Devise a list of core values that your business and those operating it have. What is your vision for your business?

Introduction

Business planning is a challenging process for enterprises facing a high degree of operational variability. This challenge often results in the overlooking of important business planning processes that underpin what you do, why you do it and other important facets that shape your business.

This procedure outlines the importance of establishing a shared vision. It covers steps and tools to help make this process simple, workable, and most of all a reflection of where the business is heading. Module 1 Plan for Success also contains five procedures and 12 tools that can help you navigate through this process.

Module 4 Capable and Confident Producers also provides information about managing the people that work in your business.

Key decisions, critical actions and benchmarks

Before starting the business planning process, it is important to recognise the long term nature of these activities. Depending on your age and plans for the future, it is possible the next generation will see more of the benefits than you do.

Be mindful that these plans are not set in stone – they are dynamic plans, and are constantly changing to reflect the visions of those who are making them. Process is equally important as the plan itself.

Strategic planning will help you take a long-term view of your activities on the property. Use it to also account for the personal aspirations family members may have for the property in the future.

Once you have developed a ‘shared vision’, move to creating an operational or business plan to determine how the resources (people, time, skills, money) will be assembled to allow you to turn it into reality. In some cases, having an external set of ‘eyes and ears’ provided by a consultant or advisor can also assist in this process.

Getting the strategic planning right with your team will save you effort and time when developing the ‘how to’ part in the next step.

Developing a Vision Statement

The business planning process starts with creating a vision for your business. Your business vision statement is a statement which describes its aspirational goals, its values and what the business stands for.

The purpose of a vision statement is best described by three main points:

• It provides direction – focuses everyone’s attention on the future of the business and determines the path the business will take to get there.
• Determines decisions – the vision influences decisions by providing the underpinning aspirations of what the business aims to do.
• Motivates people – a clear vision excites and helps spring people into action.

To give you a couple of examples:

The vision of MLA is:
Respected provider of marketing and research and development services to the Australian cattle, sheep and goat industries.

AWI’s vision is for it to be:
...a significant contributor to a vibrant, stable and profitable wool industry providing the world with the best natural fibre.

The mission statement generally focuses on a target, which then breaks into usually six core values which form the foundation of strategies of the business.

Signposts

Read There are a number of tools in the MMFS Module 1 Plan for Success that can assist in the vision and planning process. State agricultural department business management planning publications. Contact Your local business advisor, who will ably assist you with the business planning process. View There are many web based tools available that will help you write a vision statement for your business. Conduct a web search to find these.