How to Create an Actionable Business Plan Without Overcomplicating It

The idea of creating a business plan can feel intimidating, especially when you’re excited about starting your own tech or SaaS business but don’t want to get lost in endless details. Here’s the thing: the old-school business plan is dead. Today, it’s all about crafting a business model—something actionable, focused, and adaptable to your entrepreneurial journey.

One tool I love for this? The Business Model Canvas. It’s a simple, one-page framework that helps break your business into nine key building blocks, making it easy to focus on what truly matters.

In this article, I’ll show you how you can use the Business Model Canvas to create a clear and actionable roadmap for your business. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to take that first step.

1. Start with Your “Why” (The Foundation of Your Business Model)

Your business is more than just a product or service—it’s a solution to a problem that matters deeply to you. That’s why defining your why isn’t just inspiring; it’s the foundation of everything you’ll build.

Let me tell you about Julia, one of my clients. When she first started her business project, she was bursting with ideas. But as she worked on it, she kept changing her niche, rethinking her target customers, and tweaking her offer. Every week, it felt like she was back to square one. Julia was stuck in a loop of second-guessing herself because she wasn’t clear on her ‘why.’

So, I asked her to take a step back and reflect on three questions:

1. Why do you want to start this business?
2. What problem are you solving?
3. Who do you want to help, and why does it matter to you?

That moment changed everything for Julia. She reconnected with her core purpose—her mission. She realized her passion was helping small e-commerce businesses improve their customer experience. With that clarity, she finally defined her niche, solidified her offer, and built confidence in her business.

The Value Proposition section of the Business Model Canvas is where this clarity starts. It’s where you define the unique value your business brings to your audience.

Action Step: 

Take some time to write a one-paragraph mission statement that answers those three questions. Use it to guide every decision you make moving forward.

2. Simplify Your Goals (Focus on Key Areas)

Once you’ve nailed down your “why,” it’s time to simplify your goals. One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything at once. It’s overwhelming, and it leads to burnout. Instead, focus on the most critical areas of your business first.

The Business Model Canvas breaks your business into nine building blocks, but you don’t need to tackle them all at once. Start with the three that will move the needle the most:

1. Customer Segments: Who are your ideal customers?
2. Revenue Streams: How will you make money?
3. Channels: How will you reach your customers?

For example, if you’re launching a SaaS business, your top goals for the first quarter might include conducting interviews to validate your target market, creating a minimum viable product (MVP), and testing a small marketing campaign.

Action Step: 

Write down 1-2 specific goals for each of these priority areas.

• Example for Customer Segments: Interview 10 potential customers to understand their needs (use my free guide to get started).
• Example for Revenue Streams: Define pricing tiers for your MVP.
• Example for Channels: Set up a landing page to capture email leads.

By narrowing your focus to these key areas, you’ll build momentum and stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Turn It Into Actionable Steps (One Block at a Time)

Here’s where the Business Model Canvas really shines: it’s not a static document—it’s a living tool you can use to guide your next steps.

For instance, if you’ve identified your Customer Segments, your first step might be designing a survey or setting up interviews to validate their needs. Once you’ve gathered insights, you can move on to designing your Value Proposition or testing a Revenue Stream.

I often remind my clients to break their plans into small, actionable steps. This approach keeps things manageable and helps you maintain progress.

Action Step: 

Use a free Business Model Canvas template to map out your goals. I recommend Miro for its easy-to-use interface and templates.

When you take small, focused actions, you’ll feel more in control and see tangible results faster.

Build Your Roadmap with Confidence

Creating a business plan doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By shifting your focus to a clear, actionable business model, you can set yourself up for success without overcomplicating the process.

Start with your why to ground your decisions in purpose. Simplify your goals by prioritizing the areas that matter most. Then, take it one step at a time, using the Business Model Canvas to guide you.

I know the first step can feel intimidating, but imagine where you could be a year from now if you start today.

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