My Business Plan Looks Like It Was Written by My Toddler... Now What?

By
Kate Morh
March 30, 2024
3
min read
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Let's be honest, running a small business can sometimes make you feel like you're in a constant game of entrepreneurial peek-a-boo. You've got big dreams, but the daily reality can feel more like scribbled chaos than a strategic masterpiece. If your current business plan resembles a collection of crayon drawings and half-eaten snack requests, fear not! You're not alone.

Why Your Toddler Might Be a Terrible Business Strategist (But a Fantastic Inspiration)

Think about it: toddlers are masters of:

  • Uninhibited enthusiasm: They dive headfirst into projects with reckless abandon. Channel that energy into believing in your business!
  • Relentless questioning: They never stop asking "why?". Keep digging deeper into your business model – you might uncover hidden insights.
  • Mess-making as an art form: Entrepreneurship is messy. Embrace the flexibility and don't be afraid to color outside the lines.

Turning Toddler Scribbles into a Roadmap

So, your business plan needs a serious upgrade. Here's how to translate the chaos into clarity:

Start with the Basics

  • Your "Why": Forget fancy mission statements. Why did you start this crazy journey? What keeps the fire burning? Your 'why' is your guiding star.
  • Your Ideal Customer: Trying to please everyone is like chasing butterflies with a fishing net – exhausting. Who do you REALLY want to serve? Get specific.
  • Your Superpower: What do you do better than anyone else? Don't be modest, this is your competitive edge!

Get SMART About Goals

  • Specific: Instead of "Grow my business", set goals like "Increase website sales by 20% in Q3".
  • Measurable: How will you track progress? Numbers keep you accountable.
  • Achievable: Reaching for the moon is great, but small, achievable goals keep you motivated.
  • Relevant: Do your goals align with your overall 'why'?
  • Time-bound: Give your goals deadlines. Open-ended goals linger like those forgotten socks under the couch.

Embrace the Messy Middle

A business plan isn't a rigid, unchangeable document. Consider it your:

  • Problem-solving Tool: Run into a snag? Revisit your plan. Is there a solution hidden within?
  • Growth Guide: As your business evolves, your plan should too. Annual or even quarterly reviews are your friend.
  • Morale Booster: Feeling lost? Re-read your 'why' and remember the epic journey you've started.

You've Got This!

Running a small business is a wild ride with highs, lows, and unexpected messes (sometimes literal, if you're in my house). A solid business plan gives you direction, not restriction. Think of it as your roadmap for this adventure, complete with crayon marks and coffee spills. It proves you're serious, even when things feel a little ridiculous.

Need a Helping Hand on Your Journey?

Speaking of roadmaps, sometimes the most challenging part of building a successful business is navigating the complexities of the online world. That's where we come in! Our eCommerce website building services are designed to transform your toddler-esque online presence into a streamlined, sales-driving machine. Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you turn your big dreams into a bigger reality.

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Kate Morh

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