Launching without a Business Plan

From Carrie Sommer of Sommer Designs  Email [email protected]

I didn't necessarily *plan* to launch a business without a plan, it's just the way it happened. I'm of the firm belief that you should go with your passions. My business started as a fluke. I began the business 8 years ago in another capacity, and it just snowballed and grew through word of mouth. When I transitioned to its' current incarnation, the same thing essentially happened: I made a bag for someone, immediately had requests for more and through word of mouth, made the transition to what it is today. I've always put everything back into the business, and since I don't really have to support myself, it has never been an issue. As I've grown, however, I could see how an actual business plan might have served to keep me focused through the years. Last summer I was thinking about seeking funding and finally took the steps to write a business plan. Even with helpful software though, I ended up throwing in the towel, and still operate without one! I believe in going where my heart leads me, and doing what I love. I love how my business has changed with my circumstances and lifestyle over the last 8 years, and I don't believe that's something I could plan.

Comments

[Maria Marsala]

Carrie,

Great going on your observations about long business plans. Ya.. the long plan really turns most off to the planning process. In fact, I know that there would be many more entrepreneurs if only banks, angels, VCs didn't requite that 30 page plan. I wonder sometimes how many businesses never get off the ground because of that planning process.

But there is another way... I call it the "bring the boss back to the business" plan.

I love doing, doing, doing, doing because I see lots of results. However, I realized that what I needed in my company was a full time "boss." The one to keep the company focused on our vision, help me be accountable, pull me back when I get off track doing something cool, but not necessary, determine the ideal clients, drive the company forward with determination, manage it and the employees/consultants. Someone to be the change agent, etc. Of course, I can do all those things but it's a 24/7 job. And with all the other hats I wear, I just wasn't being the best boss possible to my first employee -- me!

In my corporate America days, even though I was an executive, the management team for the company determined the vision to mission to objectives, strategies, etc.

In 2000, I found a better way to plan. One that ends up in a MS Word document and on one page. Yes, on one page.

Today, when I want to create a plan software has me completing the first draft in less than 2 hours! Using it soon afterwards and critiquing it with the help of another business owner. Best, is that it comes with a monitoring system (well on the web) that I use that helps me see results, make changes when needed, etc.

I agree... some people feel that business plans are written in stone and can't be changed. But they can easily change... when they're in a word doc

Today I'm a much better boss :) and employee, too.

Have you ever heard of the one page planning and performance system?