Now Where How
One of my favourite tools is the Now Where How planning template - it’s versatile and simple. There are three components: understanding how your business performs NOW, envisioning WHERE you want it to be (in 12, 24 or 36 months), and determining HOW to get there. Let’s explore why this template is so valuable and how to get started.
1. Defining the Now: Assessing Current Performance
The first step in the Now Where How process is to take a deep dive into your business's current performance. This involves analysing key metrics, understanding customer feedback, and evaluating internal processes. By gathering data and insights, you can create a solid foundation for your planning efforts.
Start by asking questions like:
What are our current sales figures?
How satisfied are our customers?
What challenges are we facing operationally?
This stage is crucial because it helps identify strengths to build on and weaknesses to address. A clear understanding of your current state sets the stage for meaningful progress.
2. Imagining the Where: Setting Future Goals
Once you have a clear picture of where you are, it’s time to dream big! Define where you want your business to be in the future. This involves setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
Think about:
What new markets do we want to enter?
What innovations do we want to implement?
How do we envision our brand in five years?
This vision will serve as your guide, helping you stay focused on long-term objectives while navigating day-to-day operations.
3. Creating the How: Developing Actionable Strategies
It is only now that you know where you are and where you want to go that you can map out how to get there. This phase involves developing actionable strategies and initiatives that align with your goals. Consider breaking down your plans into smaller, manageable tasks with clear deadlines and responsible team members.
Key steps include:
Identifying resources needed for each initiative.
Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategies based on feedback and results.
By laying out a clear action plan, you enhance accountability and keep your team motivated as they work toward shared objectives.
