100 days until 2025. Strategic action and focus now can transform your business

On September 23rd, there will be exactly 100 days left in the year. That can feel both exhilarating and daunting, especially for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs navigating the ups and downs of running a business. If you’re anything like most business owners, you might feel like you’re trying to do a thousand things, all while hoping for a breakthrough moment that will carry you through to next year.

But here’s the reality: What you do (or don’t do) in these next 100 days will set the tone not only for the rest of 2024 but for your business’s growth in 2025.

The question is: Will you spend these next 100 days going on as before, or will you take control, set a clear direction, and strategically position yourself for success?
Let’s take a look at how focusing your efforts now—by creating a solid marketing plan—can transform your business and your mindset, putting you on the path to success.

The myth of “busy”. Why doing more isn’t the answer

We tend to fall into the trap of thinking that being busy equates to being productive. You know the feeling: juggling client work, managing social media, answering emails, and still trying to keep your personal life afloat. It’s exhausting. And while being busy can make us feel like we’re getting things done, the truth is that activity without focus leads to burnout, not breakthroughs.

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners spend their time putting out fires and reacting to immediate needs, never stepping back to consider the bigger picture. We’re constantly doing, but what is all that doing accomplishing?

Here’s what happens when you keep operating without a plan:

• You waste time on activities that don’t align with your goals.
• You end each day feeling drained but unsure if you’re any closer to success.
• You find yourself stuck in a reactive cycle, constantly chasing new tactics without knowing if they’ll work.

What if, instead of doing more, you did less—strategically? The key is focus. And that focus comes from having a clear, actionable marketing plan for the next 6 months.

The idea of implementing a full 6-month marketing plan in just 100 days might feel daunting. If that’s you, know that even taking small, focused steps toward strategic planning is valuable. Start small, set manageable goals, and build your momentum. Every little bit of focus matters.

The power of focus or, what 100 days of direction can do for your business

Imagine what could change in your business if, for the next 100 days, you operated with absolute clarity and direction. Instead of chasing every new shiny object or reacting to every minor issue, you focused on the key activities that would bring the most value to your business.

In fact, studies have shown that businesses with a clear focus and strategic direction outperform those that are constantly multitasking or trying to do everything at once. When you focus, you free up mental energy, allowing you to execute more efficiently and effectively.

Here’s what the next 100 days could look like with a clear marketing plan:

• You’ll know exactly what to do each day to move your business forward.
• You’ll stop wasting time on low-impact activities and start focusing on actions that directly contribute to your goals.
• You’ll feel more in control of your business and less overwhelmed by the day-to-day chaos.

This is the power of focus. And it’s within your reach, but it requires a commitment to strategic action. If you’ve never created a marketing plan before, don’t worry—just start where you are. Every step toward focus and clarity will set the foundation for your growth.

Strategy vs. reaction – why a marketing plan changes everything

At this point, you might be thinking, “But where do I start?” The answer lies in one of the most underutilized tools by entrepreneurs: a strategic marketing plan.

Operating without a plan means you’re constantly reacting—trying out new tactics, experimenting with different platforms, and hoping that something sticks. While it’s tempting to rely on short-term wins, reactionary marketing rarely leads to long-term success.

When you create a 100-day or a 6-month marketing plan, you’re making a conscious decision to stop reacting and start leading. Here’s why that changes everything:

• You set measurable goals. Instead of vague aspirations like “get more clients,” a marketing plan allows you to set specific, actionable goals like “increase my email list by 500 subscribers by December.”
• You prioritize the right channels. Rather than trying to be everywhere at once, your plan helps you focus on the channels that matter most to your audience—whether that’s Instagram, LinkedIn, or email marketing.
• You establish consistency. Consistency is key in marketing, and a plan helps you create a calendar that ensures you’re showing up for your audience regularly with valuable content.

For some businesses, this shift from reaction to strategy can feel like a major overhaul. And if your business model is highly seasonal or doesn’t align with a typical year-end rush, you may need to adjust this approach. Focus on what works for your specific timeline, and adapt these strategies to fit your unique situation.

A marketing plan doesn’t just clarify what you need to do; it gives you the confidence that every action you take is moving you closer to your goals.

Long-term vision: setting up for success in 2025 and beyond

The next 100 days aren’t just about surviving until the end of the year. They’re about laying the foundation for your success in 2025. What you do now can create a ripple effect that transforms your business in the long term.

Think of it this way: If you spend the next 100 days reacting, scrambling, and doing whatever seems urgent, you’ll likely find yourself in the same position in January—starting from scratch, overwhelmed, and directionless. But if you invest the next 100 days in focused, strategic action, you’ll start 2025 with:

• A clear roadmap for continued growth.
• Momentum that carries you through the new year.
• The confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you’re working toward.

If the idea of a 6-month marketing plan feels overwhelming, take comfort in knowing that even incremental progress will make a difference. Choose a few focused actions that you can commit to over the next 100 days, and watch how these small steps create momentum for the long-term growth of your business.

Take action and start your strategic marketing journey today

Now that you understand the importance of focus and strategy, it’s time to take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with your marketing plan for the next 6 months:

• Define your ideal client. Be crystal clear about who you’re serving and what their biggest pain points are.
• Set specific marketing goals. Choose 3-5 goals that are measurable, actionable, and time-bound.
• Select the right marketing channels. Focus on the channels that will have the most impact for your audience and your business.
• Create a content calendar. Plan out your content for the next 6 months, making sure it aligns with your goals and speaks directly to your ideal client.
• Monitor and adjust. Review your progress regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Your time is now

There are 100 days left in the year. How you spend them will determine how you start 2025. Will you continue down the same path of scattered efforts, or will you take control, focus your energy, and create a plan that sets you up for success?

The choice is yours. Let these next 100 days be the moment you take your business to the next level.