Let’s be honest: most small business owners didn’t start their business because they love spreadsheets. If thinking about profit margins, cash flow, or forecasting makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a math whiz to build a business plan that actually works.
You just need a simple structure, the right questions, and a way to turn your goals into action. That’s exactly what we teach inside The Small Business Planner. This post will show you how to build a business plan you’ll actually use—even if you’re not a numbers person.
Start With What You Know
You already have more answers than you think. Before we touch any numbers, let’s get clear on the basics.
Ask yourself:
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What am I selling?
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Who is it for?
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Why do they need it?
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How will they find it?
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What do I want this business to provide for me?
That last question is key. Your business plan should reflect your personal goals—not just revenue targets. Do you want to quit your day job? Support your family? Save for retirement? Travel more? These answers shape everything else.
Use Your Personal Expenses to Guide Business Goals
One of the simplest ways to create a meaningful financial target is to start with your real life.
Ask:
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What do I need to pay myself monthly to live comfortably?
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What are my non-negotiable personal expenses?
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What savings goals matter to me?
Then work backward: how much revenue does your business need to generate in order for you to hit that take-home pay consistently?
Inside The Small Business Planner, we walk you through this with plug-and-play templates so you don’t have to do the math on your own.
Keep Your Financial Plan High-Level
You don’t need to track every penny to build a strong plan. Instead, start with a few key numbers:
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Your monthly revenue goal
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Your average business expenses
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How much you want to pay yourself
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A percentage to set aside for taxes (usually 15–30%)
These four numbers alone can tell you if your pricing works, if you’re spending too much, or if you need to make changes to your business model.
Use Simple Bank Systems to Stay on Track
Managing your cash doesn’t require a complicated budget or bookkeeping degree. A business bank account system makes it visual and tangible.
We recommend The Small Business Planner’s Core 4 setup:
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Income Account – All revenue lands here
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Business Expenses Account – Pay your bills and subscriptions
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Owner Pay Account – Transfer your paycheck
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Tax Account – Set aside money as it comes in
With just four accounts and a weekly money routine, you’ll feel way more in control—without any spreadsheets.
Make Planning a Habit, Not a Hurdle
Instead of trying to make a perfect plan once a year, build a light monthly planning routine:
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Review your income and expenses
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Check in on your personal salary goals
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Adjust your revenue targets or offers if needed
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Note what’s working and what’s not
The Small Business Planner makes this easy with built-in monthly reflections and prompts—so you’re never staring at a blank page or starting from scratch.
Your Business Deserves a Plan That Feels Doable
You don’t have to master accounting to be a great business owner. You just need a system that helps you connect your income, goals, and growth into one plan you trust.
That’s what The Small Business Planner is for. It’s built for real people—especially the ones who don’t think they’re “good with money.”
Explore The Small Business Planner: https://smallbusinessplanner.com/products/planner
More Resources for Simplifying Business Planning
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The Most Common Business Planning Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
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Business Plan vs Strategy: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
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How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Hit in Your Business
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Revenue Planning 101: How to Project Monthly Income Realistically