Universal Planning Questions

Practical Planning Questions

While getting your plans in written form, here are some questions that could be applied to almost any planning situation.

1. What exactly do I need to accomplish?--This can be a simple definition of the task, or maybe even a goal statement that will help you measure your success at the end.
2. Can I accomplish the task?--If you answer no to this question, working on a plan will be pointless.
3. Can I accomplish the task alone?--If you can't, then you may need to list the names of others who can help you accomplish the task. At some point, you may also want to let them know that their help is needed while working on the plan.
4. How much time do I have?
5. What resources will I need to make things happen, and where will the resources come from?--I.e. money, vendors, employees, volunteers.
6. How much research is required?--This is usually huge! Research is always an integral part of any small or large project and usually saves us from making mistakes that have already been made by others.

As you document your ideas from your brainstorms, make sure you keep the questions above in mind. There are more, but at a basic level, you should start with these questions first.