When it comes to running a business, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a plan. Think of it like heading out on a road trip without a map. Sure, you might enjoy going where the wind takes you, but without clear directions, you’ll end up lost, frustrated, and nowhere near where you want to be.
I’ve worked with many entrepreneurs, and one thing I’ve seen over and over again is that without a solid business plan, people waste time and money chasing shiny objects that don’t help them grow. Let’s fix that and look into the steps to making a plan.
Why Every Business Needs a Plan
A business plan is your guiding light. It helps you focus on your destination and outlines the exact steps you need to take to get there. Without it, you’re guessing—that is doing something half heartedly and then when it’s not working you try something else. Now you are stuck in the Infinity Loop once again.
A plan keeps you grounded and helps you prioritize what really matters. Too often, I see people trying to do everything at once: launching new products, learning new skills, buying every course and tool under the sun. This creates chaos, not progress. A clear plan stops the overwhelm and gives you clarity.
How to Create Your Plan
1. Plan for the Problem You’re Solving
Every successful business solves a well-defined problem. The plan outlines how this solution is brought to your clients. So, what problem are you solving? And more importantly, does your solution meet your client’s actual needs?
I always tell my clients this:
“Money is the currency for a transfer of confidence. People pay YOU because they trust you to solve their problem.”
That’s why it’s critical to know your audience. In Growth Architecture, our very first step is the creation of the Airtight Avatar. It’s a detailed profile of your ideal customer. What challenges do they face? What are they thinking? What keeps them up at night? What do they need from you? Knowing this gives you the clarity to build a business that works.
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2. For Your Plan to Work You Must Test Your Idea
Not every idea will work, and that’s okay. What’s important is figuring that out early so you don’t waste time and resources. You can’t sell to a “phantom avatar.” That means you may have a great idea but the person who has that need doesn’t exist.
“Always validate your idea before going all in. I love tools like AppSumo for testing minimum viable SaaS offers. They help you see if people are willing to pay for your product or service before you invest too much.”
3. Turn that Plan Into a Business Model
Here’s the part most people skip, but it’s one of the most important. You need a business model. This is the backbone of your plan—it defines how you make money, who you serve, and what you offer.
Too often, people let tools dictate their business model. They sign up for all kinds of software and then build their business around what the tool can do. This is backward.
“Your business model should come first. Choose tools that fit your plan, not the other way around.”
Think about what works for you. Will you offer consulting services, create physical products, or teach online courses? Make sure your model aligns with your skills and what your audience actually needs. Once you are clear, find the tools for the delivery.
4. Set Up Systems and Processes to Make the Plan Work
This is where the magic happens. Once you know your business model, you can set up systems to streamline your work. The right processes save you time, outline what needs to be done for your team, and allow you to scale without chaos.
Remember, your systems should support your business—not the other way around. Don’t get caught up in shiny software features. Focus on what you need to run your business smoothly.
5. Stay Flexible and Adjust the Plan
Your business plan isn’t set in stone. The market will change, your goals will shift, and that’s okay. A good plan grows with you. I revisit my plan regularly to make sure it still aligns with where I want to go and what my audience needs.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: you can wing some of it, but only if you have a plan that you can get back to that keeps you focused. A business plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to cover the basics—what problem you solve, who you’re solving it for, and how you’ll make it happen. We use a one page Super Simple Business Plan template that outlines the basics.
When you have a plan, you’re not just hoping for success—you’re building it. So, take the time to create your roadmap. You’ll save yourself from unnecessary detours and get where you want to go faster.
Let’s grow!
Beate
