In the world of small business, the word “plan” often conjures images of static documents gathering dust on a shelf. But what if we reframe the concept of planning from a noun—a finished product—to a verb—an active, ongoing process? This shift in perspective can be transformative, especially for small business owners juggling a whole heap of responsibilities.
Plan as a verb is about action. It’s about rolling up your sleeves, engaging in thoughtful preparation, and embracing adaptability. When approached this way, planning becomes less about perfection and more about progress, setting the stage for sustainable growth and resilience.
The Static Plan vs. The Dynamic Process
Traditional business planning often emphasises the creation of a formal, detailed document. While there is value in having a structured roadmap, static plans can quickly become outdated in today’s fast-paced world. Market conditions shift, customer needs evolve, and new opportunities emerge—factors that a static plan may not adequately address.
Plan as a verb, on the other hand, involves an iterative process. It’s about continuously assessing your business environment, refining your goals, and adjusting your strategies. This dynamic approach ensures that your business remains agile and responsive to change.
Why Plan as a Verb Matters
For small business owners, time and resources are often in short supply. The thought of dedicating hours to crafting a comprehensive business plan can feel daunting, if not entirely unrealistic. However, planning as a verb doesn’t require perfection or exhaustive detail. Instead, it focuses on:
- Clarity: Identifying your immediate and long-term priorities.
- Action: Breaking down those priorities into actionable steps.
- Adaptability: Regularly revisiting and revising your plans to stay aligned with your goals.
This approach helps us maintain momentum, even when faced with uncertainty or limited resources.
How to Embrace Plan as a Verb
1. Start with Your Vision
Every plan begins with a vision. What do you want to achieve in your business? Your vision serves as your guiding star, providing direction and purpose. When articulating your vision, consider the following:
- What impact do you want your business to have?
- How do you want your customers to feel when they interact with your brand?
- What does success look like to you in the next year, five years, or ten years?
Having a clear vision helps us set meaningful goals and prioritise our efforts.
2. Break It Down
A grand vision can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller, manageable goals makes it achievable. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to define your objectives. For example:
- Instead of “increase revenue,” aim for “grow monthly revenue by 15% within six months by launching a new product line.”
- Instead of “improve customer experience,” set a goal to “reduce average response time to customer inquiries by 50% within three months.”
Breaking our goals into actionable steps ensures clarity and focus, making it easier to take the first step.
3. Embrace Flexibility
Plan as a verb means acknowledging that no plan is set in stone. Be prepared to pivot when circumstances change. For example:
- If a marketing campaign isn’t delivering results, analyse the data, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your strategy.
- If a new opportunity arises, evaluate how it aligns with your goals and determine whether it’s worth pursuing.
Flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning our vision; it means finding new paths to achieve it.
4. Create Regular Check-Ins
Set aside time to review your progress and adjust your plans. Whether it’s a weekly, monthly, or quarterly check-in, these sessions allow you to:
- Assess what’s working and what’s not.
- Identify new challenges or opportunities.
- Realign your actions with your goals.
These check-ins don’t have to be lengthy or complicated. A simple reflection on wins, challenges, and next steps can provide valuable insights.
5. Involve The Team
If you have a team, involve them in the planning process. Collaboration not only fosters a sense of ownership but also brings diverse perspectives to the table. Encourage open communication and brainstorming sessions to identify creative solutions and opportunities for improvement.
6. Leverage Tools and Resources
Technology can simplify the planning process, making it more efficient and accessible. Consider using tools like:
- Project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana) to organize tasks and track progress.
- Financial management tools (e.g., FreeAgent, QuickBooks, Xero) to monitor budgets and cash flow.
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems (e.g., HubSpot, Zoho) to manage customer interactions and sales pipelines.
These tools help busy business owners stay organised and focused, freeing up time for strategic thinking.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Planning
Even with the best intentions, small business owners often face barriers to effective planning. Recognise any of these?
“I Don’t Have Time to Plan”
Start small. Even 15 minutes a day dedicated to planning can make a difference. Use this time to outline your top priorities, delegate tasks, or review your progress.
“I Don’t Know Where to Start”
Focus on one area of your business that needs attention. For example, if customer acquisition is a challenge, start by identifying strategies to reach your target audience. Gradually expand your planning efforts as you gain confidence.
“I’m Afraid of Getting It Wrong”
Remember, plan as a verb is not about getting it perfect; it’s about taking action and learning as you go. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement.
The Benefits of Planning as a Verb
When we plan as a verb, we unlock several benefits for our businesses:
- Improved Focus: By breaking down your vision into actionable steps, you can channel your energy into high-impact activities.
- Greater Resilience: A dynamic planning process allows you to adapt to change, ensuring that your business remains competitive and sustainable.
- Enhanced Confidence: Taking consistent action, even in small steps, builds momentum and confidence in your ability to achieve your goals.
- Stronger Results: Regular reflection and adjustment ensure that your efforts are aligned with your objectives, maximizing your chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Planning as a verb is a mindset shift that empowers small business owners to take control of their journey. It’s not about creating a flawless document; it’s about engaging in a purposeful, iterative process that drives meaningful action. By embracing this approach, you can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with clarity, confidence, and resilience.
So, the next time you think about planning, remember: it’s not just a noun; it’s a verb. And verbs, by their very nature, are about doing. Start where you are, use what you have, and take the first step. The journey to achieving your vision begins with action.
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Check out our Resource Library for useful guides on Setting Goals & Priorities, Creating a Vision and Mastering Delegation
