It strikes me that a General Election in the UK would have added a bit of spice to this Autumn’s media jamboree. I must admit to being interested in what each of the parties has been saying during the conference season. From a business perspective, which party offers the busines owner the best deal. There seem to be strengths on each side. Labour would claim they have brought economic stability foe ten years and the Conservatives offered ‘Inheritence Tax’ inducements for those with looking to future generations.

What factors can a Govenrment influence?

A few colleagues of mine have mentioned that the Royal Mail is in a very tricky position at the moment. In an age of internet communication the number of people who are affected by the Royal Mail postal strike is probably significantly lower than in previous years when snail-mail was the primary means of communicating. There is probably a salutory lesson for both sides in this conflict as I cannot see anyone winning, least of all the consumers who still rely upon traditional mail.

Whilst the bulk of communication takes place via other media, such as the internet and telephone, the distribution of products, that may have been sold on the internet could be significantly damaged. Ebay is one such business, as are the thousands of businesses and individuals who use ebay to strike deals and then post product out.

Is yours a business that relies upon traditional mail and if so how are you handling this potential crisis?

The Royal Mail is offering guidance along the lines of ‘plan ahead’ to avoid those days when the strike is scheduled, but this will be a real challenge for some businesses. From my perspective, I see two types of approaches to this problem, very much determined by personality. Some business owners will be organised and structured and able to minimize disruption. Other, of a more creative disposition, are liable to struggle with this disruption, and may suffer more. Whilst you all know I am not a fan of business plans, I am a fan of business planning.

Well, I have been chatting in cyberworld about business planning and thought it useful to bring this debate to my own blog. I must admit the thought of a Business Plan is something that turns my stomach. It feels like watching Reality TV - gut wrentching and agonising to watch a bunch of wannabees showing me the realities of their private lives. (As an aside I think it important that we maintain the distinction between public and private life - For those of you who know I am a Psychologist, you may realise there is an argument in favour of this).

Anyway questions to ask about your business:

• Do you have a business Plan?
• If not, why not
• If you do, why, and how does it add value to your business
• If you weren’t writing a business plan would you be out selling?

Personally if I had to make my mind up I would decide against a Business Plan, until I needed some investment.

What do you think?