These four ideas can help you along the process:
Embrace technology
A variety of tools exists today to help you run and expand your business. Hoshin software, for instance, is transforming the way businesses do strategic planning. The software can help your management team cascade short-term and long-term objectives into smaller constituents throughout your business. This ensures that all the departments in your organization know their roles in the expansion process.
Commit to the process
Expanding a business is an involving process. You must be willing to put your heart into your goal. You must be prepared to spend long hours figuring out how to best implement your plan and strategy. Be ready to make sacrifices along the way. Motivate your employees to embrace this critical phase of your company.
Think long term
As you embark on the expansion process, reflect on the long term. This is your vision for the business. Define where you want your business to be in a decade or two. Once your vision is clear, you can break it down into a mission statement, goals, and objectives.
Determine your mission
Your staff will be motivated to fully commit to the expansion process if they know your mission. A mission statement states what your manufacturing business will do and look like after three to five years. Your mission should move you closer to your vision.
The expansion process is an exciting phase for any business. It signifies growth. If you take the right steps, you should maneuver this critical stage successfully.
