The Power of Business Planning: Strategic Simplicity That Drives Results
Planning Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated—Just Clear
In a world where strategy often hides behind jargon and endless slide decks, the businesses that win are the ones that keep it simple: a shared plan that everyone believes in and knows how to act on.
Done right, business planning isn’t a box-ticking exercise—it’s a growth engine.
And there are five key things to keep in mind when developing a successful business plan
Clear, focused plans create alignment, momentum, and better outcomes
Involving people across the business builds empathy and stronger ideas
Long-term vision only works when it’s tied to short-term execution
Simplicity, storytelling, and structure are essential ingredients
AI and diverse perspectives are reshaping how great plans are built
1. Simple Plans. Strong Execution.
The most effective organisations don’t drown in documentation—they prioritise clarity.
It’s important to understand the strategic building blocks of modern planning, from storytelling to structured execution.
The key insight? A great business plan should be written in plain English, and be short, sharp, and shared widely—so everyone in the organisation knows what they’re working towards, and why.
“The challenge is how you output those in simple language.” — Andrew Baxter
When people understand the plan, they take ownership of it. That’s what creates momentum—and delivers results.
2. Planning Is a Team Sport
The best strategies don’t come from the boardroom alone.
Diversity of thought is critical. When people from different teams are involved in planning, you get broader insight, better ideas, and stronger buy-in.
“The true role of diversity… it’s diversity of thought.” — Andrew Baxter
One team’s blocker might be another’s opportunity. And when collaboration becomes routine—not just a once-a-year workshop—you stay sharp, responsive, and aligned.
Emerging tools like AI are also helping teams gather insights, identify patterns, and visualise strategies. But the tech only works when paired with a clear, human-centred process.
Want to put this into practice?
See how 24HRBP helps teams align and accelerate.
3. Vision Without Action Is Just a Dream
Setting long-term goals is easy. Executing on them is what counts.
There are some great examples of companies that have had success by following clear, focused plans—executed with precision.
What makes the difference for those companies? Ruthless prioritisation.
Focus on your top 10 priorities—no more
Be clear on what not to do
Revisit regularly to stay on track
This balance—between vision and action—is what keeps companies agile, even as the market shifts.
4. Business Planning Is a Discipline, Not a Document
At its core, planning is about people. It’s about clarity, ownership, and the confidence to move forward.
Whether you’re using a one-page plan or running a full planning sprint, the principles remain the same:
Be clear
Be inclusive
Be consistent
5. Harnessing Diverse Perspectives for Innovative Planning
Diversity in thought and collaboration stand out as vital components of an effective business plan.
"The true role of diversity... is the diversity of thought." - Andrew Baxter
When diverse team members contribute their perspectives, it generates a multitude of ideas and innovation. What one department may perceive as a hurdle could be an opportunity for another.
By engaging people across the company in the planning process, companies harness a wide array of insights, ultimately leading to more robust and innovative strategies. This approach not only ensures that different strategies intertwine fluently but also cultivates an empathetic and understanding culture within the team.
By regularly revisiting these collaborative sessions, companies ensure that they're not just setting goals but are on a pathway to achieve them. These periodic check-ins uphold the focus and adaptability necessary for businesses to thrive amid changing circumstances.
In a world of uncertainty, these are the habits that separate the businesses that scale from the ones that stall.
Business planning isn’t static. It’s strategic. And it’s what turns good intentions into great results.
This article was born from a recent episode of the More to Marketing podcast, where host Susan Walsh speaks with Andrew Baxter—business advisor, marketing advisor, and founder of the 24 Hour Business Plan.
Tune in to Susan’s Podcast ‘More 2 Marketing’
Learn more about the 24HR Business Plan
Book in a call to discuss how 24HR Business Plan can help you with your planning challenges
