“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
The Power of Planning
In 1997, J.K. Rowling transformed from an unpublished writer into one of the world’s wealthiest authors. Her success wasn’t luck alone — it was built on planning for growth and long-term vision.
Harry Potter may have started as a spark of inspiration on a train ride, but Rowling didn’t rush to write. She spent five years developing the wizarding world: its systems, rules, and seven-book storyline. Only after this extensive preparation did she begin writing, editing, and rewriting her first manuscript — sometimes up to fifteen times per section.
Her story is a masterclass in business success planning: clarity of vision, patience, and disciplined execution.
Why Most Businesses Fail at Planning
After 25 years in direct sales and helping clients build companies, one fact is clear: most organizations spend shockingly little time on business planning.
- A few minutes of planning per year. Many businesses invest years of effort and money with minimal structured preparation.
- Underprepared launches. Companies push products or services to market without the same discipline that professional speakers show (one hour of practice for every minute on stage).
- Minimal sales training. New salespeople get only a few hours of onboarding, leaving results to chance instead of process.
The difference between mediocre outcomes and growth often comes down to having — and using — a strategic business plan.
The Magic of a Strategic Business Plan
The most successful businesses don’t just “wing it.” They:
- Treat planning as a working document, not a one-time exercise.
- Continuously review and update goals.
- Align sales and business strategy to long-term growth.
- Involve outside professionals for a fresh perspective and accountability.
A solid business planning strategy doesn’t just describe the present. It lays out how to get from year one to years two, three, and beyond — with realistic assumptions and measurable steps.
A Checklist for Your Business Success Planning
After reading this, take out your business plan and ask yourself:
- Do I actually have a business plan?
- Is it current and actively used?
- Does it guide my daily decisions and long-term direction?
- Does it detail how I’ll achieve year one, two, and three goals?
- Have my assumptions been tested and validated?
- Has the plan been reviewed by an outside professional?
If your answer to most of these is “no,” then you’re not preparing for real success — you’re preparing for mediocrity.
Final Thought
Planning doesn’t guarantee success, but lack of planning almost always guarantees failure.
Take the time to invest in a clear business success strategy. Define your vision, refine your sales process, and create a roadmap that grows stronger every year.
Because in business, as in life, failing to plan is planning to fail.