In a recent podcast episode, I shared insights into a brand-new planning course designed exclusively for entrepreneurs.

Today, I want to give you a glimpse into my signature planning process, by walking you through the steps I use to plan each year in business. Not only will I provide you with a sneak peek into some essential questions, but I'll also guide you on how to implement this framework as you prepare for the year ahead.

Pro tip: If you're eager to take your planning game to the next level, consider checking out my course, Brand New Plan, at brandmerry.com/newplan. This program was created to help entrepreneurs create authentic goals and align their planning strategies with ease.

Inside today’s episode of the Brandmerry Podcast, we’ll dive into:

The 6-step process I use to plan my business each year that ensures I remain consistent at a 6-figure minimum.
The important pre-planning phase that most entrepreneurs skip, but will make your process so much easier
The exact questions to ask yourself at each stage of the planning process, and what data is essential to have.

For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 102 now.

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Step 1: Dreaming Big - What Do You Want?

The foundational step in this transformative planning process is to take time and dream about what's possible for your life and business in the upcoming year. This is not about data or strategy; it's about envisioning the impact you want to create and the experiences you desire in the year ahead.

Spend 15 to 20 minutes journaling on what you desire or use the prompts inside module one of Brand New Plan to explore your aspirations for the year ahead. Remember, this dreaming phase sets the stage for authenticity and alignment throughout the year.

To help get you started, here are some questions to consider:

What do you want your business to look like in the new year?
What do you envision your business doing, and what impact do you envision having?
What experiences do you want to see happening in your business?
What do you want to see and experience in your personal life?

Step 2: Reflecting on the Past and Present - A Holistic Assessment

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of planning, it's essential to reflect on the past year. This involves a personal reflection on your feelings, identifying what excites you, and discerning the aspects that don't align with your vision.

Simultaneously, I recommend conducting a business audit, evaluating factors such as lead generation, offer performance, and overall business sentiment. It’s important to take this pause before the new year to assess how things are feeling, what you love about your work, and what you don’t.

To help get you started, here are some questions to consider:

How does your business feel overall?
What feels great, and what doesn't feel great in your business?
What excites you, and what doesn't excite you about your business?
What aspects of your business do you want to carry into the new year, and what do you want to leave behind?

Step 3: Choosing Your Goals and Revenue - A Shift Towards Authenticity

Avoid the entrepreneurial trap of setting goals based on external expectations.

Instead, prioritize your top personal and business goals for the year, and identify the shifts needed in your habits to align with these objectives. When it comes to revenue goals, embrace a process that allows you to authentically choose numbers reflective of your priorities, both in business and personal life.

It’s a great idea to think about the things you’d like to accomplish this year on a personal level and think about how your business can support you in reaching those goals. Remember, our business is meant to complement our lives not take away from them.

Inside Brand New Plan, I guide you through this process, but to help get you started, here are some questions to consider:

What are your top priorities for the new year as a business owner?
What business habits feel aligned with your goals?
What personal priorities should be considered alongside your business goals?
How do you feel about your revenue goal? Does it feel possible, scary, or easy?

Step 4: Defining Achievable Goals - Your Yearly Roadmap

With your overarching goals in mind, start determining what your main goals will be in both your personal and professional life. I suggest choosing no more than three goals for your business and three goals for your personal life.

You also want to map out what habits you’ll need to get there! This is part of the identity shift and all of your goals are going to require consistency. Determine what those habits will be and consider utilizing a habit tracker.

As a reminder, this step is about determining your big three focuses in both areas so we can then create a monthly focus and actionable quarterly plan.

Step 5: Monthly Themes - Shaping Your Year with Intent

At this step, you want to choose monthly themes for your yearly roadmap. It’s not just about breaking your three main goals into smaller projects, but also assessing how the seasons and holidays impact your life and business.

Inside Brand New Plan, I encourage you to dig deep into your seasonal changes both in life and business, as well as take into consideration holidays. Knowing this BEFORE you plan your months is key. It helps you better understand when you can go all in and when you need to pull back.

While we’re not quite at the detailed checklist yet, you do want to try and categorize which months you’ll focus on and what projects will help you reach your end-of-the-year goals.

To help get you started, here are some questions to consider:

Are there specific seasons where you can give more or need to pull back?
Which holidays are important to you personally, and which are impactful for your business?
How do seasons and holidays impact your monthly focus?

Step 6: 90-Day Planning - Navigating the Details

Now, it’s time to dive into the specifics by focusing on a 90-day plan. Break down your goals for the next three months, identifying the steps required for each project you’ve deemed the priorities.

Prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and leverage task management tools to keep yourself accountable. I love using Clickup for this approach because it allows for flexibility, adaptation, and constant alignment, plus it keeps me organized and on track.

I also utilize ClickUp to track my daily, weekly, and monthly business habits. These habits serve as the backbone of your journey, keeping you on track and motivated throughout the year. By infusing intentionality into your routine, you empower yourself to navigate challenges and stay aligned with your goals.

This 90-day process is something you’ll repeat every quarter. With Brand New Plan, you’ll have both a business audit and a life audit framework to follow.

Conclusion: A Personalized Blueprint for Success

By starting with your authentic self, aligning your goals, and breaking down your plan into manageable chunks, you set the stage for a year of growth and fulfillment.

Remember, this process is not a one-time event but a continuous cycle of reflection, adaptation, and achievement all year long.

By prioritizing this check-in you’ll be able to adapt and pivot as needed before something gets out of hand, and you’ll also always know that you’re doing things as a business owner that are truly authentic to you

Brand New Plan can help you plan your most authentic year as a business owner while making sure you’re staying completely aligned with your overall vision. Get all the details here.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Podcasts to hear the full episode and all the tips.