Jon discusses the importance of having an active and updated business plan for solo and small architecture firm owners. He debunks common myths about business plans, advocates for simplicity, and recommends utilising 'The One Page Business Plan' by Jim Horan. Jonn also provides detailed examples and actionable steps for creating a business plan. He emphasises the value of having a clear vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and action plans to build a profitable and future-proof architecture business. Additionally, he encourages listeners to regularly review and update their business plans and outlines the benefits of having a business buddy for accountability.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Personal Experience with Business Plans

02:32 Common Myths About Business Plans

03:18 Why You Need a Business Plan

03:29 How to Write a Simple Business Plan

04:26 Recommended Resources and Tools

05:47 One-Page Business Plan Breakdown

06:53 Example Business Plan Walkthrough

10:40 Final Tips and Recommendations

12:38 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of a Business Plan: Both existing and new businesses need to have a business plan. It serves as a strategic document outlining business goals and the methods to achieve them.

👉 Common Misconceptions: A business plan doesn't need to be long or complex. It's not just for securing investment; it should be an active document used throughout the life of your business.

👉 Simplify Your Business Plan: Keeping your business plan simple makes it more actionable and less overwhelming. Avoid lengthy documents that gather dust; a concise, clear plan is more effective.

👉 Use a Template: Starting with a business plan template can make the process easier. Recommended resource: “The One Page Business Plan: For The Creative Entrepreneur” by Jim Horan.

👉 Ongoing Review and Improvement: Regularly review and update your business plan. Schedule recurring business review meetings to check on progress and make adjustments.

👉 Seek Feedback: Share your business plan with trusted peers or mentors for feedback. Use the feedback to refine and improve your plan.

👉 Accountability: Finding a business buddy to join your review meetings can help keep you accountable for achieving your goals.

👉 Practical Recommendations: Buy the recommended book by Jim Horan for further guidance. Take deliberate, scheduled steps to draft and finalise your business plan.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://onepagebusinessplan.com/

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In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Nicole Osborne about LinkedIn post ideas to win clients.