Let’s just get this out of the way first: if you’re feeling like you’ve got a million tabs open in your brain and no idea where to even begin with your business, you’re not alone. Honestly, welcome to the club.

A thriving business isn’t built on chaos and crossed fingers. It’s built on a solid business foundation. And before you roll your eyes and mutter “Yeah but I just want to get clients/make sales/start doing the thing,” hear me out…

Getting the basics right is what gives your business staying power. Otherwise, you’re basically trying to build a house on jelly. Wobbly. Stressful. Bound to fall over when someone so much as breathes near it.

So let’s simplify this. No jargon. No fluff. Just the three foundational pieces I wish every business owner would focus on from day one (or whatever day you’re on – no judgment here).

1. Set Clear Goals (No More Vague Wishing)

“I just want to make more money.” Cool. How much? By when? Doing what?
Vague goals are like asking your sat nav to take you “somewhere nice.” You’ll end up lost, stuck behind a tractor, or right back where you started.

Clear goals give you focus. They help you make decisions faster. And when you set them properly (think: measurable, achievable, relevant), they give you actual milestones to work towards.

Start with:

  • How much money do you want to make this month?
  • How many clients or products do you need to sell to hit that?
  • What specific actions will help you get there?

Goals are your business’s GPS. Without them, you’re just winging it – and while I’m all for a good improv moment, it’s not a sustainable strategy.

2. Time-Block Like a Boss (Because ‘Winging It’ Is Not a Strategy)

Time-blocking sounds fancy but it’s really just “giving your tasks a time slot instead of hoping you’ll find the time.” You won’t.

Especially if you’ve got dogs, kids, school runs, a full Netflix queue, or just the inability to resist rearranging your stationery drawer.

Time-blocking puts you in charge of your time – not your to-do list. It creates boundaries. It gives your brain space to focus instead of constantly firefighting.

Try this simple structure to start:

  • CEO Time (planning, finances, goals)
  • Client/Revenue Time (actual income-generating work)
  • Growth Time (learning, visibility, creating offers)
  • Admin Time (emails, invoices, updating tech, crying over said tech)

No more “I’ll do it later” energy. When it’s in the diary, it gets done.

3. Nail Your Basics Before You Build Your Empire

You don’t need a million-dollar funnel before you know who your ideal client is. You don’t need to be on five platforms if you don’t have a consistent message on one.

This is where I see so many business owners trip up. They get distracted by all the shiny stuff before the core is sorted. Strategy before structure = disaster. Think burnout, confusion, and asking yourself why you even started.

So instead, let’s get the foundations nailed:

  • Who are you helping?
  • What problem do you solve?
  • What do you want to be known for?
  • How are you tracking your money?
  • What platforms will you show up on consistently?

Don’t get me wrong – I love a good funnel. But you can’t scale something that doesn’t even stand up properly.

You Don’t Have to Know It All to Start

You don’t need to be “ready.” You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a strong foundation, a plan that doesn’t rely on guesswork, and someone to tell you that you’re not stupid for asking questions. (Hi. That’s me.)

So if you’re building your business and feel like you’re in a fog – this is your sign to go back to basics. Set goals. Block your time. Build your foundation.

Once that’s solid, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the rest comes together.

And if you’re still unsure where to begin… come hang out with me on my Instagram. I’ve got how-to videos, templates, and all the step-by-step support you need to actually get it done – without judgment, and with a bit of humour to keep it fun.

Shelly Shulman - Online Business and Tech Expert