3 Questions to Create a Passion-Based Business Plan for 2026

The first thing I do with each of my coaching clients is help them get clarity on the “big picture” vision they have for their life and business. And as the year comes to an end, I wanted to share part of this powerful process to assist you in planning for success in 2026!

Here are 3 key questions to ask yourself as you create your own passion-based business plan for the coming year.

1. What does success look like for me in my business?

Imagine what success would look like for you in your business if everything worked out the way you wanted. Ideally, what accomplishments, outcomes or impact do you want to see in your life as a result of your business? For most women, success includes an inspiring combination of being able to use their unique, God-given talents to do what they love, make a difference, leave a legacy and provide for their family. For me, success in my business involves fulfilling my true purpose by using my gifts to make an impact on women’s lives and earning a great income, all while being able to travel the world!

2. What kind of work do I most want to be doing?

This is where you tap into your passion for the work you truly LOVE to do. What part of your business really makes you come alive? Do you prefer to focus on writing books, coaching women, tutoring college students, speaking at conferences around the country, etc. this year? You want to make sure you love what you’re doing, otherwise it becomes harder to attract clients and customers. In my business, I want to be spending most of my time writing, teaching and coaching. For me, those are my primary “zones of genius” where I feel I can make the most impact for the most people.

3. How much money do I want to earn in my business per year?

Be honest: how much money do you want to earn from your business over the course of the year? Notice that I said WANT, not NEED. Many women are struggling in their business because they only hustle to bring in the bare minimum revenue that they need to meet their monthly bills, instead of making more than enough to live their ideal lifestyle. But it’s time for more of us to begin thriving, not simply surviving. Here’s how to do it: start by writing down your annual salary goal, being careful to make it big enough to motivate you to keep taking consistent action, but not too big where it feels impossible and overwhelming. Then, multiply that number by 3 to get the amount of revenue you would need to bring into the business to be able to pay yourself that salary. For instance, if you want to earn $100K in personal income from the business, aim to bring in about $300K in revenue for the year.

Once you know the answers to these questions, your next step is to create what I call a 12-month Money M.A.P. (monthly action plan) that will get you from where you are now to your revenue goal. Then you can start making intentional, strategic progress, one step at a time.

P.S. If you’re looking for a powerful way to start the new year with a guided planning process and a tribe of supportive Black women by your side, all while you renew your mind, body and spirit on the beach, then Happy Black Woman® Weekend is for you!

I’d love to have you join me and an intimate community of current and aspiring Black women entrepreneurs January 16-18 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida for 3 days of goal-setting, personal development and business workshops that will help you create the life and business you really want in 2026. Click here to learn more and register for the event!