Expert Strategic Business Planning Tips for 2023 That Move the Needle

By Jennie Lyon / November 30, 2022

Strategic planning goes hand in hand. It’s mind-boggling to me how many businesses get bootstrapped together with absolutely no plan. Now don’t get me wrong, some people have pulled it off and made a successful go at it. But trust me, that doesn’t last for long. The minute their hobby becomes a viable business, the business strategy comes into play. Strategic planning is a must for any business if you are ever going to scale or keep your sanity.  Strategic planning helps you set goals and direction for your business and helps with long-term planning, asset management, and risk management.…

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5 Ways to Protect Your Business During the Coronavirus

By Jennie Lyon / March 24, 2020
5 Ways to Protect Your Business During the Coronavirus

Are you currently worried about your small business’s future? The coronavirus outbreak has turned the entire world upside down. There are times when it feels almost like a movie; it’s surreal. Many Americans are locked down in their homes, watching the news, wondering what’s next. But small business owners have even more worries. With social distancing becoming the norm and mandatory closure of non-essential businesses, entrepreneurs are trying to figure out how they can protect their businesses until we get to the other side of the crisis. The government is even providing help to small businesses with funding, grants, and…

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Boost your Online Business Success with this Blueprint

By Jennie Lyon / January 14, 2020

I’ve always been in awe of architects. They are like modern-day magicians. With math and an expert design sense, they design a blueprint that creates rock-solid structures that stand the test of time. And how do they do it? It all starts with a blueprint. After all, you can’t just start building a structure without knowing every single step you need to take. An architect designing a building will go through countless drafts of blueprints until they have a plan that is both functional AND beautiful. And once they finalize everything in the blueprint, they can finally start to get to…

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Business Planning With Vision Board! Plus, a FREE Word of the Year Printable!

By Jennie Lyon / December 24, 2019

A lot of small business owners get stuck in the idea that all businesses should run the exact same way! No way!  Here’s the thing about small business owners: we are all different! Our reasons for becoming entrepreneurs vary from always wanting to run our own business to wanting to spend more time at home with our families (or both). But when it comes to things like business planning, most coaches and programs treat every small business owner the same. And if you don’t fit into that narrow preconception, you’re going to be out of luck. I’ll give you a…

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We Have Big Plans for 2020!

By Jennie Lyon / December 17, 2019

Do you already have exciting plans in place for your small business in 2020? One of the smartest things you can do as a small business owner is to always think about the future. You should constantly have something on the horizon. Whether it’s planning a webinar, starting a podcast, developing a new product or service, or building a spectacular website. It also can make for the perfect time to completely revamp your brand. And as we’ve almost reached the end of 2019, I’ve started to put some real thought into the services that I’m going to be offering you…

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How a Virtual Assistant Can Help Create Your Business Plan for the New Year

By Jennie Lyon / December 10, 2019

When did you last take a look at your business plan? One of the smartest things that a small business owner can do is create your yearly business plan. It’s an invaluable resource that helps them lay out their goals, challenges, and growth for the upcoming year. Whenever you feel like you are going off-course, you can always refer to the “north star” of your business plan! The only problem with creating a business plan is that it takes time. And around the holidays, time is the last thing you have (unless you have a virtual assistant)! You’re running around…

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It’s Time for a Mid-Year Business Plan Update!

By Jennie Lyon / July 9, 2019
Are You Going To Hit Your Annual Goals

Do you have a business plan? Something that I highly recommend all of my clients (and pretty much every entrepreneur) do is create a business plan at the beginning of the year. Spending the first week or so in January putting together a comprehensive business plan can pay off dividends for a small business through the new year. A business plan gives you a map, with goals and strategies that may help you confront the biggest challenges facing your business.  But here is the problem: plans change. Things change! Life happens! Maybe your business did even better than you expected…

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Business Planning 101: A Simple Checklist to Ensure Success

By Jennie Lyon / January 16, 2018
JLVAS Business Planning-A simple checklist to ensure success

Do you have a comprehensive business plan? If you don’t have one in your drawer, you should get to work! I’m a big believer in planning ahead. A business plan can give you direction, something to aim towards throughout the year. If you already have a well-thought-out business plan, then the new year is a perfect time to update it with your new goals for the new year! If you are thinking about starting out on a new endeavor, then figuring out a plan for your proposed business is a must. Here is my personal updated 8-step process, along with…

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How to Write a Business Plan for Entrepreneurs + Free Template

By Jennie Lyon / January 17, 2017

Probably the single most helpful tool any entrepreneur can use to ensure the success of their venture is a business plan. Think of it as your road map to successfully running a small business. It will help you clearly envision your goals, and show you how to reach them from where you are. A business plan is essential for those starting a new business, but it is also helpful for established businesses to make one. You may gain new insights into how your business is running, and where you can make changes to improve efficiency and make more room for…

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