Tip number 1.  Get your strategy right!

a) Decide what you want to achieve over the next 3-5 years.

b) Write down two or three key priorities or objectives in plain English.

c) Make sure each of your key priorities are:

• Specific – so don't generalise;
• Something you can measure;
• Affordable and realistic; and
• Set the timescale for achieving each.

A bad example: 'be profitable'.

A better example: 'Deliver a profit of £100,000 in year one (2010/11) and increase it by 10% each year for the following four years (to 2015/16)'.

d)  Add an Action Plan for year one to the Appendix of the strategy with a list of actions against each key priority or objective that will allow you to achieve your plan; and update it each year.   Effectively this becomes your operational or business plan each year.

Now you and your workforce have a clear understanding of where you, as a business, are going and what you are trying to achieve.  I wish you every success.

Further support can be obtained directly from Norma at nchristisonconsultancy.com