Kevin W. McCarthy

Who's Reviewing Your Business Plan?

  

Is your business past due for an independent check-up? Please consider letting me help you. We have small business advisory packages starting as low as $1,000 for businesses with revenues less than $2 million. Download our free On-Purpose Business Person Development Tool to get started with your business plan review... even if you don't have a business plan or have sales of $200 million.

 

For many business owners, heading into the summer months provides a time of recreation, reflection, and planning. Reflecting on the lessons of the current year and projecting into the future are beneficial exercises. Committing your thoughts to paper provides your team (and you) with a blueprint for building the business. But is writing a business plan enough? 

Are you willing to risk a review of your plans? It will be some of the best money you'll ever invest. An independent business assessment provides sight into your blind spots. This reveals danger spots as well as missed opportunities.

Mark Goldstein, the president of the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, often says, "No one loves the creation as much as the creator." As the creator of a business, isn't it great to have such devotion and love for one's work? Yes, but, as Mark so rightly points out, there's a side to being the creator that can bite us in the long run. Blind devotion to our ideas can lead to folly.

What if you don't have a business plan to review? That's manageable! Writing a business plan need not be onerous. Know the reason why and assess the context of your business plan. Sample business plans and templates are widely available on the web. Business plan software programs are helpful. Candidly, a formal business plan is typically overkill for most small business owners unless you are raising money or borrowing from the bank. 

How do I write a business plan? Here's a simple suggestion: in lieu of writing a business plan, create a strategic plan at the top level of your thinking using The Service Model (You can download a free copy by clicking here). It will help you identify relationships of essential activities in each level. You'll also discover gaps in your thinking that may have been hidden from you under the surface of business activity and customer service and care.

Finally, after over three decades of being a business advisor, I see two weaknesses in the "Process" level for most small and mid-sized businesses: 1) Marketing and sales and 2) Hiring. That's because the entrepreneurs who start businesses most often have an operations or technical expertise rather than a sales or personnel background. Pay particular attention here when creating your business plan! Get help here sooner rather than later by outsourcing to agencies.

No matter what, your business (plan) will be reviewed by the marketplace over the rest of the year. How well your customers receive and respond to your products or services will provide amazing feedback. Avoidable poor performance, however, is an expensive teacher. 

First, congratulations for planning ahead. Even more kudos for committing your plans to print.  

Now, are you willing to have your business plan be reviewed? Before you invest and commit your time, money, energy, and team to a hope and dream plan, consider having your business, marketing and sales plan, and people plan scrutinized by:

1. A SCORE (Service Core Of Retired Executives) volunteer.
   
2. Your trusted industry or business peer group and advisors.
   
3. Me! I'm available to review your business plan and to help you refine it so you aren't blindsided and have better success in the market.

Think you can't afford to have your business plan reviewed? Think again! You can NOT afford to NOT have it reviewed. To paraphrase an old saying, "An ounce of planning is worth a pound of cure."

Let's grow your business over the summer and you'll enjoy the harvest in the fall and through the winter months!

Related articles

• How Do I Focus My Small Business? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Why Is My Business Struggling? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How Much Planning Is Enough? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Are You Doing Business By Design? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Business Plan Archive Online (kauffman.org)

What Is A Vision?

Vision is a gift to look into the future with a creative clarity and belief that what isn't will one day become. Vision comes in many forms and manners. Vision is larger, much larger, than a goal. Vision is what prevents the people from perishing according to The Book of Proverbs. Vision is personal, yet it can be shared and engage a group to greater heights.

Vision is the second of four key strategic concepts for better leading one's life, family, and/or organization. In context and order, here are these what I call "deep strategy" concepts: Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values.

If you're asking about vision, then you are likely in the midst of seeking a deeper understanding or clarity related to direction. Vision answers one of The Great Questions: Where am I going?

What is a vision, really? If you're confused as you read books or surf the web, then you'll only be more confused. Sadly, there is no standard accepted definition for vision, or its related strategic concepts of purpose and mission. We're doing life and business in a Tower of Babel world. Our language is confused around these vital concepts. By casually co-mingling and using them synonymously all of society pays the price for the confusion and poor communication.

