Thorough planning will provide your private club with a road map for informed decision making. Starting 2020 with a solid game plan and the understanding of previous efforts, successes and failures, will ensure you are planning a productive strategy and, most importantly, helping you achieve the goals you desire.
Collect the Necessary Data
Edwards Deming once stated, “…without data you’re just another person with an opinion.” It’s time to reflect back over the previous year and determine what went well for your club and what did not. Collect as much data that is available on your efforts in 2017. Did you have goals left that weren’t achieved? It may be tough, but take an honest look at where you were; where you are now; and where you would like to be.
Decide What Matters Most Today
Prioritize and define your goals first. Every club’s goals and circumstances will be different because each club is unique. Some goals will include growing the number of new members throughout the year; providing a better ‘family-focused club experience and lifestyle;’ to focusing attention reducing the club’s attrition and resignations. Stay focused on your goals and try to “check the box” with each of your prioritized goals.
Determine What is Required to Achieve Growth Targets
Whatever goals your club decides on, deciding on strategies and solutions to hit your goals is key. Will your club leadership and current staff be able to handle the increase in time necessary to devote to growth efforts? Or will it be necessary to hire additional staff to maintain day-to-day operations? All in all, make sure you have all of the elements necessary to accomplish your goals as you begin your calculated process.
Let Go of Last Year
Finally, now that you have assessed the past year and created new goals, let go of last year and start anew. Easier said than done, we know. Many times we are held back by the tangled web of previous failures, commitments, emotions and barriers. This is old baggage. A fresh start demands a clean slate. Embrace the ability to have that fresh start with a new set of goals and objectives.