The Lean Planning Framework To Simplify Your Business Planning For 2024

We’re about to enter Q4 which means the new year is right around the corner…

And while I don’t want to be the person that makes anyone feel behind (because let’s be real, even I struggle with planning ahead), the truth is that if you WAIT to plan for the new year until the new year gets here, it’s a little too late. 

At least if you want to do things strategically and effectively that is!

When it comes to planning in your business, thinking ahead really is key, especially when launching is involved. 

That’s why one of the 5 LaunchFlows is work flow, which is all about your timing and your processes.

After nearly two decades of running my copywriting business, I’ve found that planning ahead strategically – for both myself and my clients – makes all the difference.

It changes the way you show up and it changes the way people interact with your content. 

People can tell when something is rushed or thrown together and the opposite is also true. They can tell when you’ve put a lot of thought into something and taken the time to do it RIGHT. 

And since that’s what I ultimately want for you, I thought it was time to introduce the Lean Planning Framework that takes some of the overwhelm out of the business planning process and makes it super simple. 

A friend of mine introduced this concept to me a few years ago and it was insanely helpful and is something that I’ve stuck with. 

So, if the thought of planning for the new year in your business feels daunting to you, adopt this simple framework that can truly change the game!

The Lean Planning Framework For Effective and Strategic Business Planning

Oftentimes when you hear people talk about business planning, you hear them describe these long meetings full of whiteboards and flipcharts.

They’re often described as something that you should do “off site” meaning not in your typical workspace so that your brain is free to think creatively. 

While I’m all for this idea and I personally love locking myself in a hotel room for a day to get 👏🏼 things 👏🏼 done, I also know that this isn’t always feasible, especially if you’re running your business solo.

And sometimes the greatest ideas don’t require a big fancy designated meeting – they can simply come in the mundane moments of your daily life. 

With the Lean Planning Framework, you’ll see how none of what I described above is really required and that planning for the next year in business really doesn’t have to be all that complicated. 

• Step 1: Reflect on what you accomplished this year

I know, I know – the word “reflection” has the tendency to constitute an eye roll, but before you skip this step, just hear me out ⬇️

It’s extremely easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of your daily life without realizing what you’ve actually accomplished along the way.

So, when you sit down to reflect and intentionally think about what you’ve already done, you’ll often surprise yourself. 

This doesn’t have to be some long drawn out journal practice either. 

You can simply reflect on the past year and  go through it month by month.

January, February, March, April…

What did you accomplish? Personally or professionally.

Acknowledge what you’ve already done, celebrate that and then gear up for what’s yet to come.

And if that list doesn’t exactly look like what you imagined or thought it would? That’s okay, too. 

Give yourself grace and if you want, jot down the things that you really wanted to accomplish, but didn’t get to.

Recognizing those things can help you audit if they should be added to your list for this year or if they should be removed altogether.

• Step 2: Grab a fresh sheet of paper

You *could* do this step digitally, but I’m old fashioned and personally think there’s still something valuable about pen to paper. 📝

But you do you! If you want to use a Google Doc, go for it. If you want to brain dump in Asana or another project management system, go for it. 

The point is that you’re getting your goals or ideas outside of your head and onto a blank slate so you can make an effective plan for them.

• Step 3: List 3-4 overarching goals, ideas, or projects that you want to tackle in the new year

Now, I know what you might be thinking: only 3-4 things for the ENTIRE year?

I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but remember: the things you’re writing down should be the high level things that will move the needle in your business. 

And move the needle = revenue generating or big business growth projects 💸📈

Of course you will have micro-goals or projects that will typically fall under each larger goal, but generally speaking YES — you should only have 3-4 main things that you want to focus on for the entire year.

• Step 4: Break those down by quarter

Now that you know your overarching focus for the entire year, it’s time to break those down into quarters. 

What are you going to focus on FIRST and what will follow that work?

Something to remember is that even if you make a loose plan for Q2-Q4, your brain really can’t comprehend more than 90 or so days into the future, so while thinking about the year as a whole is great, where you really want your focus to be after you have your general plan is Q1 — the first three months of the new year.

What do you want to happen in January, February and March?

THAT is where your hyper focus should be so that you can effectively make a plan to take action on what’s most important. 

• Step 5: Create a plan for your Q1 goals or projects

Finally, you want to make a PLAN for how you’re going to take action on the Q1 goals and projects that you defined. 

Knowing what you want to work on is the first step and knowing HOW you’re going to do it is the second. 

For this, it could be helpful to list out what exactly needs to happen so that you accomplish each goal effectively.

For example, if you’re planning to launch a new course, that list could look something like:

• Plan launch calendar
• Write webinar script
• Create new lead magnet 
• Record training videos
• Create course portal

The to-do’s will be specific to you and your project, but having a clear glance at everything that  needs your attention will allow you to create a timeline to get it all done effectively. 

(Side note: if launching something new really IS on your list for the new year, make sure you grab a copy of the LaunchFlow Roadmap to learn the 5 flows of fun and repeatable launches!)

More Resources for 2024 Business Planning

And there ya have it – the Lean Planning Framework to take the overwhelm out of business planning for the new year. 

I told you it was simple!

It’s the exact process that I follow each year and it really is insanely helpful. 

After implementing this framework, if you’re still in need of extra resources to help plan your 2024 with ease, there’s a few other ways I can help:

• The LaunchFlow Roadmap – if launching is in your future, this roadmap was created to help you learn the 5 flows of fun and repeatable big money launches 💸
• 90-minute 1:1 Epiphany Sessions – have an idea that you can’t seem to flesh out on your own? Lean on some expert eyes (it’s me!) to help. In just 90 minutes, you’ll have a sensible, aligned, smart game plan to make it happen. And if we have time, we can work on key messaging as well!