How Working Backwards to Move Forwards Can Help Florists Plan for Peak Times
“Doc, I'm from the future. I came here in a time machine that you invented. Now I need your help to get back to the year 1985.” (Marty McFly, Back to The Future)
Great Scott! When you're overwhelmed with floral work, finding a moment to think can feel impossible! Whether it’s the chaos of the wedding season (and managing the tricky staff holiday schedule), or even dreaming of grabbing some beach time yourself, it can feel as though as soon as you complete one busy bit, another is lurking just around the corner. As summer ends it’s nearly time for the Autumn switch over, the Christmas merry-go-round and of course Valentine’s Day!
Eek! If only there was a way to dial down the chaos and have more time to stop and smell the daisies?
Well florists, we’re going to let you into a secret, there is! Whilst we can’t give you the mathematical formula for time travel (just yet) we can give you something in marketing terms that is *nearly* as powerful as the flux capacitor. We like to call this method ‘planning backwards to move forwards’ and it’s our insider secret to keep your business buzzing – even at your busiest times!
The Perks of Planning Back from the Future
Planning is basically the marketing equivalent of time travel. Effectively, the present day you, makes life a whole load better for the ‘future’ you. Sounds good right?
Planning your peak times *really* matters. Working backwards to move forwards basically means knowing what your end goal is and then planning “backwards” to get there.
The benefits are endless. Not only do you avoid overwhelm by breaking tasks down into manageable chunks (and completing them well in advance of the goal), but it means you’re creating consistent messaging that sets you up for guaranteed success and much less stress! Working backwards from your key events allows you to set clear achievable goals and establish a focussed timeline to meet them. It means you can expertly manage your business milestones, stay proactive and maximise your marketing impact without losing your sanity along the way!
Here are 3 ways you can put your reverse action plan into place (thankfully no DeLorean required!).
1. Get to Grips with a Gantt Chart
If you love an excel sheet, this one is for you. Gantt charts are a visual timeline that have days/ weeks across the top and all the action points that are needed, listed down the side. Simply input your goal and work backwards indicating all the to-do’s needed from then until now to make it happen. Gantt Charts are great for splitting up tasks especially if you’ve got team members that need to action items for others to build from. Gantt charts are a good way to see exactly where you are on your projects’ progress and are a simple yet effective tool for positive planning!
2. Perfect Your Plan with Good Old Pen and Paper
If old school simplicity is more your vibe, then embrace it fully, either with a big sheet of paper mapping out the weeks prior to your end goal or grab a diary with a handy week to view format that you can break your actions down week by week. Then whip out your highlighters and begin. The principle is the same, start with your end goal and work backwards adding in all the action points that need to be completed weekly before your goal becomes live.
3. Embrace Apps like Evernote, Trello or Asana
If you love a bit of tech to help you keep on top of things then planning tools like Evernote, Trello or Asana will be right up your street. Designed to be user-friendly, you can create a schedule of activity that suits your preferred method of working. Download the app to your phone and you’ve got a pocket version of your plan that’s accessible wherever you are which is perfect to browse over coffee or on your commute! Invite team members to access the planning tool too so everyone stays on the same virtual page. Hurrah.
Unlocking the Secrets of REVERSE ACTION PLANS
Planning doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, by using the various tools available and breaking tasks down into little action points, planning can become a powerful part of your marketing toolkit!
For example, if you plan on launching a special offer and need to create a flyer to attract customers, your reverse action plan might look a little like this:
· LIVE: [Insert date.]
· Week prior: Delivery of flyer.
· 2 weeks out: Send flyer to print.
· 3 weeks out: Design and create artwork.
· 4 weeks out: Write copy.
· 5 weeks out: Plan your flyer and get a quote for costs.
Planning backwards to move forwards is where the marketing magic happens! If you’d like a helping hand in getting to grips with the power of planning (as well as targeting your ideal customer) then why not check out our course? We’re pretty good at turning your to-dos in to ta-dahs enabling you to get your business buzz back.