Is your business plan lonely? Take it to dinner!

Have you hugged your business plan lately? Taken out out for a nice meal? Sat down an really talked?

Here's an excerpt from a recent conversation I had with mine:

Me: So...how are things going?

BP: Oh, you know...things are good.

Me: Yeah?

BP: Yeah we billed out a pretty good chunk of change last week.

Me: (excited) Wow, that's great! (thinking) Hey! Can we afford that new Ducati yet?

BP: (hesitantly) Um...no, not really. I mean maybe. Well, probably not.

Me: What are you talking about? I thought you just said things were going great?

BP: Well, things are going pretty good. I mean you've grown me really quickly (points out ill fitting clothes). Speaking of which I could use an updated wardrobe...this stuff is really tight.

Me: I don't get it. What's the issue then?

BP: (exasperated) Look...you've got to pay attention to me. I need help.I can't just do this all on my own you know. Sure...you may take all the pics and get all the fame but we are a team.

Me: Uh...so, maybe we need to er...look at the direction of things...a little more often?

BP: (annoyed) Duh! Listen: Imagine you are steering a boat. What do you do, just aim the wheel and hop in the back for drinks with the ladies?

Me: (grinning) Yes, that's a great plan!

BP: (scoffs) Yeah right, you'd end up grounded pretty quick, Gilligan. And don't even think about Mary Anne or Ginger because it's going to be strictly the Skipper for you. Listen, steering a boat requires constant, if minor course corrections. So is it with a business plan also. You want to be a success you've got to put the energy in!

Me: Ok, ok. I got it! Sheesh. So you are saying I need to really sit down and evaluate you on a regular basis. sort of a process check to ensure maximum performance. Look at the success, examine the failures, make changes as necessary?

BP: Wow, finally. Yes! I am so obviously the brains of this outfit, and that's saying a lot considering I'm only an abstract concept and a highly flexible one at that.

Me: No need to get tetchy. Let's eat..I'm starved. Sushi?

BP: My favorite!

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