Do You Really Need a Business Plan? Part One

Who here actually wrote a business plan before launching their business, and how accurate or helpful was it?That’s where I started this roundtable with Hannah Ulbrich, Amber Briggle, Krista Patterson, Janice Rostron, and Chelsea Foy.The answers were all over the place.Some had written business plans because they needed financing. Some hadn't written one at all. Some started their businesses almost accidentally and only developed a more formal plan once they realized they were onto something.I know the feeling myself. When I opened my gym, I had a business plan because I needed an SBA loan. I put numbers into a spreadsheet and confidently projected that we'd be profitable in six months. Let's just say the actual business had some other ideas.And that's part of the reality of entrepreneurship: sometimes you don't even know the questions you need to ask until you're already doing the thing.It reminds me of starting a new training program. You don't walk into a gym knowing exactly how much you'll lift six months from now. You start with what you know, learn the movements, get coaching, adjust the weight, and build strength as you go.Business can work the same way.In Part 1 of our conversation, we get honest about what we actually knew when we started, what we had to learn along the way, and whether a business plan needs to be the first step, or simply one tool that can evolve as the business does.If you've ever thought, “I need to figure everything out before I can start,” this conversation is for you.🎙️ Listen to Part 1 wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to The Fitness of Business for practical conversations that help you build a stronger business—without sacrificing yourself along the way.Have a “Hey Coach” question?Submit your questions to: [email protected]🔗 Stay ConnectedIf you want more conversations about business, leadership, movement, and sustainable success, you can find me here:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieboyce.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieboyce✉️ Email: [email protected]📝 Substack: https://leslieboyce.substack.comI share weekly insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and resources for business owners who want to grow without burning out.Connect with my guests:Krista Patterson: www.instagram.com/positioningcollectiveHannah Ulbrich: www.instagram.com/copperdoorcoffee/Chelsea Foy: www.lovelyindeed.comJanice Rostron: http://jfnr.netAmber Briggle: www.mysomamassage.com