A Simple Guide to Creating a 5 Year Plan & Sticking to It
Where do you envision yourself in 5 years? Do you want to own and run a salon one day but have no idea where to start? Having trouble seeing the light at the end of the beauty school tunnel? Sounds like you could benefit from some focus, organization, and simple goal setting.
Why Set Goals?
If you are anything like me, the thought of organization makes you want to run for the hills screaming— and then take a long nap. However, if you stick with me I will give you a quick process for creating a 5-year plan that will not only give you peace of mind but will help you to determine exactly what you want for your future.
Broad and Small Goals
Take into account any personal, financial or general life objectives you may have that will impact you along the way. Make a list of everything you can think of, don’t hold back. Then, separate your list into categories of importance. For instance, in the next 5 years gaining work experience may be more important to your personal journey than traveling the world. Remember to be realistic but don’t sell yourself short. People tend to underestimate the amount of things they can accomplish in a year. Once you have your list pared down to what you feel are your one or two most important broad goals you can begin listing out the steps it will take to achieve them, these steps are your small goals.
Why Five Years?
5 years is the perfect time frame to zero in on goals both large and small. The way the plan is broken down allows you consider the future without being so far out that your goals are unattainable. Below is an example of a 5-year plan for a graduating Cosmetology student.
Example 5 year plan:
Goal: Open my own salon
Step 1 (year 1-3): Gain work experience
- Apply to 5 jobs a week
- Obtain full time employment
- Learn as much as I can at the salon
- Build a a loyal Guest following
Step 2 (year 1-3): Money
- Create a business plan
- Save a predetermined amount of money per week for your salon.
- Research loans or investors
Step 3: Fulfill business requirements
- Do market research on locations
- Get tax permits etc.
- Choose the best location for your target market
- Pick name/ create logo
- Pick products
Step 4: Staff
- Create employee guidelines
- Interview and hire employees
Step 5: Get clients
- Apply marketing techniques
- Open the doors
- Book appoointments
Revisit The Plan Often
A lot can happen in a year, so don’t be afraid to revisit your plan and realign it with your current goals. Your plans should not be set in stone. Remember to enjoy yourself and take everything one step at a time.
Have you been considering taking your beauty skills to the next level? Empire Beauty School offers several Beauty Programs, including Cosmetology, Esthetics, Educator Training, and Nail Technology. Schedule a tour today and meet with a Career Planning Specialist to see if Empire is the perfect fit for you. Visit us at http://www.empire.edu or call 1-800-964-3635.