by Jack C. Randall, CIC, PCLA, PFMM
Planning or Planting. Is now the best time for both… or not ?
Whether you are a full-fledged farmer or just a weekend warrior gardener, everyone knows the very best time of the year to plant is in the spring. Generally speaking, a rule to plant by is “the earlier the better” once conditions are just right. The “window” of time to plant to get the best yields is fairly narrow, so things get quite hectic during this time of the year.
Even the novice grower can see by the flurry of activity in the fields, the long lines at the ag fertilizer and seed dealers, or even the vacant, empty shelves at the local gardening supply stores, spring is in full swing right now and everyone is planting!
I learned first-hand about the rush to plant when I used to co-own an Ag business where we specialized in the custom application of fertilizer and chemicals for area farmers. During the spring planting rush, we worked long hours working as fast as we could just to keep up with the demand. Fatigue set in after just the first few days, so occasional breaks and a good-night’s rest after a rainstorm became precious times indeed. After a while, just thinking clearly became quite an effort under those conditions, so any type of creative planning was difficult at best. It was the same for the farmers too. In the craziness of the time just to retain your sanity, it became sport to swap stories of who wasn’t thinking when they did such and such. Sometimes the stories were silly and humorous, sometimes expensive, sometimes tragic.
One thing became clear – the time for planting IS NOT the best time for planning!
It was easy to see that each year, two groups of growers would eventually categorize themselves:
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Those who carefully planned in detail in advance of planting, and
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Those who got behind and were planning almost at the same time as they were planting.
How could I tell? Easy. Those that planned in advance of planting were more calm, confident, and efficient. They had fewer costs due to wiser buying, had happier employees, and most importantly reaped more bountiful crops come harvest. They too had unforeseen mechanical breakdowns, but they were in a better position to deal with those things as they arose. Because they knew in advance what they wanted, when, and where, this practice also allowed us to service their needs more efficiently too.
Contrast those to the second group who gave less time to advance planning. They appeared rushed, irritable, and had a more difficult time making decisions. Their costs were higher, their employees were frustrated, and yields were average at best. The potential for mechanical breakdowns was greater in their case and they were much less able to deal with the unexpected setbacks. For us, the lack of planning on their part also made it difficult for us to serve them and meet their changing expectations.
So how about you and your business?
Which of the above groups do you find yourself as you operate? Have you laid out a Strategic Plan in advance for your organization, or are you content to “wing it” and make your plans as you plant?
Make no mistake about it. The time for planting IS NOT the best time for planning! However, having a sound, workable Strategic Plan will help everyone involved in your organization be more calm, confident, and efficient. To be most effective, “planning” should be done before any “planting” / action is to take place. Your organization will be more efficient, successful, and profitable!
Need help in getting your Strategic Plan formulated? Give me a call. I would love to help you plant the seeds of success with a great plan for your organization’s future!
To Your Success…
Jack
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