Why Most Business Plans Are Too Big (and What to Do Instead)

by Sean Foster | November 21, 2025 | Business Coaching

If you've ever sat down to write a business plan, you've likely felt the pressure to map everything out, years in advance, every market scenario, every contingency. And while detail can feel responsible, the truth is, overly complex business plans can become more of a burden than a blueprint.

The Problem With Big Business Plans

Traditional business planning often asks you to look five years ahead. But how many small businesses operate in a world where five-year forecasts are even remotely predictable? In reality, markets shift, customer needs evolve, and your own priorities change.

These large-scale plans:

• Often take weeks (or months) to create
• Rarely get revisited after they're written
• Can make real progress feel distant and overwhelming

Research from Lamar University emphasises the importance of regularly analysing past business data to inform current decisions. Static long-term plans often ignore this dynamic, making them disconnected from what's actually happening in your business.

Why Simpler Plans Work Better

Shorter, focused plans do more than just save time. They keep you in touch with reality and allow for iteration. You can:

• Set 90-day targets that match your current business environment
• Adjust more easily based on customer or market feedback
• Align your team with priorities that are relevant right now

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recommends business plans that evolve and reflect actual business needs, especially for small and growing enterprises. Simpler planning doesn't mean shallow, it means grounded.

For a deeper dive into how short-term strategies can outperform static long-term plans, read our article Why 90-Day Plans Trump Traditional Strategies in Business Success. It outlines why more adaptive, focused planning cycles are proving more effective for SMEs aiming to stay agile and grow sustainably.

What to Do Instead: Think in 90-Day Windows

One of the most effective approaches to avoid the overwhelm of massive planning is to adopt a quarterly or 90-day cycle. With this structure, you:

• Focus on what's achievable within a realistic timeframe
• Create plans that actually get implemented
• Build momentum through consistent execution

Need help creating a practical 90-day framework? Our guide on The Best 90-Day Plans for a Successful Business breaks down what effective short-term planning looks like.

How Business Coaching Fits In

You don’t need to choose between control and flexibility. A business coach helps you cut through the noise, prioritise what actually matters, and build a rhythm of execution without losing strategic oversight.

If you’re transitioning away from traditional planning methods, coaching provides structure and accountability. Our article on Maximizing Potential: The 5 Key Benefits of Business Coaching explores how coaching transforms intention into action.

Ready to Simplify Your Next 90 Days?

If you're unsure how to make your next 90 days count, book a free 30-minute session with Sean and see how to simplify your strategy and drive growth.

FAQ

Q: Are traditional business plans still useful?
Yes, but mostly for securing funding or initial clarity. For day-to-day decision-making, they’re often too rigid.

Q: How do I shift from yearly to 90-day planning?
Start by identifying one or two key business priorities. Build a 90-day plan around those, and review progress monthly.

Q: Can I still use my old business plan?
Absolutely. Use it as a reference, but translate the high-level goals into short-term actions.