HOW PLANNING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

Effective planning will go a long way in helping businesses achieve their overall goals and navigate challenges.

But does every business do it?

How many businesses are currently operating without a plan, without the data and strategies to assist them when hardships present themselves?

Marcus Holland, director of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, said before a business can plan, they must first distinguish their goals.

“You’ve got to find out what your end goal is going to be and talk dollars and cents,” said Marcus Holland, director of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce. “Without setting the goals, you can’t do any planning, and planning is the thing that’s lacking.”

Holland said simple planning and phrasing of what success would look like and where a business would feel comfortable is a key component to success.

“Having those smart goals, where you can say you would like to make X amount of sales, while knowing your average cost per customer so you know how many customers you need; is very important. You’ll need to break down some metrics, so you can reach your goals. I think that is the hardest part for a lot of people.”

According to Holland, the first step for any struggling business in need of a plan is to admit they need one, adding that the chamber of commerce is here to assist business growth.

“If you’re going to say you’re fine, then you’re never going to talk to somebody else about it, let alone yourself,” Holland said. “As the chamber of commerce, businesses can come to us. We are a sounding board. We don’t need to see your financial reports; we just want to talk with business owners and brainstorm with them about where they are and where they would like to be.”

“Once they have an idea of which direction they are going, then they may notice services that they need help with. Whether it is bookkeeping, human resources, payroll, banking, finances, or even marketing, then we can point them to chamber members that can help them,” Holland continued. “Until we know what their business needs are, it’s hard to point them in the right direction.”

Those interested in business planning or seeking consultation may contact the chamber by contact the Centralia Chamber of Commerce.

Centralia Chamber of Commerce

618-532-6789

210 E. Broadaway, Centralia IL

centraliachamber.com