I mentioned recently in my weekly pep talks (over on IGTV) that I get reallllllly opinionated in January, in particular about the semi-aggressive planning culture we live in.
I feel like a mama bear protecting all my bear cubs (aka clients, colleagues, and friends) who are just recovering from a busy Christmas in retail, just starting to get back on their feet, and only just able to start reflecting on the last six or so weeks.
If you’re a maker or a female founder of a product-based business, you do not need to have a comprehensive plan for the year on 1st January.
In fact, I think the best business plans aren’t thrown together in a fit of panic or needing something to cling to. Instead, they’re made with integrity, with consideration, and with full awareness of who, where and what you are.
As I write this, we’re not even halfway through January (and a dramatic January at that), and already it can feel like it’s not worth planning at all – the window of opportunity has gone.
And any plans you did make might have gone out the window – so why bother.
It is never too late to make a plan, find your focus, and commit to the future you really want.
But is it too crazy?
Okay. So the plans you made this time last year might be laughing in your face. 2020 was no year for plans going exactly as anticipated.
But you know what? Plans rarely get pulled off without a hitch.
Even if you don’t stick to a plan, or life takes you away from it because of a pandemic or a family illness or really anything else, it is so valuable to have a focus.
It’s 2021, and I think we all know that the world is unpredictable. We’re not expecting much “normal life” – as much as we’re longing for it and hoping for it.
Why bother? Why bother making a plan? Why not take one day at a time, go with the flow, and try to do anything too specific or too big?
Because having a focus and a direction helps. It helps your mental health, your inner business strength, and your bottom line.
You can still take one day at a time, flexing with lockdown rules, homeschooling, sales, and your own needs.
But have a direction that you’ve chosen with intent, whether that’s a product range you’re focusing on, or a marketing strategy you want to give yourself to 100%, or staying really committed to a specific turnover number.
I don’t know what focus is right for you, but I do know that you’ll reap rewards when you choose one thing.
Having a plan means taking your limitations into account.
Having a plan means it’s easier to adapt when needed.
Having a plan means you’ll know what to do in those 20 minutes you have to catch up on things (hello, parent/business juggle).
Ultimately, your plan works best when it integrates with your creativity, your intuition, and your impulses. They’re valuable assets, and they need structure in order to thrive.
I need a plan! What should it be?
Ah, you’re in the right place.
Come and join me for a 5 day challenge to create a business plan that’s designed to give you a more resilient business in 2021.
It’s totally free, and we’ll spend time reflecting on where you are, how lockdown life has affected you, and where you (really) want to go from here. Then we’ll sift through your dreams, your possibilities, and your practical limitations, to discover your focus for right now. We’ll map out a unique-to-you plan that builds in strength, courage, and creativity.
The Better Business Plan takes place in the last week of January, Monday 25th to Friday 29th, with live coaching every day, as well as a private space on Instagram for support and questions. Not to mention a workbook for you to work through and keep as your 2021 map.
Don’t miss this transformative event!
>>> Read more and register here. <<<
I can’t wait to see you there!
Jenny x
