promise you that the rewards are worth your effort. What’s even better is that once you meet your goals, you will be able to see further as long as you don’t let fear overwhelm your desire for success.I have a task for you: sit down and put your ideas on paper. Do this tonight. Get it all together and shoot for a great forever. Some say life passes in the blink of an eye. Live your life without regrets; do it your way.Lots of people in life are at the right place at the right time, but it’s those who actually do something about it once they are there that carve out their own place in history!What are you waiting for? I will be looking for you at the top.As always, if I can be assistance to you, I am here for you. All it takes is an e-mail. 

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].