Start With the End in Mind: Why Your Business Needs a North Star
Thinking of launching (or relaunching) your own business?
Here’s the truth: Getting started without a clear strategy might get you clients - but it won’t get you momentum. After years of helping founders and launching my own firm, I’ve learned this: clarity isn’t a luxury - it’s a lifeline.
In this special feature, originally written for the collaborative book We Wish We Had Known: Volume 3, I share the exact framework I use to help business owners and consultants alike start with clarity and build with intention.
1. Define Your North Star Vision (10-Year View)
Your North Star is your long-term vision - the destination that keeps you aligned when things get messy. It’s how you say yes to what matters and no to distractions.
Make it bold. Make it specific. And write it down.
Quantitative Vision: How much revenue? How many clients? How much time off?
Example: In 10 years, I want to earn $500K annually, working with 20 retainer clients, while taking eight weeks off each year.
Qualitative Vision: What will your impact be? Your reputation?
Example: I’ll be known as the go-to consultant for small businesses who want operational clarity without corporate fluff.
2. Clarify Your Mission and Core Values
Your mission tells people what you do, who you serve, and how you do it differently. Your values shape every decision.
My mission: I help companies break through growth plateaus by designing and executing an operating plan so they can maximize their value.
My values: Integrity First, Clarity in Action, Accountability, Strategic Impact, Empowered Talent
3. Set Your Three-Year Waypoint
If your North Star is the destination, your waypoint is the checkpoint. If your North Star is the destination, your waypoint is the checkpoint.
Ask: What revenue/lifestyle do I want in 3 years? How many clients or projects? Will I have a team?
This shapes your strategy filter and helps you prioritize what matters most.
4. Build a One-Year Operating Plan
Pick 3–7 priorities that will move you toward your 3-year waypoint.
Define them with clarity:
"Launch website" "Sign 5 recurring clients" "Host quarterly client sessions"
Make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
5. Break It Down into 90-Day Big Rocks
Quarterly plans create momentum. Each quarter, choose 3–5 Big Rocks (major projects or deliverables) and track progress weekly. If it’s not in your 90-day plan? It probably isn’t a priority.
6. Focus on What You Do Best - Delegate the Rest
You don’t need to do it all. Invest in help early - a designer, a bookkeeper, a tech pro. Focus on your genius work.
7. Launch Like a Pro
You don’t need a big team to operate like a real business.
You need structure, clarity, and courage. Elevate by delegating. Create systems that free you to lead and grow.
Final Thought
Starting a business is bold. You’re betting on yourself—your skills, your vision, and your ability to create value. The more clarity you bring, the more momentum you build.
Start with your North Star. Build with intention. And surround yourself with people who help you grow.
About the Author
John Hogan is the Founder of On the Floor Consulting, where he helps business owners bridge the gap between current operations and future goals by designing and executing actionable operating plans.
John doesn't just sit in boardrooms. He embeds with teams, works on the floor, and leads from within. With over 20 years as COO, CAO, and Chief of Staff, John brings deep experience in building scalable, sustainable, and profitable businesses.
Want to go deeper? Buy We Wish We Had Known: Volume 3 on Amazon.
Together, let's build businesses with clarity, courage, and purpose.
At On the Floor Consulting, we help leaders bake engagement into their operating plans so retention and performance go hand in hand.
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