In this episode, we’re diving into the essentials of writing a business plan with Fab and expert guest Vikkie Richmond. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your strategy, you’ll discover why having a solid business plan is more than just a tick-box exercise.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure where to start, this episode offers actionable advice and a dose of motivation to get you moving forward.
“The biggest piece of advice is just starting. Just start. Just, just do something so that, you know, you can revisit it at any time, you can change it at any time.”
Vikkie Richmond
About Vikkie Richmond
Vikkie Richmond is CEO and founder of Red and White Media, helping small businesses and growing organisations communicate with consistency and clarity through brand-led copywriting and comms.
She brings over ten years of experience in strategic and brand-led, tone-of-voice copywriting, marketing, and communications. This is her second business; the first saw five successful years as a marketing virtual assistant, specialising in content creation and strategy.
Connect with Vikkie on her website and LinkedIn
Book an online ‘Business Blueprint: Planning and goal-setting’ session and mention AMS for a special discount. You’ll leave the two-and-a-half-hour session with a clear business plan, a set of clear goals for the next twelve months, and a much clearer idea of where you’re going. Enquire on her website
Start With Why And How You’ll Make Money
A shiny new business starts with questions: What’s your unique edge? How will you actually get money in the next 6–12 months?
Vikkie points out (with the honesty of someone who’s learned the hard way) that planning your cash flow and defining what makes you different isn’t just for business textbooks: it’s step zero if you want to survive and thrive.
Even if you feel stuck, just jot down where your first clients will come from, your first expenses, and what’s special about your offer.
- Write down your key income streams for the next year, even if it’s just a guess.
- Note any unique background or skills you bring (you don’t need to be “the best,” just different).
- List basic expenses (insurance, website, networking costs) before you dream bigger.
Know Your Market, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
There’s a reason “comparison is the thief of joy.” Vikkie advises focusing your research: get familiar with your industry, pick a handful of competitors, and sketch out your ideal client, but don’t binge on everyone’s LinkedIn profiles. Narrowing down your target customers and understanding your local competition helps you avoid “talking to everybody, selling to nobody.” It also means your strategy stays focused (and less overwhelming).
- Pick 3–5 local competitors to research, instead of comparing yourself to everyone.
- Define your target client with real details (industry, size, personality), not just “anyone who needs marketing”.
- Pinpoint what platforms, networking groups, or spaces your clients hang out in.
- Update your research every 6–12 months as your client list changes.
Keep Your Plan Flexible, Fun, and Alive
Making your plan a habit (set a calendar reminder!) and tying it to your personal goals keeps you motivated. It can be a worksheet, a visual mind map, or even Post-its on your wall.
Even monthly goals (like landing one new client) can be powerful if you revisit them regularly.
- Review your cash flow forecast every 6 months; check your main plan at least once a year.
- Set short-term and long-term goals, from “get one new blog client” to “have a holiday home”.
- Make planning approachable: work with music, do it with a friend, or turn it into a co-working session.
- Adapt the format to fit you: slides, videos, or sticky notes. If it’s fun, you’ll actually use it.