Ep 095: Quarterly vs. Annual Planning

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

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CONNECT WITH MELANIE:
www.duxburydigital.co
www.instagram.com/duxburydigital

CONNECT WITH BRANDA:
www.therelevantcollective.com
www.instagram.com/therelevantcollective