When You Can’t Plan, Stabilize

Written By Kristen Lux

No matter how you look at it, we’re in uncertain times. If business planning feels impossible right now, we totally understand. 

So what should you do instead? 

Focus on building stability into your operations and business model. 

Where to Start

A good place to start is by going through the simple exercise of asking yourself, "What would break if I got sick for two weeks?" List out the things that come to mind–those are your stabilization priorities. 

How to Prioritize

Prioritize what you need to stabilize by adapting a modified Eisenhower Matrix with these categories:

  • Columns: In My Control | Out of My Control

  • Rows: Major Problem | Minor Problem

Start with major problems within your control. If you have capacity left, tackle the minor ones.

If That Feels Like Too Much

If that’s too much, I’ll offer another approach. Jeff Bezos famously talked about planning and strategizing for the future, not around what we think will change, but what we know won’t change. This approach creates stability through certainty–just what we need in these uncertain times!

Here’s a short list of things that we know won’t change for business owners:

  • The need for data backups–when’s the last time you backed up your business data?

  • The need for intentionally designed business processes–are you doing what you designed, or what you cobbled together?

  • The need for documentation of critical information and processes–is your business living in your head?

  • The need for effective team collaboration and communication systems–feeling any friction here?

  • The need for accurate financial data and solid financial advice–it’s tax season. Have you been in touch with your bookkeeper and accountant?

  • The market’s demand for a quality client experience–are your clients raving about their work with you?

  • The market’s demand for value–do you articulate and deliver on your value proposition?

Here's the truth: you don't need to have it all figured out right now. Pick one thing from this blog and address it. That's it. One stabilization win will create the certainty and breathing room to tackle what's next. 

During uncertain times, the best way forward is to simply shore up what you've already built. And if you need an outside perspective on how to shore things up, check out our Operations Sprint–a service designed to move your operations forward quickly and with minimal effort from you.

Kristen Lux
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