Choosing the Best Business Planner for Owners and Entrepreneurs

Staying organized and on top of tasks is crucial for success in most people's everyday lives. In the scope of the business world, that sentiment might ring even more true. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a budding entrepreneur, having a reliable business planner can make all the difference in managing your daily activities and achieving your long-term goals.

There are countless options available in the market, and that makes choosing a planner daunting. The key is to find a business planner that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. In this guide, our planning experts will help you explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best business planner and highlight some top choices.

Learn more about how to use a planner for beginners.

How to Choose the Best Business Planner

Size

The first consideration when choosing a business planner is the size that suits your lifestyle and workspace. For both large and small business owners, a planner that is too large may be cumbersome to carry around, while one that is too small might not offer enough space for detailed planning. While you’re looking for the right planner size, explore all of your options, from compact options perfect for on-the-go entrepreneurs to larger formats for those who prefer a more spacious layout.

Compact Portability: On-the-Go Entrepreneurs

For those constantly on the move, a compact-sized planner is a game-changer. Compact planners are designed to slip easily into a bag or briefcase, ensuring you have your planning companion with you wherever business takes you. This size is the best planner choice for entrepreneurs who need quick access to their schedules, to-do lists, and important notes without the burden of carrying a bulky planner.

An A5 planner or PetitePlanner Organization System may be just right for you.

Classic Dimensions: The Balanced Choice

Classic-sized planners strike a perfect choice for work-life balance, offering enough space for detailed planning while remaining portable. This 7x9 size is ideal for individuals who want a comprehensive planner that can accommodate both broad overviews and specific daily tasks. It provides enough room for creativity and organization without overwhelming your workspace or bag.

Larger Planners: Spacious Planning for Detailed Minds

For those who thrive on detailed planning and prefer a larger canvas, 8.5” x 11” planners provide an expansive layout. These planners offer more room for intricate notes, elaborate to-do lists, and detailed scheduling. The 8.5” x 11” size is the best planner choice for business owners who appreciate the luxury of extra space and find comfort in having a comprehensive overview of their business activities.

Format

The format of a planner plays a crucial role in how effectively it helps you manage your business tasks. Consider whether you prefer a spiral-bound, softbound, ring binder, or digital planner. Fit your planner to your lifestyle and routine. If you are looking for a compact and portable planner you may want to opt for the softbound version. If your planner will be safely living on your desk then you might prefer the ring binder format.

Everyone has a different lifestyle and your best planner should fit into that routine and schedule. Make sure to look at the different formats of these yearly calendars and find your best fit.

Layout

The layout of a business planner determines how information is organized on each blank page. For both physical planners and digital planners, a daily planner is ideal for individuals with a high volume of tasks, while a weekly planner layout provides a broader view of the week ahead. Monthly planners are excellent for setting long-term goals and milestones.

The best planners come in various formats, ensuring you find the one that best fits your planning style. Some individuals prefer a structured layout with designated spaces for specific tasks, while others may prefer a more open and customizable design. Planners are known for their thoughtfully designed layouts that balance structure and flexibility, allowing you to tailor the planner to your unique needs.

Explore more planner layouts for work and all areas of your life.

Quality

Investing in a high-quality planner ensures durability and longevity, important factors for a tool you'll be using daily. High-quality planners consist of premium materials, sturdy covers, and thick, high-quality paper.

In a world filled with digital planners a well-constructed paper planner not only withstands the wear and tear of daily use but also provides a satisfying tactile experience.

Personalization Options

A personalized productivity planner can add a touch of your personality to your daily routine. Offering a range of customization options, allowing you to choose the cover design, color scheme, and even add your name or a motivational quote. Personalizing your productivity planner can make it feel more like a reflection of your identity, motivating you to use it consistently.

Learn more about how to start planning.

The Best Planners for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Life Planner

The LifePlanner™ is a popular choice among business owners and entrepreneurs for its versatility and comprehensive layout. In this list of best planners, the LifePlanner™ is one of the only options with monthly, weekly, and yearly planning sections, it accommodates various planning preferences. The colorful and stylish design adds a touch of creativity to your planning sessions, making it an inspiring tool for achieving your personal goals.

Focused Planner

For those who prefer a more specialized approach, the Focused Planner is designed to help you concentrate on specific areas of your business. It includes dedicated sections for goal setting, project planning, and tracking key performance indicators. This focused approach can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs with targeted objectives or ongoing projects.

A5 Weekly Planner Ring Agenda

The A5 Weekly Planner Ring Agenda is a compact and portable solution for busy entrepreneurs on the move. Its industry-standard six-ring binding allows for easy customization and rearrangement of pages, ensuring that your planner adapts to your evolving needs. Despite its smaller size, it doesn't compromise on functionality, providing ample space for weekly planning.

The A5 LifePlanner™ Ring Agenda may be the perfect planner fit.

Custom Monthly Planner

For those who prefer a simplified approach to planning, the Custom Monthly Planner is a clean and minimalist design. It allows you to focus on high-level goals and priorities without the distraction of daily or weekly details. This option is the perfect choice for entrepreneurs who want a bird's eye view of their month at a glance.

Learn more about daily, weekly, and monthly planning tips.

Tips for Using a Business Planner

Streamlining Tasks and Responsibilities

One of the primary purposes of a business planner is to streamline your tasks and responsibilities. Use designated sections for to-do lists, deadlines, and important meetings to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. The planners, with their well-thought-out layouts, provide dedicated spaces for these essential elements of your business routine.

Enhancing Time Management and Productivity

Effective time management is a cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship. Use your planner to allocate specific time blocks for different tasks, helping you stay organized and focused throughout the day. Erin Condren's planners often include features like hourly layouts, ensuring that you can plan your day with precision.

Keeping Track of Important Tasks and Events

As a business owner, it's crucial to keep track of important day-to-day tasks and events that contribute to the growth of your venture. Utilize the monthly and yearly planning sections in your planner to mark significant milestones, deadlines, and business-related events. Having a visual representation of your schedule helps you stay proactive and prepared.

Setting Goals and Priorities

Goal-setting is a fundamental aspect of business success. Use the goal-setting pages in your planner to outline both short-term and long-term objectives. Breaking down larger goals into actionable steps can make them more manageable and achievable. You can find an assortment of planners that include goal-specific sections to guide you through this process.

Organizing Creative Ideas

Entrepreneurship often involves creative thinking and innovation. Use a dedicated section in your planner to jot down creative ideas, brainstorming sessions, and insights. Customizable planners allow you to integrate creativity into your planning process, making it a holistic tool for both analytical and imaginative aspects of business.

Having the right tools can make a significant impact on your success in the business world. A well-chosen business planner not only keeps you organized but also serves as a motivational tool to propel you to reach your goals.

With the diverse range of options offered in the market, you can find a planner that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. Take your time to explore the the best planners that resonate with your style and goals and start the healthy habit of enhanced productivity and business success.

You may also enjoy these business planning tips and productivity hacks:

• How to Start a Business
• How to Use a Planner for Home + Work
• How to Stay Organized at Work