Hey there, fellow entrepreneur! Today, I want to chat about something that might seem counterintuitive at first: the idea that plans, while essential for some, can actually be more of a hindrance than a help for small companies, especially micro-sized ones like yours and mine.

Let's dive right in.

Picture this: you're starting a business, fueled by passion, grit, and maybe a sprinkle of caffeine. You've got this fantastic idea, a vision of where you want to go, and you're eager to get started. Naturally, you think, "I need a plan!" After all, that's what all the business books, seminars, and podcasts say, right?

But here's the thing: in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of startups and micro-enterprises, plans can sometimes feel like trying to navigate with a map from the 1800s in the age of GPS.

Here are a few reasons why plans can be more of a burden than a boon for small businesses:

1. **Flexibility is Key**: In the early stages of a business, flexibility is your best friend. You need to be able to pivot, adapt, and course-correct at a moment's notice. A rigid plan can stifle this flexibility, trapping you in a set course even when it's clear you need to change direction. (Two years in to my business Covid happened and the country was locked down. I lost every single private sector contract in 48 hours... and no one was recruiting... that for me is the definition of needing to pivot.)

2. **Time is of the Essence**: Let's face it, as a small business owner, your time is precious. Spending weeks or months crafting the perfect plan can eat into valuable time that could be better spent actually building and growing your business. Sometimes, you just need to jump in and figure things out as you go.

3. **The Unknown Unknowns**: No matter how meticulously you plan, there will always be unknown unknowns lurking around the corner. These are the things you couldn't possibly anticipate or plan for. Instead of trying to predict every possible outcome, it's often more effective to embrace uncertainty and learn to navigate it on the fly. This does mean its an emotional rollercoaster... but show me a business owner who says it isn't....

4. **Action Trumps Analysis**: In the startup world, action speaks louder than words (or plans). It's easy to get caught up in analysis paralysis, endlessly tweaking your plan in pursuit of perfection. But the truth is, you'll never have all the information you need, and sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take action, learn from the results, and adjust accordingly. It also means recognising when some thing isn't working - brutal self-honesty is required - and if its not working, stop doing it immediately and try something different. Now this doesn't mean giving up at the first hurdle, it means finding a different way. Creativity in solving problems is one of the hardest challenges when you are up against it, battling, getting rejection, no sales etc. But that's when its needed most.

So, does this mean planning is completely useless for small businesses? Not at all. Having a rough roadmap or a set of goals can still be valuable, providing a sense of direction and focus. But it's important to view plans as dynamic documents, subject to change and adaptation as circumstances evolve. Its like using a map - don't rely on sat nav, but work out your destination, and then adpat your route depending on conditions on the ground.

In the end, the most successful small businesses are often the ones that strike a balance between planning and action, knowing when to stick to the plan and when to throw it out the window.

So, fellow entrepreneur, as you navigate the exciting (and sometimes chaotic) world of small business ownership, remember this: plans are essential, but they're not set in stone. Stay nimble, stay adaptable, and above all, keep moving forward. Who knows where the journey might take you?

Until next time, keep hustling!