A Conversation with Colleen Good
Casilyn Lund: Colleen, thank you for sitting down with me today. You’ve been known for your straightforward approach to business planning. Can you walk us through the key steps you recommend for creating a simple yet effective business plan?
Colleen Good: Thank you, Casilyn! I'm happy to do it. A solid business plan doesn’t have to be complicated; it just needs to cover the essentials. I like to start with assessment and goal setting. You need to understand where you are before you can decide where to go. Take a hard look at your current position—what’s working, what isn’t—and use that to set clear, measurable goals.
Casilyn Lund: That makes sense—goals give you direction. Once the goals are set, what comes next?
Colleen Good: From there, it’s all about strategic and financial planning. A strategic plan outlines the key actions you’ll take to achieve those goals. It’s your roadmap. And, of course, you can’t ignore the numbers. A financial forecast will help guide your budgeting decisions and ensure profitability.
Casilyn Lund: I imagine resource allocation plays a big role in making that plan a reality.
Colleen Good: Absolutely. Identifying your resource needs—whether it’s hiring staff, acquiring tools, or investing in technology—is critical. You need to know what it takes to execute the plan and allocate resources wisely.
Casilyn Lund: Let’s talk about marketing and sales. How does that fit into your framework?
Colleen Good: Marketing and sales are your connection to the customer. A strong marketing and sales strategy helps you attract, engage, and convert customers effectively. This should align closely with your overall goals to maximize impact.
Casilyn Lund: That’s a lot to consider already, but we all know that business is full of surprises. How do you prepare for the unexpected?
Colleen Good: Preparation is everything. First, implement risk management practices to minimize potential challenges. Then, have a contingency plan in place—something you can rely on if things don’t go as expected. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.
Casilyn Lund: Once the plan is in motion, how do you ensure it stays on track?
Colleen Good: Regular review and adjustment are non-negotiable. Business environments change, and you need to adapt. Continuously measure progress, analyze results, and tweak the plan as needed. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
Casilyn Lund: You make it sound so approachable, Colleen. Any final advice for those feeling overwhelmed by the planning process?
Colleen Good: Keep it simple. Focus on the basics, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. A clear, actionable business plan can make all the difference in reaching your goals.
Casilyn Lund: Fantastic insights, Colleen. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!
Colleen Good: My pleasure, Casilyn. I’m always happy to help businesses succeed.
Navigating Business Success