Written growth plans as part of M&A preparation

January 2019

In a time when PowerPoint slides dominate, brevity has become the norm in communication. However, I find myself holding on to a practice that I believe is both classic and invaluable: creating written growth plans. While it might seem a bit old-school, I’m convinced that this thoughtful endeavor is truly worth the time and effort. The benefits are extensive, and its impactful as part of the M&A preparation.

Fostering Self-Awareness

Crafting a growth plan requires more than outlining objectives; it’s a moment to take stock of where you stand. It prompts honest introspection about your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. This process is as much about understanding your limitations as identifying opportunities.

Clarity of Thought

When you write a plan, you must distill complex ideas into clear and actionable insights. It’s a process that sharpens your thinking, compelling you to articulate not just what you aim to achieve but also how and why. This clarity helps align not only your thoughts but also the people who will execute the plan.

Breaking Down Complexity

Big visions are inspiring, but they can also be overwhelming. A written plan transforms lofty goals into tangible, tactical steps—assigning timelines, identifying costs, and allocating resources. This granularity ensures no critical detail is overlooked, bridging the gap between aspiration and execution.

Expanding Strategic Horizons

The act of writing forces you to ask critical questions you might otherwise avoid:

These reflections don’t just guide decision-making; they open up possibilities, expanding your vision of what’s achievable without losing sight of the practical constraints.

Building a Cohesive Narrative

A growth plan is more than a document—it’s a story. It connects your past accomplishments to your future aspirations, weaving them into a cohesive narrative. This story is invaluable not only for internal alignment but also for presenting your vision to external stakeholders, making it easier for them to see the logic behind your journey.

Facilitating Team Alignment

A written plan creates a shared understanding across your team. It becomes a reference point, ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction. By clearly outlining priorities, timelines, and responsibilities, it reduces ambiguity and fosters accountability.

A Tangible Map for Stakeholders

As Alfred Korzybski famously said, "A map is not the territory it represents, but if correct, it has a structure similar to the territory." A well-written growth plan serves as a map—a representation of your strategic journey. For investors or potential buyers, it offers a roadmap that showcases not just where you’ve been but also where you’re going and how you plan to get there.

Reducing Perceived Risk

When seeking investment or acquisition, you ask stakeholders to trade certainty for the unknown. A detailed growth plan reduces the perceived risk by providing clarity on the path forward. It demonstrates not just ambition but preparedness, making your proposition more compelling.

Encouraging Long-Term Thinking

In a fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to get caught up in short-term wins. Writing a growth plan forces you to think beyond the immediate horizon. It compels you to consider how today’s decisions will shape your trajectory in the years to come.

Strengthening Negotiation Power

Though intangible, a growth plan has the potential to influence how others perceive your business. It can frame discussions in ways that might not have occurred otherwise. Investors or buyers may see new opportunities or be persuaded by the depth of your foresight, subtly enhancing your leverage in negotiations.

In a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, crafting a thoughtful growth plan might feel like a luxury. But I argue it’s far from an indulgence—it’s a discipline. It’s a tool that brings clarity to complexity, aligns teams, builds trust with stakeholders, and lays the groundwork for sustainable success. The process itself is a testament to your commitment to growth and a reflection of the seriousness with which you approach your journey.