Looking for a fresh approach to Q1 planning for small business? Here's the thing: setting massive end-of-year goals while everyone's already stressed about the holidays just... doesn't make sense.
Instead, I made this cozy little guide about gentle business planning that actually feels good.
Let's look at how to set realistic business goals for April (yes, April!), break them down into manageable pieces, and create a sustainable growth plan that's kind to both you and your business.
Note: For your reading convenience I've included clear photographs of each spread in the zine as well as the text with headings and appropriate line breaks. If there are other ways for me to make the content in this zone more accessible for you, please feel free to let me know in the comments or contact me privately with your suggestions!
Whether you're a natural planner or more of a go-with-the-flow type, I think you'll find something here that resonates. Let's get started!
Too Tired to Hustle: A Gentle Guide for Q1 Planning for Small Business Owners
This goes against a lot of marketing advice I've seen out there, but I really don't think that Q4 is the time for making goals for Q4. Just because I set a goal and put a scary deadline on it doesn't mean I will be motivated to change into a hustle-y, grind-y 10x WINNER.I'm tired AND I'm lazy AND! I'm also losing my "care & nurture" hormones by the hour (thanks, perimenopause). I will not be dominating ANYTHING during the most stressful quarter of the year, thank you very much.That doesn't mean I'm completely clocking out, though (although if you decide and manage to do that, I am very proud of you. #goals). If you're a fan of my methodology, follow along for tips to set your own goals for Q1.
Let's go.
Set goals for what you want to accomplish by April, not January
This gives you way more time and less expectation to work a miracle in the next 3 weeks. (I'm all for miracles but I don't plan for them)
Double check the goals you set and make sure they're really what you want
For example, I am not money driven, but it took a lot of personal reflection and life experience to learn that about myself. So I don't set money goals for myself, anymore. (I know, I know, manifesting and all that. Still.)
Break your goals down into smaller tasks that can be checked off
You can't have a goal of "Make $2k more per month to cover my rent" if you probably won't check that off.
But you can put together a description of a new $500 offer (and check that off).
And then you can post that offer on LinkedIn (and check that off).
And you can email 3 fellow business owners and ask them to help you share that post (and check that off).
Choose tasks that are higher priority and do those first before you get into creative mode
If you're not sure, start with 1:1 outreach with actual people, via email or social media DMs. Promote the things you already have instead of creating something from scratch or waiting 3 months until the thing you're working on is "ready."
You can keep working on those projects, of course. But they're probably not the highest priority (unless everything else in your life, other than that project, is awesome and in that case, go for it. Enjoy!)
Create accountability for yourself
Get those high priority tasks done by telling a friend or mentor. If it doesn't threaten any boundaries, ask your friend, mentor, or community to help you stay accountable. Give them permission to ask you if you did the thing. Pre-schedule a check-in call with your biz bestie. Sign up for co-working. Get a hotel, bring some sandwiches, and don't let yourself out until the high priority things are done.
Once you've checked off a few tasks, make a schedule for yourself for the rest of the follow-up work
Make sure it's EASY to follow! You know yourself best.
For example: Time blocking doesn't work for me. It can be color coded and completely logical and reasonable and set up on my calendar but I will ignore it.
This easily applies to content creation, if that is part of your marketing strategy: ONE post per week for the next four weeks is way better than eating up 3 hours to film content until you're exhausted, posting 3x in one week, and then completely burn out.
Finally: Tell people what you're working on
Yes, that means on social media. That means when someone asks you how you're doing in the break room.
If it is unsafe for you to do so, obviously don't. But be super clear with yourself whether it's unsafe or just extremely uncomfortable. If it's the latter, then start with people you trust. Your favorite discord communities. Your best friend. Your cat. Work your way up from there. We are social creatures, and if you think your business is important, share it before it's perfect (knowing it will never be perfect).
Once again, I am rooting for you and hope you'll continue doing the important work that you're doing.
I know it's hard. I'm glad you haven't given up on it.
Pace yourself and practice self compassion when it comes to setting quarterly goals and expectations.
You probably started your business hoping to make an impact on the communities you care about, and you WILL. But it will take a lot of patience, planning, and support from people you trust.
I'm here, figuring it out with you. KEEP GOING!
~Rochelle
Remember!
The pressure to set ambitious New Year goals isn't helpful. You don't have to do it.
And also: the world needs more businesses run by thoughtful, gentle souls like you - people who question the "hustle harder" mindset and dare to do things differently.
Your need for rest and realistic pacing isn't a weakness - it's wisdom. Create your plan for Q1 in a way that honors both your dreams and your energy. One small, intentional step at a time!
Your turn! What's one small, achievable goal you'd like to set for yourself by April?
