QUESTION: How important is it for you to have a business plan?

I always set goals for my business and I track these monthly. I also try and visualise what I would like my brand to look like in a years time and make small stepping stones towards that final outcome. I always remind myself of my ethos and my brand purpose to ensure my goals are achievable and purposeful. 

@Abi1 I saw that you're new to QB's and you have just started using it for your small business; welcome and amazing news! I would love to know about your business plan or if you have ever considered creating a business plan? Do you have goals and targets mapped out? Comment your experience below! 

Hi, Jaynemartin!

I saw that you're a sole trader and you're wanting to do QuickBooks yourself, that's amazing! I hope I will be at that stage one day too and be in control of my finances 100%.

I would love to know more about your business! Do you have goals and aims you're working towards for this year? How important is a business plan for you?

Hi, @Karsty! 

Hope you're having a great week. How is your business? Have you been busy with the gardening?

Also, I would love to know - do you have a business plan? How do you prepare for years ahead in your business? Or... Are you relaxed with this? 

Hi @Jess W, Thanks for checking in, again ((~8 Too much to tell, but hopefully will get a chance to chine in at the weekend!

Karsty.

Hey @Karsty - not a problem! I love to know what the other community members are up to. 

Sounds great, hope things are going well and I look forward to speaking soon. 

@Jess W, Ok.............

So my longest term plan is summed up in a scene in A Beautiful Mind where John Nash (Russel Crowe) concludes about Game Theory that "It is best to do what is best for you and what is best for the group". So that is my long term plan. The group is mainly my customers, but also my suppliers, and it really widens out to encompass maybe everyone who I have an impact on or who has an impact on me, and me.

I set my hourly rate and any pricing structure. When I change it, it is always about March time.

I plan to keep sponging in knowledge and experience. And to keep my van and tools maintained.

I think that's it!

Am I missing something??

Hi, @Karsty!

Thank you for the wonderful update. What a great quote and a great way of looking at things going forward, really positive.  Even if we can make a small positive impact each day, it makes everything worthwhile, don't you think? 

I use social media daily to promote my services as well as positively influencing others. Have you thought any more about social media? I think Instagram would be a great visual platform for your business. Gardening, flowers, greenery - all offer great visual appeal! Let me know your thoughts.

Being a sponge for knowledge and experience is a great idea! No knowledge is ever wasted, no matter what field of work you specialise in. How do you decide to change your prices in March? Is this a seasonal thing?

Great to hear from you, @Karsty!