John Kotter proposed an 8 step path to increasing the success of a change initiative or an innovation program. In Maps for Modern Magellans: Charts for Captains of Commerce I modified that a bit.

Here is the diagram

 Click the image to enlarge

The steps 

Step 1 – Have a Compelling Vision

Step 2 – Create Urgency, Use Leverage

Step 3 – Establish A Change Team

Step 4 – Get Message out – Act Accordingly

Step 6 – Create & Celebrate Milestones

Step 7 – Reinforce, and Recommit to Goals;

Step 8 – Lock-in Change, Fight Regression

In The Heart of Change and Leading Change  

Kotter puts "Establish a Change Team"  first and "Have a Compelling Vision" third. For small companies that is probably not possible.