I have a theory that nearly every plan has two parts.

The first part is the easy, and very often seductive part.  It has to do with with buying something, hiring someone, or otherwise taking the plunge in a direction that will positively affect your business or you life.

The second part is the hard part.  It includes the painstaking, difficult and sometimes painful work of implementation and execution.

My theory is that nearly anyone can do the first part, but very few can do the second.

Here’s an example from a personal perspective…you decide to improve your physical fitness so you join a gym or buy a treadmill.  Procurement is the first part and is easily accomplished.

The question is do you have what it takes to do part 2 (the consistent exercise)?  Most people don’t. As a result, they spend a bunch of money for no result.

Here’s a business example.  You decide that you can benefit from an upgrade of your computer systems.  It is relatively easy to spend the money to buy hardware and software. The question becomes whether you have what it takes to work through the implementation and the ongoing operations discipline?

My point is that the ease with which we can complete the first part (procurement) sometimes causes us to enter into decisions which we are ultimately unable to fully implement.

The result is that we have spent the money wthout receiving the benefit. Arguably in worse shape than if we had never tried at all.

When becoming involved in any initiative it is best to be sure you fully appreciate and commit to both parts of the plan.

Marc Bluestone is a lifelong retailer and expert on small business.  He is known for his broad experience and pragmatic approach to management and marketing issues.