But when I advertised a workshop on planning for 2009, I hardly got any takers. Apart from feeling very disappointed, I was puzzled because I know there’s a need!
Then I had an ‘Aha!’ moment - of course business owners want help planning – swiftly followed by a ‘Duh!’ moment - but they’re afraid of sharing or letting others know about those plans!
Fear of what’s going to happen in the coming months is very natural and I’m kicking myself for not realising that this ‘fear of the unknown’ would rear its ugly head in these challenging times.
So, not only are some small business owners reluctant to share their plans, others are afraid to even make plans because of what might be lurking around the corner – and they certainly don’t want to come on a workshop with me in case someone pinches their ideas!
I’m not belittling that fear – because I know it’s a very real fear and I’ve felt it too. What I’ve learnt is that fear can paralyse – and cause no end of problems. The antidote is to take action – even though that can feel very scary.
Now I need to re-think what to do instead of the workshop – but I’m determined to help as many business owners as possible make positive plans for next year, and show them that by planning they will be able to weather the economic storm.
Tell me please, do you believe business planning for next year should be a ‘private’ experience?
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