The fourth plan is a public relations plan to gain and maintain visibility in the niche market sandbox the company is selling in. While the media may have gone electronic and may be more diffused these days because of a multi-segmented marketplace, it is still essential to have some level of visibility.

Strategic Plan

The fifth plan is a strategic long-term plan, running over two to three years. This comprehensive type of plan all too often is unrealistic, overly optimistic, and filled with dreams that rarely come true. But that same kind of dreaming keeps people motivated and moving forward to a better future. That is why a strategic plan matters.

Developing these five plans and putting them on paper is nothing less than an insurance policy for business success. The return on investment is well worth the time to think through the critical areas to build your printing business.

If you don’t have the time or motivation to put these plans in place, then hire someone to guide you through the process or join a peer group that will hold you accountable for putting a plan in place and then working the plan.

Mitch Evans is president of Mitch Evans Consulting, which is specifically targeted to meet the consulting needs of the quick and small commercial printing industry. His areas of expertise are in strategic planning, valuation, mergers and acquisition, financial planning, new technology, and “1-2-1” coaching. Evans regularly speaks to printing associations and groups on these and related subjects. Contact him at 561/351-6950 or mitch@mitchevansconsulting.com.