#86 - 2027 Business Strategy: How to Start the Year With Revenue Secured

In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas discuss why founders should begin planning for the coming year well before January and how early strategic planning can create stronger financial and operational visibility. Following their private client retreat in San Diego, they share how founders can use Q4 to evaluate business performance, secure future revenue, refine offers, and establish clear priorities for the year ahead. Jessica also explains why these decisions should be guided by data rather than emotion, particularly when revenue slows or growth begins to plateau. Together, they discuss: Why annual planning should begin before January How to secure future revenue through renewals and annual agreements The value of entering the new year with committed revenue How to evaluate pricing, profitability, and existing offers Why stagnant growth does not always require a new offer How data can guide stronger strategic decisions What to evaluate across your offer suite, lead journey, systems, and client experience How AI and changing consumer behavior should influence planning Why founders need dedicated time to operate from the CEO level How proactive planning can reduce owner dependency and create greater freedom If you are preparing your business for 2027, this episode will help you evaluate where you are now, identify what needs to change, and build a more intentional strategy for the year ahead. Listen now! Mini-timeline 00:00–02:15 — Why Jessica and Brooke begin planning for the coming year before Q4 is over 02:16–04:28 — Why waiting until January can put founders behind their competitors 04:29–07:40 — Using renewals and deposits to secure revenue before the new year 07:41–09:24 — Creating an implementation timeline without overwhelming your team 09:25–12:21 — Using business data instead of emotion to guide strategic decisions 12:22–15:13 — Evaluating your offers, lead journey, systems, and client experience 15:14–17:06 — Why strategic planning remains essential at every stage of business growth 17:07–19:52 — Creating the time and space to operate from the CEO level 19:53–21:28 — How proactive planning supports greater freedom and reduces owner dependency 21:29-22:14 — Business Planner resource and final takeaways Resources Follow @millionsweremade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tips 2027 Business Planner: https://astounding-founder-8808.kit.com/products/2027-business-planning-bundle Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade | @thejessicamarx Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Website: Millions Were Made