In the absence of standards, for nearly three decades, I've led the charge to fill the void by offering a standard in The On-Purpose Person and The On-Purpose Business.  Meet The On-Purpose Pal—a cartoonish character who provides a simple sense of how purpose, vision, mission, and values are different, yet connected. 

There's much to learn about purpose, vision, mission, and values. This post isn't the forum, but let me give you one way to better understand what you're wanting to know. Answer the following "Who am I?" questions and you're on the road to what you're really after—a life of meaning and purpose with a clear identity, direction, plan mixed with strong confidence, and hope for the future.

• Purpose: Why am I here?
• Vision: Where am I going?
• Mission: How will I get there?
• Values: What's important along the way?
  

Answered these questions? You're well on your way to being an on-purpose person in creation.

 

Story: Trusting One's Vision

Vision can be cooped up inside us longing to escape if we will just dare to express it to the world. Years ago one of our certified On-Purpose® Professionals was coaching a woman who shared a vision for an inner city orchestra. At the time the client was a single mom working two jobs and caring for her two children. Dreaming was a luxury this single mom believed was ill-afforded to her. With some gentle prodding by my associate, the client risked putting words to paper. Her vision began to take form. Cautiously, she began to share her vision.

Remarkable events unfolded within three weeks. At church one Sunday, a local high school principal approached her with this statement: "I heard you are gifted with teaching music." 

"Yes," was her simple response.

The principal continued, "Over the summer, my high school received funding for an entire orchestra. I have stands, instruments, sheet music, and an acoustically designed studio. But guess what I don't have? Someone to develop and lead the students. Would you be interested in the position?"

The rest of the story is one that ends happily.

So, what is your vision? Are you prepared to allow the world to conspire for your benefit? Share your vision in the comments section. Who knows what might happen if you do?

More On-Purpose Minutes by Kevin W. McCarthy

What is Your Cost of Poor Communication?

Are You Still Living In Trial and Error Mode?

Have You Thanked A Business Owner Lately?

 

The business owner is the unsung hero of modern society. The pursuit of a dream is always epic and brave. Small businesses dot the business landscape and in the years to come more people will turn to starting a business for additional income or to replace a lost job or create one. Profit making is alive and we all benefit from the efforts of entrepreneurs.

What does it mean to be in business? Being in business is a high and noble calling! I love what the opportunity to start and run a business brings in terms of creativity, production, value-adding, improved standards of living, and funding of worthy causes. People who start businesses—whether it be a home-based business, a family business, or a legitimate effort to write a business plan, raise equity, and go all out—have my respect. Small business people are my heroes. Every business starts as a small business. Business owners are to the Knowledge Age what the farmers were at the turn of the 20th Century: men and women who are willing to have the mantle of responsibility on their shoulders.

Business owners risk much in hopes of gaining and giving much. Certainly profits and a better lifestyle are part of the anticipated gain. But there's more. The measured ability to create and control one's life, schedule, and vocational pursuits is the height of individualism. Truth be told, if you want to mature and grow into a better person—start a business!

Find a need and fill it! That is the mantra of the business owner. Like ants scouring a picnic ground, entrepreneurs search the marketplace for a business opportunity. The gaps of need in the market are filled and many items are invented. All types of businesses are launched—service, retail, professional, manufacturing, industrial, and, the hot item today, an internet-based business. Opportunity abounds!

Most of all, business owners employ people! Government doesn't create jobs. Business owners create jobs when they manage their businesses prudently. Most of the business owners I know are generous with those in their charge. For many, employment is simply another form of ministry. I'm not talking charity here. No, we're talking about mentoring and development of others, providing opportunities, and raising up leaders and managers. Business owners see, find, and act on the good in others because it is simply good for business and, even better, for life.

Yet look around at your volunteers—you'll find small business owners serving on boards, volunteering for coaching, taking their lunch hours to serve the poor, being active in a church, driving Meals on Wheels. These are the backbone of society. They've chosen a different path from their corporate counterparts who must manage vacation days, punch a clock, or otherwise account for their time to their employers.

