This Community Voices column is written by Tonya Bolton, who shares advice, tips and ideas for entrepreneurs. You can reach her at info@tonyaboltonphotography.com.
If the phrase “business plan” makes you break out in a cold sweat, you’re not alone.
Most entrepreneurs don’t fail because they lack passion or ideas — they fail because they’re overwhelmed. Somewhere along the way, business planning turned into a 40-page document full of projections, jargon, and spreadsheets that no one ever looks at again.
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need a complicated business plan to build a successful business.
You need clarity.
That’s where the one-page business plan comes in.
This isn’t about impressing investors or winning an MBA competition. This is about creating a simple, visual roadmap you can actually use — one that keeps you focused, grounded, and moving forward without drowning in details.
Let’s break it down into five simple sections that fit on a single page.
1. Start With Your “Why” (The Anchor of Your Business)
Before you write a single goal or strategy, you need to answer one question:
Why does this business exist?
Not the fluffy version. The real one.
Your “why” keeps you grounded when things get hard (and they will). It helps you say no to distractions and yes to the right opportunities.
Examples:
- To create financial stability for my family
- To help people feel confident and seen
- To build a flexible career I enjoy
- To solve a problem I experienced myself
Actionable Step:
Write one sentence that completes this phrase:
“This business exists because…”
If it doesn’t feel honest or motivating, rewrite it until it does.
2. Define Who You Serve (Be Specific on Purpose)
Trying to serve everyone is the fastest way to serve no one.
Your one-page business plan should clearly answer:
- Who do I help?
- What stage of life or business are they in?
- What problem are they actively trying to solve?
Instead of saying:
“I help small businesses.”
Try:
“I help local entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed and need simple systems to grow.”
Specific doesn’t limit you — it clarifies your message.
Actionable Step:
Fill in this sentence:
“I help __________ who are struggling with __________.”
If you can’t finish it easily, that’s a sign you need more clarity here.
3. Clarify What You Offer (Without Overcomplicating It)
Most entrepreneurs offer too many things — and then wonder why people are confused.
Your one-page plan should list:
- Your core offer (the main thing you want to be known for)
- Optional secondary offers (if needed)
This helps you avoid shiny-object syndrome and stay focused on what actually brings in revenue.
Example:
- Core Offer: Professional branding photography
- Secondary Offers: Headshots, content sessions, events
When everything feels important, nothing is.
Actionable Step:
Write down:
- ONE main offer that drives your business
- Up to TWO supporting offers
If you have more than three, ask yourself which ones are distractions.
4. Identify Your Top 3 Goals (Not 20)
This is where people go off the rails.
They write down 15 goals and then feel defeated when none of them happen.
A one-page business plan forces discipline.
Choose three goals for the next 6–12 months. That’s it.
Good goals are:
- Clear
- Measurable
- Actionable
Examples:
- Increase monthly revenue to $X
- Book X new clients per month
- Build a consistent referral system
Actionable Step:
Write:
“In the next 12 months, success looks like…”
Then list only three goals that support that vision.
5. Break Each Goal Into Simple Weekly Actions
This is where the plan becomes usable.
Big goals fail because they feel too far away. Small actions win because they’re doable.
For each goal, ask:
- What can I do weekly that moves this forward?
- What actions are actually in my control?
Example:
Goal: Book more clients
Weekly actions:
- Reach out to 3 referral partners
- Post once on LinkedIn
- Follow up with 2 past clients
No perfection required — just consistency.
Actionable Step:
Under each goal, write 3 weekly actions you can realistically complete.
If it feels overwhelming, you’ve added too much.
6. Decide How You’ll Measure Progress (Keep It Simple)
If you don’t track anything, everything feels chaotic.
Your one-page plan should include:
- One or two numbers that tell you if you’re on track
Examples:
- Monthly revenue
- Number of inquiries
- Booked appointments
- Repeat clients
You don’t need fancy dashboards. You need awareness.
Actionable Step:
Choose one number you’ll check weekly and one number you’ll check monthly.
Write them on your page.
7. Use the One-Page Plan as a Decision Filter
This might be the most powerful part.
When a new opportunity comes up, ask:
- Does this support my “why”?
- Does this serve my audience?
- Does this help one of my three goals?
If not, it’s a no — even if it sounds exciting.
This is how you stay focused instead of busy.
Actionable Step:
Keep your one-page plan visible — on your desk, wall, or desktop.
If you can’t see it, you won’t use it.
Final Thought
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You need a clear one.
A one-page business plan isn’t about predicting the future — it’s about creating direction. It gives you something to return to when you feel scattered, overwhelmed, or stuck.
So grab a blank sheet of paper today.
Write messy. Write honest. Write simple.
Because clarity beats complexity every single time — and your business will thank you for it.
Download this form, and get to planning!
If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@linknky.com.
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