Why We Don’t Plan

The tendency for many small business owners to place annual planning at the bottom of their to-do list stems from various factors. However, the primary driver is the direct linkage between annual planning and financial stability. Without a proactive approach to annual planning, small business owners may find themselves without a steady income, sick days, paid vacation, or holidays off with pay, as every dollar earned is a direct result of the effort invested.

Reactive growth, rather than proactive, becomes the norm in the absence of integrated planning.
Recognizing the necessity of integrating planning into the business cycle is crucial for sustained success. Identifying natural ebbs in the annual business cycle to designate as the annual planning window can significantly aid in this endeavor. For businesses in regions with seasonal slowdowns due to cold weather, the current winter period presents an opportune moment to engage in planning.

During winter, numerous industries encounter supply and demand challenges as competition intensifies, often leading to price reductions. However, pausing to allocate time for planning during this period is crucial. By doing so, businesses can strategically prepare for the impending busy season, enabling them to leverage revenue potential when ample work becomes available.

Integrating annual planning into the business cycle not only fosters proactive growth but also positions small business owners to capitalize on opportunities during peak periods. As such, taking advantage of the seasonal slowdown to engage in comprehensive annual planning can prove instrumental in achieving long-term success.