Jennifer Lee’s 2011 book, “The Right-Brain Business Plan,” is an innovative approach to business planning that emphasizes creativity and intuition over traditional, left-brain methods. The book is structured to help creative individuals craft a business plan that reflects their unique vision, values, and artistic flair while maintaining practicality and financial viability.

Lee introduces the concept of right-brain thinking, which involves creativity, imagination, and holistic perception. According to Lee, a right-brain business plan allows entrepreneurs to think outside the box and be true to their personal style rather than conforming to rigid, conventional business models.

Action Step: Reflect on your personal strengths, creative talents, and unique perspectives. Make a list of these qualities as foundational elements of your business plan.

Lee emphasizes the importance of starting with a strong vision and set of core values. These elements are the guiding stars for any successful enterprise.

Concrete Example: Lee suggests creating a vision board that includes images, words, and symbols that represent what you want your business to achieve and the principles it will stand for.

Action Step: Gather magazines, photos, and art supplies to create a vision board. Place it somewhere you can see it daily for continuous inspiration and alignment with your goals.

Jennifer Lee introduces the “Painted Picture Plan” as a way to visually depict your business plan. Instead of a text-heavy document, this plan includes drawings, collages, and visually engaging content to outline business goals and strategies.

Concrete Example: Use colored pens and craft materials to sketch out your business model. Create sections for different areas like marketing, operations, and financial goals, and represent them through illustrations and keywords.

Action Step: Dedicate an afternoon to produce a Painted Picture Plan. Hang it near your workspace for motivation and a quick reference to your plan.

Understanding your target market is crucial in Lee’s approach. She advises creating customer profiles to gain a comprehensive view of who you are serving.

Concrete Example: Draw avatars or create collages of your ideal customers. Include details such as age, interests, purchasing behaviors, and lifestyle.

Action Step: Write detailed narratives about your customer personas. Think about their daily routines, decisions, and problems your business can solve.

Traditional marketing can be dry for right-brainers. Lee promotes creative marketing techniques that connect emotionally with customers.

Concrete Example: Develop a marketing plan that includes storytelling, social media engagement, and interactive content. Pair these elements with visual aids to make a compelling marketing strategy.

Action Step: Design a storyboard for a marketing campaign. Outline each scene, write captions, and consider how you can encapsulate your brand’s personality in each frame.

Lee introduces financial planning without the typical intimidation of numbers and spreadsheets. She breaks it down into more relatable and creative tasks.

Concrete Example: Use visual aids like charts, infographics, and bullet journaling techniques to monitor cash flow, profit margins, and expenses. Create a financial dashboard that you can update regularly.

Action Step: Compile a list of financial goals and milestone achievements. Monitor and adjust these goals monthly, using visual representations to show progress.

Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals can be adapted to right-brainers using more interactive and engaging methods.

Concrete Example: Create a visual timeline with color-coded milestones and use stickers or markers to represent different stages of goal completion.

Action Step: Break down your major goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Use a project management tool like Trello or Asana with visual boards to track your progress.

Lee highlights the importance of community and support systems in holding oneself accountable to the business plan.

Concrete Example: Form or join a mastermind group where members can share their plans, give and receive feedback, and provide mutual encouragement.

Action Step: Schedule regular check-ins with your mastermind group or accountability partner. Use these sessions to review progress, brainstorm solutions, and re-align on objectives.

Jennifer Lee includes numerous practices to keep entrepreneurs motivated and inspired. This includes mindfulness, journaling, and creative breaks.

Concrete Example: Maintain a daily journal where you can jot down ideas, reflect on progress, and express gratitude for successes.

Action Step: Set aside 10 minutes each morning for mindful reflection or free writing. Explore your thoughts and emotions related to your business journey.

Lee’s comprehensive guide blends visual and creative methods with practical business tactics. It encourages looking beyond traditional methods and fosters an emotionally satisfying and effective planning process.

Concrete Example: At the end of the book, Lee offers templates and printables to help readers implement their creative plans. These include vision boards, customer profiles, and financial charts.

Action Step: Download and use the templates provided in the book to start crafting your right-brain business plan. Tailor these tools to your personal style and business needs.

“The Right-Brain Business Plan” by Jennifer Lee empowers creative individuals to shape their entrepreneurial endeavors through innovative, engaging, and visually appealing methods. By allowing space for creativity and intuition, Lee redefines traditional business planning processes to help right-brainers succeed in business without sacrificing their inherent artistic traits. This transformative approach ensures that one’s business is not only viable but also vividly aligned with their passions and vision.