So do this: Thank a business owner today for making your life better.

Related articles

• Are You Doing Business By Design? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How Are You Learning To Be In Business? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How Do I Focus My Small Business? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Is Your Business Running You Ragged? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Will You Have A Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous New Year? (kevinwmccarthy.com)

Are You Full of "Should"?

 

Stop shoulding on yourself and others.

Should is a powerfully debilitating word. It combines the spirit of good intention with a built-in disclaimer of failure. It is more potent than wishful thinking, but far less honest. At least when we wish, we don't really have the expectation of it coming true. Should, however directive and well intended, is deceptive and shame inducing.

Shoulds can be self proclaimed. Here are examples of great shoulds:

• "I should lose 20 pounds."
• "I should call my mother."
• "I should make that sales call."
• "I should save more money."
• "I should speak up for myself."

These decrees of self-deception are mere words tossed off our tongues so we sound like we're on top of a matter and knowledgeable... when, truthfully, we aren't. Words without action amount to just a pile of should.

Shoulds can be proclaimed to us. Typically, these are well meaning, yet misguided statements wrapped in opinion and bias delivered with great authority from a self-referenced expert. 

Here are some great shoulds delivered to us.

• "You should go out and get a real job."
• "You should divorce him/her."
• "You should stop eating so much."
• "You should tell him/her off once and for all."

All these "should statements" are weasel words that fail to inspire or encourage. For example, which set of statements do you find more believable?

• "I should lose 20 pounds." Or "I will lose 20 pounds."
• "I should call my mother." Or "I will call my mother."
• "You should go get a real job." Or "Go get a real job."
  
• "You should tell him off." Or "Tell him off."
  

The bottom line: Strike the use of the word should from your vocabulary whether talking to yourself or someone else. People of strength don't mince their words by shoulding on themselves or others.

PS: As promised, here is the link to the free Discovery Guide preview. Use this to gain clarity and direction for your life.

 

 

Related articles

• Are You Getting Smarter? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How's Work? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Are You Owning Your Mistakes? (kevinwmccarthy.com)

Do You Have a Sense of Your Purpose?

 

Look for it! You'll hear it. Perhaps you're even one who says it. "I did such and such and it gave me a real sense of purpose." A "sense" is an inkling, a tiny bit, a nibble, a whiff, a morsel.

Why are you settling for so little? A sense of purpose is merely fumes on the combustible power found in truly knowing your purpose. 

Invest 30 minutes to watch The POWER of Your Two-Word Purpose Statement. Learn what you're missing and what you have to gain by knowing your two-word purpose statement.

_________________

Michael Angier, Founder of www.SuccessNet.org, interviewed me for 30-minutes yesterday.  He dug into the genesis of the On-Purpose® Approach, the challenges of being on-purpose when one doesn't have a support structure, and more.  Access the interview via this link and page. 

Michael and I have casually known each other for about 17 years.  His unwavering faithfulness to producing content and connections to help others find and define their true success has produced positive transformation in the lives of people all around the globe.  As a publisher, he was an early adopter of the power to be found in the internet to make the planet a better place. 

Enjoy Michael and my conversation.  Get connected to Successnet.org.

 

More On-Purpose Minutes 

• What Is Your Cost of Being Off-Purpose? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• What Are Your Answers To Life's Great Questions? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Soul searching begins with sole searching. (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• To realize the best, define what is the best. (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Can I Profit AND Gain My Soul? (kevinwmccarthy.com)

Just Because We Can, Do We?

 

Plant people around you who will ask you this question: "Just because we can, do we?" As a business advisor who develops deep strategy and designs businesses, I've seen far too many entrepreneurs and business owners confuse their capacity to perform as their reason to perform. Having the ability to do something isn't necessarily a sound reason for actually doing it. 

Here's an example. I got the call, as I often do, when the business was tanking fast. Sales had dropped from $220 million to $70 million. The business fundamentals had changed plus the unexpected death of the founder created chaos and confusion. The young new family ownership was unprepared to lead or manage a business of this scale. Something had to change—fast!

