Really liked this post http://www.salesandmanagement.com/resources/ArticleFolder/MSArticle.htm .  Think it’s very succinct and, in very few words, provides a lot of value.   Beneficial whether you own a senior care franchise or a multi-national business. 

Below is my summary of the article:

First,  the business has to know what it stands for, why it is here.  That is step one.  Define the business vision.  

Step two is completing an internal audit of the strengths within the business – do those strengths align and support the business vision?

Step three is to reach out to your external customers and find out  if  their perception of the business matches up with the vision and strengths? 

If internal and external perceptions match – it is time to move to Step Four and prepare a Business Strategy.   

The final two pieces are offshoots of the Business Strategy.  Step five is developing a communications plan (marketing)  and step six is developing a sales management plan (sales). 

Cutting to the chase, this high level plan can help provide focus to drive business growth and development in a franchise organization.   Good suggestions and process!