We work hard to build strong relationships and know that nothing replaces face-to-face planning and coordination of your very important projects. The below process is highly effective in getting projects done intelligently, powerful, and on budget.

1	Project planning meeting. See “Getting a Project Started” for steps to take before holding a planning meeting.
2	Possible design and printing/vendor(s) solutions submitted for client selection. (Proof Cycle #1) Client selects design and vendor(s).
3	Corrections/Changes/Additions made.
4	Proof Cycle #2 submitted to client for review. Schedule review. Adjustments to schedule made if necessary.
5	Final Corrections/Changes/Additions made.
6	Proof Cycle #3 submitted to client approval and sign-off. Press prep process completed and project(s) readied and delivered to vendor(s).
7	EXPAND performs quality assurance press checks and ensures delivery.

Answer the following questions carefully, thoughtfully, honestly, and with a little bit of creativity. You are very aware of the condition of your business. Examine both the strengths and the weaknesses. One very important goal will need to be to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Keep those aspects of your business that are working well and maximize them, and minimize or, if possible, completely eliminate those aspects that are not working.

As you answer these questions, visualize your answers. Write your answers and thoughts down. The following questions are intended to aid you in getting a full picture and clear understanding of why you are in business and just how far you believe your business can go. What is the outcome you are seeking?

As you answer these questions you will begin to see how important a business plan is. Your vision, understanding, and implementation of that plan can ensure you a powerful, effective, profitable, and growing business. A powerful business plan will motivate you and empower you to continued growth, increased opportunities, and satisfaction. Sounds great doesn’t it?

So, let's get started.

1	What is the mission of your business? Do you have a mission statement? (This is the Why)
2	Does your business have a statement of excellence? (This is the How)
3	Do you know who your specific market is? Is your message effectively reaching your specific market? Now, gather all of your marketing materials. Lay them out on a table so you can see them all at once. Carefully inspect your marketing materials of every sort and answer questions 4–9:
4	Is your business equipped with all of the necessary tools to get your message to your market, gain their confidence, and make the sale?
5	Depending on your answer for #4, are you prepared to do what it will take to get these tools you need?
6	If you feel like you have the tools you need, have you confirmed that fact with the rest of your team, business associates, and a marketing consultant? (It is always a great idea to get input from key people in the know.)
7	Is your company making a positive, professional statement through its marketing materials? Is there a professional, consistent look in them?
8	Are your marketing materials earning you the confidence of your potential customers? From your company personnel all the way to your company envelopes, every contact point that your company has with the public is making a statement.
9	Are you paying enough attention to all of the key people, tools, and contact points to ensure that they are giving you a competitive edge? Are you keeping everything current?