A new year offers more than just a chance to make aspirational New Year’s resolutions that we’ll pursue as time allows. For small-business owners, this is an opportunity to really chart a clearer course to reach your professional goals. You can step into 2026 with a real roadmap if you can identify your career, personal, and financial goals and put them into action. When your objectives are written down, structured with deadlines, and connected to actionable steps, you give yourself a framework for success. IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS As simple as it sounds, your business planning for the new year should start by identifying specific goals in all aspects of your life, not just your company. Make sure you are still clear on the core purpose that drives your business and that it aligns with your personal and financial goals. Physically write these down, listing your primary or top targets and then smaller objectives. You can then identify areas where they may overlap or conflict. SET SMART DEADLINES Once you have specific goals, you need to create a structure, establish self- accountability, and take reasonable steps to accomplish them. The SMART goal-setting method is a popular way to approach a business plan. It stands for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. You should always create a timeline for yourself so that your goals don’t end up at the bottom of your to-do list. Figure out what has to happen between now and the deadline you’ve given yourself to achieve your vision. Plan With Purpose A Road Map That Actually Works for Your Business
Inspired by TheViewFromGreatIsland.com
Rustic French Pistachio Cake
Ingredients • 2 cups heavy cream, cold •
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1 1/4 cups sugar 1 tbsp vanilla paste 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped, plus extra for topping Powdered sugar for dusting
1 1/2 cups (minus 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
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3 large eggs
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F, then butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Whip cold cream until it forms firm peaks, then refrigerate. 3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside. 4. Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 5. Fold pistachios and flour mixture into egg mixture. 6. Gently fold cream into the batter until no streaks remain. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. 7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until puffed and golden on top. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan. 8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature! INSPIRATION “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” —Robin Sharma
INTEGRATE YOUR PLAN Once you have your roadmap, allocate resources and time to it. You should communicate with your team so that everyone is clear on the overall vision and their respective responsibilities. If it’s necessary, provide training and support so your staff have the tools they need to carry it out. Check in regularly on your progress and invite feedback so you can continue to fine-tune your plan. By setting SMART goals and sticking to your timeline, you can turn intentions into real results in both your personal and professional life. Once you have your road map in place, contact us at Douglass & Runger. We can ensure that every legal detail lines up with your plan.
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