If coming up with a business plan for your home business is daunting and you would rather just wing it than actually have to design a functional budget to guide your business—consider trying to build a house without having a blueprint. Not many of us would simply take stack of boards, a hammer and some nails and hope to build a solid, beautiful and functional home. The same can be said for building a business—a blueprint makes all the difference when it comes to having a plan for what you would like your business to look like.
What does a blueprint for a house do? It shows a detailed sketch of what the house is going to look like, but it also includes the exact measurements, the materials needed, and any changes or additions. Ask anyone who has built a house and they will tell you that while the blueprint was the guide for the house building, there were plenty of adjustments and changes that took place throughout the process. Having a blueprint for your business does not mean that you cannot deviate from the original plan, make adjustments in real time or change the course of your business—but it does mean that having an overall solid structure gives you solid footing as you struggle to build a business out of thin air.
Do not be afraid of numbers, budgets and plans. The fact is, no one has to see them except for you and your financial planner and/or advisor. You do not have to share them with your customers or clients or post them on your web site. I know that some of us are afraid that if we put something in writing, we will be expected to follow it or answer to those who want to know why we’re making changes. Think of your business plan, budget, and financial plans as a blueprint and use them to help you structure your home business.