Lessons from the Business Owners. A survey of 255 owners of independent businesses in the Midwest investigated their planning activities. They believe that some of their planning is beneficial. However, most believe that they are only moderately well organized and they are only moderately satisfied with their efforts.
Educators can help small business owners improve the quality of their planning.
One widely held theory says that resistance to planning stems from resistance to change. Change is more acceptable when it is understood, does not threaten security, follows a series of successes, is inaugurated after prior change has been assimilated, and has been planned and if the organization has been trained to plan for improvement. Another important factor to consider is skepticism about the value of planning. Educators should be aware of potential problems and help business owners avoid them. They need to read books and go through the training process so they better understand and anticipate potential problems.