Starting and growing a business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can create a simple business strategy that guides you through the New Year with clarity and confidence. I get it as a mother of two juggling my kids’ hobbies, school activities, and growing my business. I’ve learned firsthand how to balance life’s chaos while achieving success. Let me walk you through the steps I use to simplify business planning—no jargon, just easy-to-follow advice that works.
Reflection: Looking Back to Move Forward
Every great plan starts with reflection. Take a moment to think about this past year. What worked for your business? Maybe you built strong connections with customers or tried a marketing tactic that brought in unexpected results. Celebrate those wins!
Then, gently examine what didn’t go so well. Perhaps time management was tricky, or your social media posts didn’t reach as many people as you hoped. That’s okay. Understanding these challenges allows us to grow.
I like to sit with a notebook (or a cup of coffee and my laptop) and jot down these thoughts. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being honest. By reflecting, we create a foundation for a more focused year ahead.
Set Goals You’ll Actually Reach
When setting goals, start simple. Avoid the urge to overcomplicate things. Trust me, I’ve been there! Focus on 2–3 clear goals you can realistically achieve.
For instance, is your goal to gain five new clients in the first quarter? Great! Break it down further. Maybe this means posting twice a week on social media or networking at one local event each month. When your goals are specific and bite-sized, they feel less daunting and more doable.
Don’t forget to celebrate progress along the way! I keep a small checklist visible on my desk to remind me of the little victories.
Organize Your Time and Tools
Time is one of our most precious resources. As a mom, I know how fast the hours can slip away. That’s why I rely on simple tools like a digital planner or free project management apps (Trello is my favorite!) to stay organized.
Set aside a block of time weekly to focus on your business strategy. Treat it like an unmissable appointment—just like you’d show up for your child’s recital or a coffee date with a friend.
A tip I swear by is batching similar tasks together. For example, I dedicate Wednesdays to content creation, whether writing blogs like this or brainstorming social media ideas. Batching helps me stay productive without feeling pulled in too many directions.
Engage and Connect
Your business thrives when you connect with people. Social media can be one of the simplest ways to engage your audience. Choose one or two platforms where your customers are most active, and be consistent.
Additionally, I like to share stories about my journey as a business owner and mom. Like moments when I’m balancing client meetings with cheering at my kids’ hockey games. These relatable, real-life snippets help people connect with you on a deeper level.
Remember, consistency builds trust. Post regularly, reply to comments, and always focus on being helpful. Building relationships online takes time, but the effort is worth it.
Embrace Flexibility
Even the best-laid plans can hit a bump in the road. It’s okay to adjust as you go. Simple business planning isn’t about sticking to a rigid path; it’s about staying open to new opportunities and ideas.
For example, last year, I planned to launch a big campaign in June. Life happened, and I had to delay it until September. It turned out to be one of my most successful efforts because I was able to refine my approach in the extra time. I truly believe that everything happens at the right time. Even if it’s not the time I think it’s supposed to be.
Allow yourself the grace to pivot when needed. Business growth isn’t a straight line, but every step counts.
Start Today
As we step into the New Year, remember you don’t need a fancy MBA to run your business like a pro. With reflection, simple goal setting, and the right tools, you’re equipped to make this your most successful year yet.
And here’s the best part: you’re not alone. If you have questions or need support with business planning, please schedule a free clarity session with me.
Click here to schedule now. Let’s unwrap the success waiting for you this year!
