{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Should You Even Make a Business Plan for 2026?","description":"Should We Be Planning 2026? (How to Lead Your Business in an Unpredictable Market) If you\u2019ve been wondering whether it even makes sense to plan for 2026 with the market shifting under our feet \u2014 this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. In today\u2019s solo episode, we\u2019re talking about what mature entrepreneurs already know: Annual planning isn\u2019t about predicting the year. It\u2019s about directing it. It\u2019s about creating a structure sturdy enough to hold you, even when the market doesn\u2019t cooperate. I\u2019m walking you through the exact framework I use \u2014 the Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand method \u2014 and how seasoned business owners can use it to build a grounded yet flexible plan for the year ahead. Here\u2019s what we explore: Why Annual Planning Still Matters (Even in an Unstable Market) Market instability doesn\u2019t make planning irrelevant. It makes planning essential \u2014 especially for long-term business owners who need clarity, direction, and steadiness to lead well. The Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand Framework for 2026 \u2022 Rocks \u2192 your major anchors: launches, revenue cycles, time off \u2022 Pebbles \u2192 your marketing rhythms, content cadence, CEO time \u2022 Sand \u2192 everything else that fills in around the bigger pieces This is the flexible, mature CEO approach to annual planning. Why the Market Makes 12-Month Planning Hard (and What to Do Instead) Sales cycles are longer. Trust is slower. Forecasting feels impossible. So instead of forcing a rigid plan, I break down how to build: \u2022 an annual vision, \u2022 a quarterly strategy, \u2022 and monthly goals that respond to real data. Why Monthly Metrics Are Your True North for 2026 Annual planning gives you direction. Monthly metrics give you staying power. I\u2019ll share how a monthly relationship with your numbers helps you: \u2022 spot micro-trends before they become problems \u2022 correct course quickly \u2022 make decisions you actually trust \u2022 stay grounded through market uncertainty This is how experienced entrepreneurs lead with clarity instead of reactiveness. Ready for More Clarity in 2026? If this episode speaks to you, you\u2019ll want to join my live, waitlist-only Focus Group for my new offer, The Monday Meeting \u2014 a space designed for seasoned entrepreneurs who are craving steadiness and clearer decision-making in the year ahead. Join the waitlist to get your invite: marissalawton.com\/waitlist ","author_name":"The Experienced Entrepreneur","author_url":"http:\/\/marissalawton.com\/","html":"