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As a consultant running your own practice, the traditional business planning methods that work for large corporations just don't cut it for you. Things like SWOT analysis, vision statements, and SMART goals - they're really designed for big teams and hierarchical organizations, not the flexibility and freedom of a solo consulting business.

The core issue is that you, as the owner, are the driving force behind your practice. You have the ultimate freedom to choose your clients, your schedule, your location. But that also means you lack the external accountability that forces big companies to stick to a plan. So instead of getting bogged down in those corporate planning frameworks, I suggest focusing on a few key questions:

1) What do you actually want in your life - in terms of people, places, activities, information, and possessions? Get really specific about defining your goals.

2) How badly do you want those things? And how much are you willing to suffer or endure to achieve them? This helps you prioritize and stay committed.

3) What would you do if you had everything you wanted? This helps you bring your dream lifestyle into the present.

From there, I walk you through my "Path" methodology - defining the next clear milestone or horizon, then working backwards to map out the specific steps to get there. It's a much more flexible, iterative approach than rigid SMART goals.

The key is keeping your plan accessible and visible, so you can stay on track. Take a photo of it on your phone and refer to it regularly. And don't be afraid to reach out for support, whether through my Consulting Guild community or the more intensive Forge Business Program.

The bottom line is, as a solo consultant, you have incredible freedom and opportunity. But you have to approach planning in a way that aligns with your unique situation, not some corporate model. I hope these tips help you create a plan that truly energizes and empowers you. SUBSCRIBE for more videos like this one. Have you registered for our Breakout Brainstorm Call? Gimme 15 mins and I'll find ONE high-end retainer or contract hiding in your business that you can close in the next 14 days: https://russellpearsonprograms.com/breakout-brainstorm/ For everything else including keynote presentations visit: https://russellpearson.com