The business had many functional strengths in operations, finance, facilities, brand, and such. Tremendous business capacity resided with relatively very sound infrastructure. They could do business, but could they be in business?

Business is an inside-out reality. What's happening within the business is reflected outside the business. Customer engagement is important; however, it is leadership and management who create the means for that engagement to shrivel or thrive.

Marketing, in this case, had never been strategic. The deceased owner had a knack for it. Today, no one was at the helm. In short, the company was in the midst of a very costly identity crisis that affected the internal culture and spilled into and tainted the customer experience. Predictably, sales plummeted.

Over the course of six months, the internal sales and marketing team, key field leaders, and I worked with the new owners and president to develop a business plan. It rippled into a renewed marketing plan, sales plan, sales tools, sales training program, and field train-the-trainer program.

The re-launch date of the company was set. Company-wide months of thought, effort, and resources had been poured into this push to re-invigorate the business. A special convention was called to unveil the months of planning and preparations.

The week before the big re-launch, the company president attended a technology conference extolling the opportunities to be found in that industry, an unrelated business. The president, however, figured, "We have a loyal customer base and the capacity to attempt this." This was true, but not wise.

Over vigorous objections, he hurriedly hijacked the conference agenda, threw together a presentation of his vision, and launched a business concept (no support in place, mind you, to execute) to his 500-person sales force flown in and housed at the company's expense. 

Need I say more! The sales force wasn't just confused, they were red-hot angry. It was as if a "bait and switch" had happened right before their eyes. The owner was playing around willy-nilly with their livelihoods. The day after the "announcement" the engagement with On-Purpose Business Advisors was terminated. The company could pursue what eventually proved to be—no big surprise—a very costly tangent and momentum-killer that almost put the business permanently out of business.

Capacity alone is never justification or rationalization for starting new initiatives, projects, or companies. In most cases, investing the same effort to launch something new is more wisely invested in updating, upgrading, and deepening what exists already. Let the simplicity of the On-Purpose business approach guide you: Do More of What You Do Best More Profitably.

Personal/Team Discussion: Show and read this On-Purpose Business Minute to your team and ask the following: Considering the many projects and opportunities on our plate, assess each against... Just because we can, do we?

The drive to make money and the capacity to produce are not predictors of customer acceptance. What lessons or stories do you have to share about leading the organization?

Leading a Business? Feel like you need to upgrade your leadership skills? Watch webcast 1 of The On-Purpose Leader Experience for free.

What Are Your Answers To Life's Great Questions?

The On-Purpose Leader Experience Preview: 24/7

Dare You Risk Leading Your Life Better?

Here they are: The 7 Great Questions about life that haunt us until we answer them, deny them, or simply overwhelm them in a soulless chase for gain and/or pleasure. 

1. Who am I?
2. Why am I here?
3. Where am I going?
4. How will I get there?
5. What is important?
6. Is life meaningful?
7. Does God exist?

You may think, With all I have to get done, I realistically don't have time to mess with these questions. Here's a tip for life: until you begin answering these questions, they will mess with your life.

Don't put your life on hold until you have definitive answers. Simply, explore your possibilities. Make it a joyous adventure of daily discovery as the layers of your life unfold before you with a sense of wonder and excitement.

Think it's impractical with all you've got going on? Hardly! There's a hard dollar cost to being off-purpose that is costing you in very real terms. Stop wasting your life in trivial pursuits.

Answers to these questions fill in the soul gaps—those places within us that we know are there, but aren't quite sure we want to or know how to get there. It can be a scary place to visit, like a closet of dashed hopes, painful memories, unrealized dreams, disappointments, and pain. On the other hand, it is also a journey of hope and healing to the heart of who you authentically are. Here's the only place on the planet where you can discover your true identity and begin the process of re-orienting your life on the strength, function, and contribution you have to give. Transformation begins in the spirit. Knowing and bringing expression to your purpose will raise the spiritual and practical trajectory of your life forever.

The On-Purpose Leader Experience starts with you. Come as you are. None of us have it together. We're all dysfunctional to some degree. Let the one doesn't have a measure of chaos, confusion, hurt, distress, worry, or pain cast the first stone.

