Most business owners know the value of a developing a business and marketing plan before a business is launched. But once the proverbial open sign is lit, many neglect to focus on day to day operations, managing with little more than an over-loaded e-mail inbox and a to-do list scratched out on a sticky note.

If you arent meeting your goals, it could be due to the fact that you havent defined them. Creating a productivity plan gets you organized and allows you to accomplish more in less time.

A productivity plan is simply an outline of tasks that you intend to complete on either a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Tasks can range from basic operations to marketing and sales activities. Use your plan to get the most out of each work day.

Designing Your Plan

Design a plan that fits your individual goals. If there are specific tasks that you need to complete each week, designate a specific day of the week to accomplish each task. For example, you might review financial statements on Mondays, schedule one-on-one time with your staff on Tuesdays, focus on marketing activities on Wednesdays, and so on.

Assigning tasks to days of the week will help get you into a routine and minimize procrastination. In addition to specific daily tasks, you can also create a list of other goals to accomplish throughout the week. For example, a consulting business might include the following tasks: attend a networking function, update three pages of the website, make a new media contact, contact three potential alliance partners, develop one new worksheet for clients, and complete at least seven introductory calls.

The tasks for each business vary greatly. When developing your list, ask yourself these questions:

*What tasks will help me with my general organization?

*What do I need to do to make sure I am constantly marketing my business?

*How can I improve the companys bottom line?

*What tasks should I be doing that I tend to avoid?

Here are some ideas to get you started:

*Perform X number of cold calls.

*Write and send a press release.

*Evaluate reports (website traffic, P&L statements, inventory, etc.).

*Attend a business networking event.

*Read an industry-related book or e-book.

*Update website.

*Add new content to website.

*Write X number of words for book manuscript.

*Make contract with X number of potential alliance partners.

*Submit an article.

*Develop new marketing campaign.

*Give away X number of freebies.

Take it Seriously

Write your plan in either a word processing document or in a spreadsheet format and update it regularly. Print it out and post it near your desk so its always handy. In addition to a weekly plan, you can also define monthly and yearly goals. Once you begin to check off tasks, not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but your productivity will inevitably improve.

Your plan doesnt have to stop with you. If you have employees or a virtual assistant, be sure to create plans for them too. Soon everyone in your business will be working smarter and your only regret will be that you didnt create your plans sooner.

Sample Weekly Plan

Monday:
*Review weekend sales reports
*Meet with staff to review weekly goals

Other Weekly Goals:
*Attend one networking function
*Lunch or dinner with a client
*Lunch or dinner with a business partner
*Investigate new advertising opportunity
*Read one trade book or report

Stephanie Chandler

Stephanie Chandler is a small business expert and the author of "The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide: Seize Your Entrepreneurial Dreams!" and "From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, E-books and Information Products."

Chandler is also the founder of Business Info Guide, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs and the owner of Book Lovers Bookstore in Sacramento, CA.

In 2003 she fled an 11-year career in the Silicon Valley to pursue her entrepreneurial and writing goals and she has never looked back. A frequent presenter at business conferences and events, Chandler's articles have been seen in hundreds of online and print publications.