Strategic planning meetings are an opportunity for small business owners to maximize what they can get from their staff. These meetings can be the time when a lesser-known employee brings an idea to the forefront that might take the firm to the next level. However, small business owners must create opportunities for staff members to let their innovative minds run wild. Here are a few pieces of advice small business owners can use to make sure their strategic planning meetings elicit the best results.

Encourage participation
Small business owners that want to pump ideas out of their staff need to make sure they know they are in a environment where their participation is welcome. In order to get certain staff members started off on the right foot, ask them questions directly in the meeting and get them comfortable talking within the group. Small business owners should be sure to keep the conversation flowing, as well as on track so they can maximize their strategic planning time and establish realistic long-term objectives.

Create an environment for innovation
Sitting around in a conference room can be dull and an inefficient use of people’s time. For some companies, holding a strategic planning session in a conference room will not evoke the creative ideas they’re looking for. One way small business owners can attempt to spark innovation is by dedicating a room in their office for brainstorming and planning. These rooms should have comfortable chairs, bright-colored walls and thought-provoking artwork. Many small business owners in the past have benefited greatly from these “rooms for innovation.”

Keep staff members informed
The deeper the knowledge employees have into what their boss is trying to achieve, the better feel they will have for what ideas can truly help the company during the strategic planning process. Small business owners can invest in business planning software that can allow staff to collaborate on business plans and get a big picture idea of where their finances currently stand. Without accurate and up-to-date financial data, it can be extremely challenging for a small business – or any business for that matter – to generate a realistic and worthwhile long-term strategy.

Bring props into the mix
Showing employees what a good idea looks like may be more beneficial than simply telling them. Providing examples and asking staff to draw out their ideas could lead to better results during the strategic planning process. By using props, small business owners can also encourage their staff to collaborate on any ideas. Teamwork can often help small business owners get the most of their employees.

Allow employees to think outside the box
Some of the best innovations have come when small business owners set their staffs free to conjure up and share ideas no matter how ridiculous they may sound. This is vital during the strategic planning process because setting parameters can often restrict brainstorming efforts, stifling ideas that might take the business to the next level.

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