Join this six-week conversation (May 8-June 12) that includes peer-to-peer interactions, phone and online on-purpose coaching from me, and more. Once a week we have a 55-minute live webcast that is recorded for replay later. You'll walk the steps of the man in The On-Purpose Person. You will:

• Connect with on-purpose persons in creation in our private social network: The On-Purpose Planet
  
• Write your two-word purpose statement
• Clarify your core wants
• Identify your TOP Want
• Participate in live webcasts with me
• Have access to webcast replays 24/7
  
• Develop a meaningful time management approach
• Get answers to the 7 Questions above
  

Here's a fun, easy-to-do, and efficient way to sound deeply into the spirit of who you are. What's more, you'll be creating systems and strategies that will save you time, help you to make better decisions, and eliminate costly detours. The upside is amazing. You'll discover:

• Refreshing clarity and rare focus in your life
• Authentic alignment from your heart outward
• Clearer thinking to make wiser decisions
• Renewed strength and energy
  
• The abundance of being who you are and meant to be
• An internal gyroscope to guide you
• Improved confidence and growing personal leadership
• The POWER of your Two-Word Purpose Statement

The On-Purpose Leader Experience Enrollment information

Preview Session 1 Replay

Click here for: Single Enrollment: $197

Click here for: Dual (2 persons) Enrollment: $297

 

Guarantee: A 100% refund is available until the start of the third webcast.

 

What Is Your Cost of Being Off-Purpose?

   

Put on your financial hat for an On-Purpose Business Minute. If I asked you to pay me $1.22 to help you save a portion of $1,000, would you "risk" it? Most likely, yes. It is an easy business decision. In fact, you would probably ask, "What's the catch?" There is a catch!

Prior to the 30-minute webcast of The POWER of Your Two-Word Purpose Statement (watch here), I conducted a survey of registrants. One of the survey questions was, "If you had to put a U.S. dollar figure on being disadvantaged without or a weak purpose, vision, or mission statement, which best reflects your cost of being 'off-purpose'?" 

The multiple choice answers can be found in the first seven columns (see chart below) plus "Other." Over 47% of those surveyed indicated the cost of being off-purpose was over $1,000,000. Astonishingly the write-in text for the "Other" included words like immeasurable, incalculable, and priceless. At 22% it ranked highest. Not bad for an un-choice!

To be on-purpose, you need to make an intentional choice to actually do something about it. The ROI is amazing, especially for those in the 46% group. The On-Purpose Leader Experience begins May 8 at 3:00 Eastern with the week one webcast being an open preview. Invest 12-15 hours of time over six weeks to write your two-word purpose statement plus a plan for life. Immeasurable, incalculable, priceless?

Here's the catch! $199 compared to $1 million is less than 1¢ compared to $1,000! Tuition is $147 through May 8, then May 14 it is $199.  Sign up on or before May 7 using this coupon code: MAY$28OFF and save $28 off the single or dual enrollment.

Single Enrollment: $147/$199     

Dual (two people) Enrollment: $197/$227

Tuesday, May 8 you'll receive a reminder about the Week One preview of The On-Purpose Leader Experience.

 

Why Is Life So Hard?

 

Rock-paper-scissors chart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Can a game of good old Rock Paper Scissors help you to unlock the mysteries of your life?

Have you ever asked yourself, Has the world gone crazy or have I? I have THE answer for you: If you're crazy, then you don't know you're crazy. If you think you're crazy, then you're sane enough to know you're not going mad. All this, therefore, means you aren't crazy; just stressed, overwhelmed, and detoured from the life you dream but isn't there when you're awake.

Are you able to make sense of the world about you? That's a challenge too often complicated because we're not making sense of the world within us. We're confused, directionless, searching our soul for something more sustainable than a hearty bowl of chicken soup.

Decay and destruction are easier than growth and construction. Being on-purpose is work. In this On-Purpose Minute let's get to one of the greatest hidden impediments to living life better—confused language, in general; and, specifically, the words of strategy and planning. Purpose, vision, and mission are used synonymously when they are not. Each has a unique quality, capacity, and meaning.

