After 100+ business plans… here’s what I have learnt…
Business Plan

After 100+ business plans… here’s what I have learnt…

I have worked on over 100 business plans.

For startups. For solo founders. For small businesses that started with an idea and a lot of heart.

Most business plans don’t work because they aren’t made for real life.

They are made for funding solely.

Or for a business school checklist.

Or because someone said, “You are supposed to have one.”

But if you are actually running a business day-to-day?

You don’t have hours to sit and write a perfect document.

You have customers to follow up with. Invoices to send. Maybe food to cook.

So this is what I have learned, over and over again:

A good business plan doesn’t have to be fancy.

It has to be practical.

It should feel like something you use, not just save in a folder and forget.

Here are 5 simple lessons I keep coming back to, based on real-life patterns (not theory):

1. Treat it like a grocery list

When you shop without a list, you forget what you came for… and buy random stuff.

Same is with your business.

If you don’t know your priorities, it’s easy to get distracted by other things that don’t move you forward.

So try this: Write 3 things your business really needs to do this week. That’s your plan.

2. You don’t talk to every friend the same way

You have a friend for deep talks, one for outings, and so on..

You know who to call for what.

That’s how your customer works too.

Your business isn’t for “everyone.” Be specific about who it’s for.

So try this: Think about your best customer. Write your next post, pitch, or offer like you are speaking just to them.

3. Plan when you are calm, not when you are stressed

You don’t plan meals when you are starving.

You prep ahead so you are not scrambling later.

Same in business.

Don’t wait for the panic. Schedule one quiet hour a week to plan or review. It makes a huge difference.

So try this: Block 30-60 minutes this week. No phone. No notifications. Just space to think.

4. If no one decides what’s for dinner… no one eats

Ever had that moment where everyone’s hungry and no one wants to decide?

So you all just… skip it?

That happens in business too.

If you are not clear on the next step, nothing moves.

So try this: Ask yourself: “What’s one small thing I can do today to grow?”

Just one. That’s enough.

5. Your business, like your closet, needs a clean-out

We all keep things “just in case.”

Clothes that don’t fit anymore.

Ideas that once felt right but don’t anymore.

Your business holds onto stuff too — offers, services, habits.

It’s okay to let go of what’s no longer serving you.

So try this: Make a short list: What feels heavy or outdated in your business right now?

Then gently let it go.

You don’t need a plan that makes sense to you.

Start small.

Keep it honest.

And make it something that works for you, aligns with your vision — not just something that checks a box.

If this helped, feel free to share it with a friend who’s figuring things out too.

And if you want a simple template to get started, check here,

https://topmate.io/cammygarg/1546216

📩 If you need help, you can DM me or email me at cammy.nurtureidea@gmail.com

Thanks for reading. 💛

 

Cammy Garg

Helping founders & startups craft strategic BUSINESS PLANS | 100+ Plans done | Launch, Grow & Fund

2mo

📌If you are looking for basic business plan template to help you get clarity, download FREE here! https://topmate.io/cammygarg/1546216

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Dixit Mittal

Business Consulting | Accounting & Bookkeeping | Taxation

2mo

I have started blocking time and it is helpful😃

Cammy Garg

Helping founders & startups craft strategic BUSINESS PLANS | 100+ Plans done | Launch, Grow & Fund

2mo

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Cammy Garg

Helping founders & startups craft strategic BUSINESS PLANS | 100+ Plans done | Launch, Grow & Fund

2mo

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