The annual plan
An annual round sets direction for twelve months. It works best as one long session with the figures on the table, rather than as a document written alone.
One serious round a year, three lighter reviews in between.
Agenda
- Look backWhat was planned, what happened, and which assumption was wrong.
- PositionWhether the company still sells the right things to the right group.
- ConstraintThe one limit on growth for the coming year.
- Three initiativesWith an owner, a date and a measurable result for each.
- NumbersBase, down and up cases, with a trigger for each.
Timing
Best held after the peak season, when the full cycle is visible and the stock position is at its lowest. For most consumer shops that falls in the first quarter rather than in December.
Length
A day is enough. Rounds that stretch over weeks lose the thread, and the document produced at the end is longer and less used.