Don't Create a Business Plan. Create a Strategy Uncertainty Map.

• Get a team to define the variables that will be your success criteria
• Discuss whatever data you have, and score each of your opportunities on the criteria
• Tally the scores and map opportunities on a matrix or chart using online software, a spreadsheet, or a presentation slide.

Once you have your map, choose the opportunities that you will pursue. You might want to select a mix of low-risk and high-risk projects so you can hedge bets. Also, be sure to keep the Strategy Uncertainty Map alive. Don't do the activity and then wait a year to see how you're doing.

For each of these two categories, determine up to three specific variables that are the most important success criteria for your organization.

• First, do it for the External Environment. The success criteria for the external environment might include customer acceptance, competitive differentiation, market trends, etc.
• Then, identify the success criteria related to the Internal Capabilities:  having the right talent on your team, technology, building a winning business model, etc.