Why You Need a Business Plan Before You Launch Anything

Why You Need a Business Plan Before You Launch Anything

(And How LAUNCH 101 Can Save You From Expensive Course Corrections)

Let’s talk about something that a lot of new business owners skip—a business plan.

Not the boring, overly formal document that no one reads. I’m talking about a real plan—one that tells you where you’re going, what it’s going to take to get there, and how to avoid some very costly mistakes along the way.

Because starting a business without a plan? That’s like setting off on a road trip without directions, a budget, or even checking if your car has gas. You might get somewhere… but not where you wanted to go—and it’ll probably take longer, cost more, and wear you out in the process.

I’ve Lived the Lesson the Hard Way

Years ago, I was hired by a fast-growing company in Seattle. On the surface, everything looked exciting: lots of momentum, a big vision, and what seemed like opportunity everywhere.

But before I even started, I noticed a red flag—they asked me to pay for my own relocation from Texas and said they'd reimburse me later. I’d moved for work before and knew that wasn’t typical. I held my ground, and they paid for it, but I made a mental note: this company was growing fast, but something about the way they were handling resources didn’t feel right.

Sure enough, I worked hard, won awards for my contributions—and just nine months in, I was asked to sit through a meeting announcing a department-wide RIF (reduction in force). Two months later, my team of 50 people was gone. The company couldn’t pay for basic things—even the coffee pots were removed from the breakroom for non-payment.

The takeaway? Growth without a plan is dangerous.
It doesn’t matter how big the company is. If you don’t know your numbers, your resources, and your limits, things can fall apart quickly.

Most Small Businesses Don’t Fail from Lack of Passion

They fail because they don’t account for what it really takes to sustain a business.

Starting a business costs money. And I’m not just talking about the product or service you sell. There’s everything else—branding, software, licenses, tech, time, and the energy it takes to keep the wheels turning when things don’t go as expected.

If you’re not thinking about:

• Who your competitors are
• What you’ll realistically spend to get started
• What resources you absolutely need to operate
• How to price your offer based on actual costs
• And how to tell if you’re even making progress…

...then you’re flying blind.

That’s Where the LAUNCH Framework Comes In

When we teach the LAUNCH 101 Webinar, we focus on one thing: starting smart. And that starts with a plan.

Not just a business plan, but a launch plan that walks you through three critical stages:

• Plan – Build the foundation. Understand your audience, your offer, your goals, and what it’s going to take to bring your idea to life.
• Sustain – Set up the systems, automations, and support you need to stay consistent without burning out. Sustainability is what gets you past the 1-year mark.
• Grow – Once the wheels are turning smoothly, now you can scale with intention. The right plan makes growth predictable, not overwhelming.

LAUNCH 101 helps you optimize your time, avoid major pitfalls, and tap into resources you wouldn’t even think to look for—because the framework is already built. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from structure.

Course Corrections Are Expensive

I’ve worked with so many entrepreneurs who launched fast and hard, only to hit a wall six months in. They’re exhausted, confused, and wondering why all their hustle hasn’t paid off. The truth is, they were operating on hope instead of strategy.

When you have a launch plan, you can track your milestones, adjust intelligently, and make decisions based on data—not stress.

And let’s be real: fixing problems is so much more expensive than preventing them.

LAUNCH 101 Was Born from These Experiences

After that seismic job experience in Seattle—and years of working with business owners who ran into the same kinds of problems—I made it my mission to help entrepreneurs launch with clarity, confidence, and the right roadmap.

That’s what LAUNCH 101 is. It’s the guide I wish I had before I made some of my biggest career moves. It’s built for everyday entrepreneurs—not just those with business degrees or investor backing. If you’ve got a dream and you’re ready to make it real, this is the plan to get you there smarter and faster.

Final Thought

If you’re thinking about starting a business—pause. Ask yourself:
Do I know what this is really going to take?
Do I have a way to measure success?
Do I have a system in place to grow without burning out?

If not, let’s fix that before you hit the hard stuff.

Connect with me. I’ve got more relatable stories to share, tools to guide you, and a proven plan that works in today’s digital economy.

One System. One Focus. Real Progress.
That’s LAUNCH 101.

Let’s get you started—with intention. CLICK HERE