Scheduling and planning are essential for keeping a company organized and focused on long-term goals while pursuing immediate opportunities. The Lifetime Reliability Solutions website asserts that about 90 percent of professional work can be planned, and planned work can be up to nine times less expensive than work that follows no plan.

The Difference Between Planning and Scheduling

Planning and scheduling go together in your business. Planning involves determining what goals you will accomplish and what path you'll take to reach and attract customers. You and your business partners can plan which departments your company needs and which marketing efforts could be most effective.

Scheduling is how you determine when these plans will materialize. For instance, if your business will open in the next six months, you'll need to schedule exact dates for creating social network pages letting potential customers know about your grand operning. Your team may want to come up with dates for when you'll be passing out samples or renting a vendor booth at a local trade show or networking event.

Saving Money and Time

A solid business plan, along with a well-conceived schedule, can help keep company costs down. Every business needs a marketing plan. So when you plan the elements of your marketing strategy and come up with dates to present these efforts to the public, you'll avoid marketing to people who wouldn't be likely to purchase your product or services. Some advertising companies may offer special price promotions if you present your marketing schedule early.

According to the Lifehack website, proper planning eases your stress by reducing the chances that you'll face unexpected challenges unprepared. A good plan includes solutions to possible obstacles, so you won't have to spend precious time coming up with another plan should you face a setback. When everyone is aware of how her job fits into the business's plan and schedule, it's more likely your team will adhere to deadlines so your company can continue moving forward.

Sub-Planning and Schedules

Even though your company has an overall plan and schedule, create smaller plans and schedules for each of your departments. The sales team should know when certain goals have to be met for the month or quarter; the marketing team should be aware of when to send out press releases or company newsletters. The team in charge of ordering inventory needs to know when orders should be placed, as well as when to sell items that aren't moving as planned.

Solutions for Improvement

Create an online calendar that all employees have access to. Fill the calendar with deadlines and dates for planning meetings. Program the calendar to send out reminders to employees so documents, proposals and sales goals are turned in on time. Encourage your employees to keep their own personal calendars. Schedule follow-up meetings to keep your team on task. During the meeting, take questions so everyone leaves with a clear understanding of the company's long- and short-term goals.