How to Create Your First Business Plan

When I started my business in 2011, I didn’t think I needed a business plan. I only needed clients, tons of clients. Even though my title was Web Designer, I took every job that came my way. I made WordPress websites, of course, but also did graphic design, print design, social media management, training — basically anything!

In less than eight months, I had to go back to work as an employee because I managed to spend way more money than I earned.
I kept freelancing on the side with no direction whatsoever and finally, I realised that I needed a plan.

It doesn’t matter what your financial goal is for the year or your mission for your small business. Having measurable goals and a clear strategy will allow you to do what you love and make a living out of it.

In this talk I will go over the basic sections of a business plan and show you some examples of how you can make one that represents you and your business.

Speaker

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By Francesca Marano

With a career built across radically different contexts, from airlines to SaaS startups, from global open source communities to enterprise digital agencies, one thing has remained constant: I help organisations build the foundations that make growth sustainable.

I grew up watching my parents, both programmers, drawing flowcharts on the kitchen table. Every problem has a structure, every structure can be designed better. That has been the thread running through everything I’ve done.

I’ve spent just as much energy building communities and connections. When I talk to someone, I instinctively see who they should meet and what collaboration could emerge.

That’s where my approach starts: understanding the full picture before finding the right solution. In practice, this means different things for different organisations: strategy, structuring and training teams, process redesign, or integrating new tools and technologies to do more with what you already have.

Some things I’m proud of. I co-led four major releases of WordPress, the CMS powering 40%+ of the web. I founded C+B, an editorial community of 80+ writers that helped thousands of Italian female entrepreneurs find their footing. I won a Stevie Award for mentoring. I built WP Includes to get more women into leadership.

I believe in sharing knowledge generously. I am an educator, community leader, mentor, and international public speaker.

WordCamp Santa Clarita Online 2020 is over. Check out the next edition!