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In this episode, we break down the real difference between annual planning and quarterly planning: what each is great for, where they fall apart, and how your personality, capacity, and business season should influence the way you plan for growth. We also walk through a simple hybrid method both of us use (even if we use it differently!) that gives you vision without the overwhelm and structure without the rigidity.

Whether the idea of planning out all of 2026 makes you want to curl up under a blanket or whether you thrive when you can see the whole roadmap at once, this episode will help you understand the strengths and pitfalls of both styles, and how to combine them for your most aligned, profitable year yet.

Tune in as Melanie and Branda Discuss:

• Why annual planning gives clarity, direction, and big-picture momentum
• The common pitfalls of annual planning (including overestimating capacity)
• Why quarterly planning creates flexibility, faster wins, and better pivoting
• When quarterly planning can accidentally keep you reactive instead of strategic
• A hybrid approach: how to set yearly priorities and use quarterly sprints to achieve them
• Real examples of planning for launches, memberships, and seasonal sales

Mentioned in the Episode:
Inquire about a strategy session with Branda here: https://www.therelevantcollective.com/strategy-sessions 

MORE ABOUT CHAOS TO CONVERSIONS

Why did my launch flop? What do I write in my welcome sequence? Is my sales page copy effective? How do I track my ROI? Is it time to hire? There are a million questions that run through your mind as an online entrepreneur. As time goes on, things may feel like they’re getting harder instead of easier, and you may even have days where you want to burn it all down. 

Welcome to Chaos to Conversions, a podcast of practical, no-BS strategies to grow your online business. Here, you’ll gain clarity around the next best steps to take to move your business forward…without working 80 hours a week. From email marketing to KPIs, content planning, SEO, mindset, and more, this podcast will be your new business toolkit.

Your hosts, Melanie and Branda, are two entrepreneurs navigating the ups and downs of running a business. Melanie is an online business manager and launch strategist who has helped her clients generate a combined $1 million in revenue. Branda is a copywriter and content strategist who has helped over 50+ small business owners reach their pinch-me goals. They’ve teamed up to bring you actionable tips and strategies, so you can launch your program, make your first hire, tackle all things copywriting, and more. 

Tune in each Tuesday to be a part of the honest conversation (and laugh along with them). After listening, follow along on Instagram @duxburydigital and @therelevantcollective.