Business Planning Road Map: 10 Questions for the Year Ahead

Business Planning

Writing a business plan is like planning a road trip.

Every fall at Tom Ferry Coaching, we host webinars and devote one-on-one time with our clients to help them build a solid plan for the next year.

Think of your business plan as the road map that gets you to your destination. Within the coaching process, coaches act as your GPS. We guide you along the right path, help you stay on schedule, and make adjustments when you encounter bumps in the road or unexpected changes along the route.

Quick Answer

What makes a practical business plan?

A practical business plan defines your destination, the reasons behind it, the resources you need, the route you will follow, and the timeline and cost involved. It also gives you a clear way to review your current position and make informed adjustments throughout the year.

Plan the Route

Prepare for the year like a road trip

Think of a time when you planned a road trip with family or friends. Before the adventure began, you completed several important steps:

1. Picture the destination You imagined what it would be like when you arrived.
2. Clarify why the trip matters You listed the reasons for taking the trip and what you wanted to do once you reached the destination.
3. Prepare what you need You created a packing list for the journey.
4. Map the route You decided which path would take you where you wanted to go.
5. Set the timeline and budget You decided when you wanted to arrive and calculated what the trip would cost.

Plan Ahead and Work Now

Keep moving while you prepare

The trip may not begin for several months, but your current work still requires attention. Creating a business plan works the same way. You plan for the future while staying focused on the actions that matter today.

Strong planning gives your goals structure without pulling your attention away from current clients, priorities, and responsibilities.

Planning Questions

Answer these questions before setting your goals

Before you set your goals and write your plan, grab a pen and journal. Write clear answers to each question:

1. What is the big picture of where I want to be three years from now?
2. What are the three things I am absolutely going to accomplish in my business this year?
3. What do I want for my health, wealth, and happiness this year?
4. How much will all of this cost?
5. Who is my ideal client?
6. What does my ideal client need?
7. How can I help ideal clients solve their problems better than my competition does?
8. How will I attract more of my ideal clients?
9. Where am I now, and what do I need to add or remove?
10. How will I set myself up to succeed?

From Planning to Implementation

Block time before January 1

The new business year begins January 1, but the planning, packing, and preparation take place in the fall. Blocking dedicated planning time gives you space to define the destination, map the route, identify required resources, and prepare for the cost of the journey.

Once the destination is entered into your GPS and the route is mapped, you can move forward with greater direction and make adjustments as conditions change.

Enjoy the journey.

Related Coaching Support

Build the systems behind your plan

A written plan becomes more useful when your operating systems and calendar support consistent implementation.

Real Estate Operating Systems Coaching Real Estate Time Management Coaching

Planning FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why compare a business plan to a road trip?

Both require a defined destination, a reason for going, a list of required resources, a mapped route, a timeline, and a budget. The comparison turns business planning into a clear sequence of practical decisions.

What comes before writing annual business goals?

Begin with the larger three-year picture. Then define the three business accomplishments that matter most, your personal priorities, the required budget, your ideal client, and the systems or resources you need to add or remove.

When is the best time to prepare an annual business plan?

The article recommends blocking planning time in the fall before the new business year begins on January 1. This creates time for preparation while current work continues.

How does coaching support business-plan implementation?

A coach acts like a GPS by helping you stay connected to the destination, follow the route, remain accountable to the timeline, and adjust when obstacles or unexpected changes appear.

Turn the Plan Into Action

Create a clear route for your business

Connect with Janet to strengthen the operating systems, time management, implementation, and accountability behind your real estate business plan.

Connect With Janet