Rock breaks scissors. Scissors cut paper. Paper covers rock. 

Purpose answers why. Vision lets us see where. Mission is the how.

More On-Purpose Minutes to politely disturb your thinking! 

• Ambition. At What Price? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Can I Profit AND Gain My Soul? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How's Work? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Soul searching begins with sole searching. (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Are You An Explorer? (kevinwmccarthy.com)

Making Money or Making A Difference?

 

Making money or making a difference captures the crux of the dilemma where many of us in business live. It isn't an "either or" question. It is a "both and" matter. Which way do you tilt?

Candidly, I've been to the extreme "making a difference" side of the equation for many years. As such, I risk my business, finances, and capacity to grow. With the tagline for On-Purpose® being "Be Yourself. Prosper. Make A Difference" you can see my tendency.

Early in my career I was money driven. I actually made lots of money at different times, but I lost lots of money, too. An ugly business divorce. Making bad deals with other money hungry people created a series of get-rich quick efforts that rarely panned out. Finding myself in too many ethical situations that disturbed my thinking I decided a wide berth away from all borderline business dealings was best. That was 1987. 

This week the fruit of my decision came to life in a humbling manner. We launched The On-Purpose Person on Kindle with a free promotion April 24-28  (www.oppkindle.com), along with my May 1 free webcast called The Power of a Two-Word Purpose Statement.

Wow! My family, fans, friends, and clients came through in an outpouring of returned generosity and support. In a 48-hour period, over 13,000 souls downloaded The On-Purpose Person in the Kindle free market. The book jumped to:

(Final results updated, May 2 - over 32,539 souls downloaded the book)

• #5 in all titles
• #1 in all non-fiction
• #1 Business
• #1 Leadership
• #1 Personal Growth
• #1 Transformation
• #1 Self Help
• #1 Religion and Spirituality
• #1 How to & Advice
  
• And more!

Julie Holzmann (Discovering Beauty) and I (Being On-Purpose) have worked together for over ten years. She sent me the closing clip of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) from It's A Wonderful Life. In the scene all of George's neighbors learn he may have to close the bank and they all pool their money to help.

For 25 years, I've faithfully nourished the concept of purpose and pioneered being On-Purpose® only to see others leverage the labor and reap the fruit. I've held to the scripture that teaches, "The harvest is plentiful. The workers are few." I welcome the co-labors with open arms. Tuesday as the download count mounted past 1,000, then 2,000, then 5,000, and Wednesday climbed to 10,000 and 11,000 our George Bailey moment, as Julie so aptly called it, came to life. A few tears have been shed in appreciation and awe.

Our small team here deserves so much credit. Julie works with me on communications. Cheryl helps with the office and keeping track of my distractible nature. Mary Tomlinson, my business partner, has taken this message into companies for more than 12 years. Mary Dominguez, our newest addition, recognized the opportunity with Kindle and brought needed energy and social media effort to the equation. We've partnered with technologies from Kudu Publishing, Constant Contact, Xiosoft Instant Teleseminar, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Amazon.com, Apple Inc., 37 Signals, Copyblogger and more to pull off this launch. My intercessor, Mary R., brought the best tech of all.

The generosity of others is the gift that is pushing this launch into the 5-figures and top ranking. Too many to mention here. You know who you are and how your contribution is making a difference.

We're not even at the halfway mark of the campaign. So download The On-Purpose Person. Then open Facebook, tweet, email, or whatever you can do to keep the message spreading. Who knows? We might have the On-Purpose Planet after all!

Thanks all for your trust! Be Yourself. Prosper. Make A Difference!

Be On-Purpose!
Kevin

More On-Purpose Minutes

• Can I Profit AND Gain My Soul? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Ambition. At What Price? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• The present problems you face may be the face you present. (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• How Do I Focus My Small Business? (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Soul searching begins with sole searching. (kevinwmccarthy.com)
• Am I Irritating The Living Hell Out of You? (kevinwmccarthy.com)