Battle Tested Business Tips for a Successful 2016

Running a profitable business is hard, don’t make it harder. Here are some battle-tested tips to help you develop a winning strategy this upcoming year.

It’s no secret I’ve developed my leadership and business skills through my experience as a United States Marine. I’m not suggesting that running a business is a direct comparison to serving in the U.S. Military. I am suggesting that no matter the industry, a little strategy can help most businesses develop a sustainable profitable structure. And you’re in luck! I’m here to share with you tips and strategies that have helped me reach success through the years.

First things first, lets make sure we’re speaking the same language. What is your definition of success? Do you have a clear picture and definition? Does the rest of your team share the same definition?

Once you’ve defined ‘success’ the next step is to develop a roadmap (a plan) to get you from where you’re at, to where you want to be. Lastly, and most importantly, you have to execute the plan.

Marines utilize six troop-leading steps by which a leader receives, plans, and executes his or her mission. Troop leading steps are a logical and orderly process for making the best use of time, facilities, and personnel in preparing for and executing an assigned mission. It can be viewed as elements of planning and decision making cycle.

Does that sound like something a businessperson may find useful? I think so. Heck, I’ve made a career out of it! Lets dive right in, and remember the acronym BAMCIS.

Begin Planning

You’d be hard-pressed to sustain success of any length of time if you fail to identify what made you successful in the first place. Heck, it is tough even when you DO know what made you successful in the first place. Before you launch a campaign and start firing in all directions, take a page from the Marines’ handbook and start a plan.

The plan should clearly define your mission, vision, and definition of success. But don’t etch that tablet just yet, write the plan with a pencil as it’s likely to change a few times over.

Arrange Reconnaissance

Put the Spy Drones away and forget about James Bond. In a business setting arranging reconnaissance relates to identify what you DON’T know. Look at your current state, compare it against where you want to be, and identify where the gaps lie. You may find conducting a SWOT analysis to be useful in identifying threats, weaknesses and ways to overcome them.

Make Reconnaissance

Now that you’ve identified your gaps, clearly identify how your

business can overcome those challenges. You may seek to form alliances or outsource your work/services. If the challenges cannot be overcome, how can the business circumvent the challenge or mitigate the weakness? Do you have a competitive advantage that cannot be duplicated?

Complete planning

Based on the initial reconnaissance and plan, has anything changed? Does the business need to pivot and are there new strengths or weaknesses found? Have you developed milestones and a plan to measure performance?

Issue the order; 3 keys to launching the plan

Once planning is completed the next step is to put the plan into motion. Here are three keys to launching the plan:

1- Ensure all team members understand the plan, phases and milestones.

2- Take your team to a vantage point and survey the roadmap.

3- Encourage discussions and questions, however, remain focused on the end state goals.

Supervise

Arguably one of the most important parts of a successful plan, the final step in the Marine Corps troop leading steps is to supervise. Supervision does not (in my opinion) equal micromanagement. Instead, establish an open line of communication between all stakeholders, ensure everyone understands their responsibilities, and furthermore understand the milestones and phase lines previously established. Understanding the different moving parts can help ensure each person/division/stakeholder works towards reaching the overall goal and prevent stovepipes.

Do you have any tips or suggestions you’d like to share? Comment below!

~Viva