1. Firstly, keep it SMART

Specific - Include specific actions, specific dates, specific persons responsible. Don’t be airy-fairy or waffly or the plan won’t be read fully or followed

Measurable - The results and milestones you set must be measurable so you know where you are towards your goals. You should aim to have a major milestone to reach at least every three months.

Attainable - Are the goals you strive for attainable or pie in the sky?

Realistic - The plan must be realistic. Are the sales goals, expense budgets and milestones realistic. A plan will not be implemented if it is not realistic.

Timely - It is important to set timeframes for each of your goals, actions and milestones. This will allow you to monitor your progress.

KISS – Keep it simple stupid!! Keep your plan simple so it is easy to understand and to act on. It needs to communicate its contents easily and practically. A long winded plan will have no impact and will bore everyone to tears.

2. 1 part strategy and 10 parts implementation. A business plan should be a call to action, not a collation of information that isn’t being actioned.
3. Set concrete goals, delegate the responsibilities for these goals and ensure there are deadlines for reaching these goals.
4. Have a measurement strategy in place to ensure that the business is on track. There’s no point in waiting till the end of the year to correct your course when it could be tracked on a month by month basis.
5. Be practical. You may have some really great ideas, however if these ideas are not practical or easy to implement, they won’t be following or completed.

Source : www.yourbiz.co.nz