Define what success means to you, then map the pathways to get there. Intentionally.
"If we don't define what success looks like, how do we know if we get there?"
Step 1 · Vision in Words
What Do You Want Your Business to Give You?
Think about what this business exists to create for your life. What does it allow you to do, have, be, or experience? Be as specific as possible. The clearer the picture, the easier it is to build toward it.
Step 2 · Vision in Numbers
What Does That Look Like Financially?
Now let's put numbers to that vision. What annual profit would you need to take from the business to make what you just described a reality? Set three tiers.
Foundation
Grounded in where you are. The baseline that confirms momentum is maintained.
Momentum
The stretch. Challenging but achievable with focused effort and the right moves.
Audacious
The bold vision. The one that pulls you forward and shows you what's possible.
Step 3 · From Profit to Revenue
What Does It Cost to Run Your Business?
Your annual business expenses: materials, tools, subscriptions, marketing, insurance, contractors, software, rent. Everything that isn't your take-home profit.
Revenue You Need to Generate
Foundation$0
Momentum$0
Audacious$0
Step 4 · Revenue Streams
How Could You Make That Revenue?
Build out the products and services that could make up your revenue. Each one is a potential revenue stream. You might sell products, deliver one-off projects, or have recurring client engagements. Add as many as you want to explore.
Choose How You Want to Build This
Focus entirely on one stream, or blend multiple together. You choose the model that fits your vision and how you want to spend your time.
Total: 0%
Your Pathways Compared
Here's What Each Path Looks Like
Side by side. Same goal, different routes. Look at the numbers, then look at what you wrote about success. Which path fits?
Now, Choose Intentionally
You've mapped the numbers. Before you decide where to focus, come back to what matters. Look at the revenue streams above, then read what you wrote at the beginning:
Your vision of success
Which of these revenue streams are you most passionate about? Which ones light you up, give you energy, and feel aligned with the business you actually want to run day to day?
Which path gets you to your vision of success the fastest? Look at the numbers. Where is the most efficient route between where you are now and the life you described above?
Looking at the volume each path requires, does it feel realistic for how you want to work? If not, what would need to change: your pricing, your audience, or your model entirely?
What do you want to focus on? Considering your passion, the numbers, and what's realistic, which revenue stream (or blend) would you choose to build your business plan and marketing strategy around?
This tool helps you put the numbers together so you can clearly assess what your business strategy could look like. Now you know what the different paths require, you can make an intentional choice about where to focus before building the marketing strategy to make it happen.
Build intentionally. Choose the path that serves your vision.
