Creating a business plan is a huge milestone — but the real success lies in what you do next. Without strong action, even the best plans stay just ideas. Consider this:
According to SMB Compass, about 20% of small businesses fail within the first year and approximately 45% fail within five years.
This shows why it’s critical to move smartly after planning. Let’s walk through 10 actionable steps to guide your next moves and increase your chances of success.
Table of Contents
- Conduct Market Research
- Explore Funding Options
- Choose the Right Legal Entity
- Assemble Your Team
- Develop Your Marketing Strategy
- Set Up Business Operations
- Start Networking
- Launch Your Business
- Track Performance and KPIs
- Stay Agile and Gather Feedback
1. Conduct Market Research
Market conditions shift rapidly. Even after drafting your business plan, conducting updated market research ensures your product or service matches current demands.
According to the SBA, businesses that prioritize market research gain critical insights that significantly reduce startup risks.
- Validates customer needs
- Refines your product-market fit
- Spots new competitors or trends early
Tips for effective market research:
- Conduct surveys or interviews
- Analyze competitors’ strengths and gaps
- Study market reports and online reviews
2. Explore Funding Options
Funding fuels your startup’s growth. Identify how you will secure capital to cover initial and operational expenses.
New data from SCORE shows that 82% of small businesses fail due to cash flow problems.
Possible funding sources:
- Personal savings
- SBA business loans
- Angel investors or venture capital
- Crowdfunding platforms
| Funding Source | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Savings | Small Startups | Full control | Risk of personal financial loss |
| SBA Loans | Moderate funding needs | Lower interest rates | Longer approval time |
| Angel Investors | High-growth startups | Mentorship access | Equity sharing |
| Crowdfunding | Consumer-driven ideas | Market validation | High marketing effort needed |
3. Choose the Right Legal Entity
Setting up the right legal structure protects you and determines how your business is taxed and operated.
Common options:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- S Corporation or C Corporation
Consider:
- Liability exposure
- Tax implications
- Future investment needs
Tip: Consult a business attorney to make an informed choice aligned with your long-term plans.
4. Assemble Your Team
Building the right team early can define your startup’s success.
According to CBInsights, 23% of startups fail because they didn’t have the right team.
Who you may need:
- Technical Co-founder
- Marketing Specialist
- Operations Manager
- Customer Service Lead
Pro Tip: If you can’t afford full-time hires, consider freelancers, consultants, or advisors.
5. Develop Your Marketing Strategy
You need a smart marketing plan to reach your audience and build brand awareness.
Businesses with consistent branding can increase their revenue by 10–20% according to Exploding Topics.
Essentials of your strategy:
- Clear branding (logo, colors, tagline)
- Marketing channels (social media, SEO, email)
- Customer acquisition funnel
- Launch promotions or giveaways
Top Marketing Channels to Start:
- Instagram and LinkedIn
- Google Ads
- Content marketing (blogging, videos)
6. Set Up Business Operations
Behind every successful business is a well-oiled operational machine.
Key setup areas:
- Accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, FreshBooks)
- Order fulfillment workflows
- Customer support channels (chatbots, helplines)
- Project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
Tip: Document your processes early to make onboarding and scaling smoother.
7. Start Networking
Entrepreneurship can be lonely without a network. Now’s the time to start building connections.
80% of professionals believe networking is crucial for career and business success (Apollo Technical).
Where to network:
- Local entrepreneur meetups
- Industry-specific conferences
- LinkedIn groups
- Online startup communities
Networking Starter Tips:
- Prepare a short elevator pitch
- Offer value before asking for favors
- Stay consistent — network before you need it
8. Launch Your Business
You’re ready — now it’s time to go live!
Launch checklist:
- Product or service polished and ready
- Website and social media active
- Press release or announcement prepared
- Soft launch or beta testing completed
Host a virtual event or offer a launch-day promotion to attract early customers!
9. Track Performance and KPIs
Don’t just “hope” things are going well — measure them.
Essential KPIs to Track:
- Sales revenue
- Customer acquisition cost
- Website traffic and conversion rates
- Customer satisfaction (NPS scores)
| Metric | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sales Revenue | Income earned | Growth trajectory |
| Customer Acquisition Cost | Cost per new customer | Marketing efficiency |
| Website Bounce Rate | User engagement | Website performance |
| Customer Retention Rate | Loyalty over time | Long-term profitability |
10. Stay Agile and Gather Feedback
Success requires constant learning and adjustment.
How to stay agile:
- Ask for customer feedback post-purchase
- Monitor competitors and industry shifts
- Be willing to pivot strategies if needed
Remember: your business plan is a starting point, not a fixed blueprint.
Tip: Take care of your mental resilience — entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint!
Conclusion
Writing a business plan is just the start. The real magic happens when you act on it.
By taking these 10 post-business plan actions — from funding and legal setup to marketing, operations, and networking — you position yourself ahead of most startups. Execution beats perfection every time.
✨ Ready to make your dream real?
Explore our funding solutions or contact us for personal guidance on your next entrepreneurial steps. Let’s build your business success story!
