Chapter One: In The Beginning

Although we are rarely aware of it, entrepreneurs always begin with a concrete vision of success. A million years ago, I started as a framing apprentice working for an old-time framing contractor I admired. I didn't realize it at the time, but the way he went about his business would be an inspiration to me that lasted my entire professional career in construction. He was my "vision" of success.

• He was confident, aggressive, and consistent in his approach to contracting.
• He always worked alongside his framers. He respected hard work and skills.
• He always kept his word.
• He was humble enough to learn from his mistakes. He never made the same mistake twice or let you.
• He’d work round the clock if necessary to deliver a job when he said he would.
• He never laid blame but always thought up a solution.
• He was humble enough to take advice from experts.
• He would not tolerate laziness or dishonesty.
• He never saw falling short of a goal as a failure--just a learning experience.
• The consistent force of his personality created a distinct culture in his business.
• He always knew exactly where he was headed.
• He respected everyone who would do him the honor of working with him.

Chapter Two 

Eventually he anointed me a journeyman framer, back when we were still swinging a heavy framing hammer all day. Hard work was actually “hard work,” but we didn't know any better. The boss drove up in a big, often muddy pickup truck, strapped on his tool belt and worked alongside us all day with a look of determination on his face. We were skilled and energetic enough to be getting the job done properly and on time. He was going to deliver what he had contracted to deliver. This "vision" of what a successful contractor looked like later became even more defined--permanent in my imagination.

Chapter Three

With the image of my first boss firmly planted in my mind, I went on to open our own contracting firm with my brother. Without realizing it, I was emulating my first boss's principles and personality in everything I did. He was my vision of how a successful contractor conducted himself. I could almost hear his voice in my head when I was meeting with clients or bankers or my trades people. Somewhere deep in my psyche I knew that he represented the right way to do things, and I wanted to do things the right way, the successful way. He was my schooling, my training, and my inspiration. He embodied my vision of success.

Chapter Four

Without a clear, concrete vision of success entrepreneurs rarely succeed. We all need mentors that instill a vision of success in our imaginations. I went on with my higher education at night while I was still running a contracting company, eventually earning my Doctorate in Construction Management and becoming an academic and consultant to the industry. During this period, I was continuously analyzing the elements of business management that I believed would enable my students and clients to succeed in the construction industry. I've written three books and countless articles on the topic over the past thirty years but have only recently come to understand the pivotal role that my clear vision of success played in my own career success.

The Present Moment

If we take a minute to reflect, we can all envision what success looks like. It might be a teacher in elementary school, a football coach in high school or a parent, an uncle or our first boss. All successful entrepreneurial endeavors begin with a clear, concrete vision of what success looks like. Unconsciously, every choice and every management decision will bend in the direction of these images. A formal strategic plan is nothing more than the clearly thought-out steps required to realize your individual vision of success. 

Strategic Planning Starts with Vision

A formal strategic plan merely analyzes and records the choices that actualize the success we each envision. Your vision of success will affect who you hire, the kind of owner you're willing to work for, how you motivate your crews, your self-image, and how you see ultimate success.

• Some want a big company they can sell to a competitor.
• Others want to pass their company on to family members.
• Some want to be the best in a local market.
• Others want all their employees to succeed long term.

Your vision of success was embedded in your psyche long before you realized it. Formal strategic planning is nothing more than the process of recognizing the success you envision and writing a detailed plan to get you and your company there. You are doing it unconsciously anyway, so you may as well write it down, so you don't forget it.