Are you taking on a new client? A new job? The details for your action plan are all the same. You need to do your homework now, so that you can achieve the results you want- and deserve. Don’t wait for the first moment to get your “ducks in a row”. Think like a Boy Scout and be prepared. Here are some “to-do”s.
Identify the stakeholders.
- This means know the company business well. Examine its web site. Check corporate filings- SEC, state, etc. Know its mission statement. If it’s a public company, find out what it promised it stockholders- or what they expect from it.
- This means know your direct contacts, as well as the corporate/division executives. This means not just their names, but their interests and their method of operation.
Make sure your office is prepared.
- If you are working at the site, determine what phone extension is assigned to you, your computer, assistants, ID’s, and password/security regulations.
- If you are working at their site, make sure your computer systems match theirs (don’t be saving in Word formats if this is a WordPerfect site), remote connection capabilities (and policies), client billing information, etc.
Craft your vision, message, and mission.
- What is it you expect to and are expected to accomplish.
- Is there a hierarchy of needs?
- Hone these facts into a narrative (mission/message) that will provide your guidance for what you say and do during your first 100 days.
Conduct pre-start meetings.
- Connect with the key stakeholders that will help you achieve your mission and vision.
- Follow up these calls and/or visits with an eMail thanking them for their time and a means for them to contact you for their follow-up.
You are now ready to achieve your vision- and help your client/new employer enjoy the fruits of your labors and insights. Don’t dream it– be it!
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These are very practical questions to ask when starting a new job. I especially like your suggestion to gather information so that you can plan your activities for the first 100 days of the job. I believe “being prepared” is a very important requirment for success.
Yes, Ms. J. Whether it’s the first 30, 100, or 200- we need to make sure that the impact of our effort is felt. It makes it easier to get others to join in when they see you are trying to make things better for everyone.
Oh, come on Hajra. Maybe it’s just your flu lowering your ability to juggle the four balls that are coming your way. You’ll be fine!
Craft your vision, message, and mission… Can’t say that enough! Thanks Roy
Vision, mission, goals- and with preparation and action- they usually become reality. To you, as well, Ken.
It’s always better to be prepared! I’m working on a new program now and am probably over-thinking it to be sure it covers everything I want my new clients to have. But hey, if I’m fully prepared, they will benefit! Nice post!
Glad to hear that, Martha. The better our systems, the easier it is to achieve the results we want- as long as we follow them.
I always told my students that job interviews etc was like dating – the better prepared you were, the more fun you would have.
And, the more like yourself you are, the more you can get out it, as well!
I agree! With so much information being easily available on the internet today, it’s imperative do to your research and find out about the company. Don’t walk in blind!
Yeah. Walk in blind- hit a wall!. Be prepared- make everyone happy and successful.
Thank you for this list because as you noted it can be applied across various situations. I especially appreciate it because as I’ve started to work with local small businesses, it’s important to be prepared and for me to do my homework so that I can speak their language and tailor my presentation to highlight what’s in it for them.
These are excellent reminders.
Glad you enjoyed it, Yvonne. It’s a list I use myself!
Thank-you for these tips, Roy. There’s nothing like being prepared.
Great to share with you, Jeannette.