223. “Why You Need a 90 -day Strategic Plan” with Marc L Daniels Artwork

Business Mastery Podcast

Business is dynamic. And everything affects you and your business. Fight with your mother-in-law? Mindset struggle? Market Changes? YUP. So, we're going to talk about it all. No topic is off limits.

The goal for every episode is to offer a new and different perspective or provide actionable strategies you can implement now. On the topics you need, to help you run the small business you love, more successfully. To master your own business and to master yourself as its leader and decision maker.

Every Wednesday Dawn K. Kennedy, an attorney, author, mentor and the CEO of Convoy Road Coffee Roasters, releases a new episode for your middle of the week dose of ideas and inspiration. In 45 minutes or less.

Small bites, expert guests, big impacts.

Whether you are a new or seasoned entrepreneur, this show is about all the things around making a bigger impact with your pursuit and growing into your entrepreneurial vision.

All Episodes

Business Mastery Podcast

223. “Why You Need a 90 -day Strategic Plan” with Marc L Daniels

June 03, 2026 • Dawn Kennedy • Season 1 • Episode 223

0:00 | 42:36

Send us Fan Mail

Dawn talks with strategic planning coach Marc L. Daniels about why annual planning no longer works for small and medium businesses in a fast-changing economy and technology landscape. Mark shares his background in building and selling businesses and argues that plans fail without disciplined execution. He contrasts spreadsheet forecasts and overly thick binders with a focused quarterly plan built around four elements: strengths, weaknesses, trends (instead of a long list of opportunities), and the biggest obstacle. He explains how trends—positive or negative—can be leveraged, citing examples from the 2008 financial crisis, tariffs affecting a pool company, and COVID. Mark recommends using AI tools to identify trends, reviewing customer and geographic data, assigning project leaders, setting weekly milestones, holding weekly leadership meetings, and tracking leading metrics to keep quarterly projects on track.

Who is Marc L. Daniels, and whom does he serve? (00:51)

Strategic Plan Basics (03:02)

Strengths And Weaknesses (04:56)

Trends And Obstacles (07:09)

Surfing Trends Quarterly (08:54)

Negative Trends Case Study (10:03)

Broader Economy Signals (12:35)

Coffee And Macro Trends (17:01)

Tariffs COVID And Discipline (21:27)

Finding Trends With AI (26:27)

Execution Weekly Cadence (32:57)

Where To Find Mark (39:57)