How To: Develop an Action Plan

DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN

AGENDA• Why you need an action plan• Action Plan o Summaryo Task definitiono Creating action stepso Prioritization o Collaborationo Close

Why you need an action plan

Alice: I was wondering if you could help me find my way. Cheshire Cat: Well, that depends on where you want to go. Alice: Oh, it really doesn't matter, as long as... Cheshire Cat: Then it really doesn't matter which way you go.

Why you need an action plan

• Marketing – finding, developing and profiting from opportunities

• Business – launching, sustaining, raising capital

• Event – one time, short duration

Why you need an action plan

• Marketing – finding, developing and profiting from opportunities

• Business – launching, sustaining, raising capital

• Event – one time, short duration

Summary• Define the event• Create objectives (SMART)• Establish dates• Readers know what success looks like

ABC will host a dance-a-thon fundraiser to benefit XYZ on February 1, 2013. The objectives are:

o 60 dance couple participantso $6,000 in donationso Attract 250 people to watch the evento Increase awareness of XYZ

Task definition• Identify what needs to be done

o Reserve room for the evento Obtain approvalo Recruit dance teamso Hire DJo Etc

• Brainstorm with your team

Creating action steps• What needs to happen to complete

tasks– Task Item Example: Recruit dance

teamso List potential teamso Create email explaining the event to potential teams

o Email potential teamso Secure commitment to participate

Prioritization• Based on days to deadline, task and

action step importance, and number of steps remaining.o High o Mediumo Low

Collaboration• Engage all stake holders and create a communication channel • Basecamp, whiteboard, meetings, etc

Close• Celebrate the event• Host an after-action reviewo What went right/wrongo How do we adjust to make it better next time?

DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN