By Alison Pentecost, Bilingual Voice Actor & Host of Freelance Fitness
Why Creative Freelancers Need a Business Plan (Yes, Even You)
Alright, let’s get focused.
New year, new strength, new clarity.
In the latest episode of Freelance Fitness, the workout is built around effort and intention — and your business goals need that same energy.
You probably have goals for this year.
Maybe they’re crystal clear. Maybe they’re still a little fuzzy.
But even with grit, motivation, and talent — and if you’re here, you have all three — goals don’t magically turn into results on their own.
They need a plan.
Not a 40-page corporate document.
Not something rigid that boxes you in.
A clear, flexible business plan that outlines:
- where you’re going
- how you’ll know if it’s working
- and what doesn’t belong on the path
I avoided this for years. I tried winging it. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes… not so much. And the inconsistency was exhausting.
Life has no guarantees — only risks worth taking. You can’t control outcomes, but you can control your focus, your effort, and how often you reassess your direction.
Success isn’t about following the algorithm or copying someone else’s strategy.
It’s about defining what “enough” looks like for you — and building toward that on purpose.
The Hidden Cost of Distractions (a.k.a. Energy Leaks)
When we talk about focus, most people think distractions = phones, notifications, endless scrolling.
But for creative freelancers — especially voiceover artists — distractions are often sneakier.
They look like:
- Projects that don’t align with your long-term goals
- Clients who drain more energy than they’re worth
- Marketing tactics you “should” do but secretly hate
- Busywork that feels productive but moves nothing forward
- Tweaking your logo instead of sending auditions or pitches
- Constantly comparing yourself to other creatives
All of the above?
Yeah. Been there, done that. More than once.
Here’s the rule of thumb I come back to again and again:
If something doesn’t move you toward your goal —
or support your well-being so you can reach your goal —
it’s a distraction.
Your energy is a limited resource.
Where you spend it matters.
Focused creatives deliver better work. Clear systems create better collaborations. A sustainable business benefits everyone involved.
How to Build a Simple, Effective Business Plan
This is where most people overcomplicate things — so let’s not.
A business plan for a creative freelancer should be simple, actionable, and aligned with real life. A few pages. Not a thesis.
Here’s a practical framework you can actually use.
1. Your Vision
Ask yourself:
- What do I want my work life to feel like?
- What kinds of projects light me up?
- Who do I genuinely want to work with?
This is especially important in voiceover, where burnout can sneak in fast if you say yes to everything.
2. Your Offer
Be clear:
- What do you actually sell?
- What problem do you solve for the client?
- What’s the value or transformation they get?
3. Your Market & Positioning
- Who needs your work the most?
- How do you stand out naturally — without forcing a niche that doesn’t fit?
- Where do your best clients spend their time?
4. Your Numbers
Nothing fancy — just honest:
- Income targets
- Baseline expenses
- Booking rate or project volume needed
- Time capacity
Simple metrics you can check monthly beat perfect projections you never revisit.
5. Your Systems
Write down:
- How people find you
- How you onboard clients
- How you deliver
- How you follow up
Even a bare-bones version of these five sections gives you more clarity than most freelancers ever take the time to get — which gives you an edge.
And remember:
- You can adapt the plan
- You can rewrite the plan
- You can throw parts of it out if they stop serving you
The goal isn’t rigidity.
It’s direction.
Your Next Steps (Keep It Simple, Silly!)
- Picture your goal clearly — and put it somewhere you’ll see it.
- Identify one distraction you can eliminate this week. Just one.
- Sketch a one-page business plan using the five sections above.
- Track what you actually do (real behaviour > ideal behaviour).
- Adjust with curiosity, not shame.
This is your path — not anyone else’s.
You’re allowed to want great things.
You’re allowed to take up space.
You’re allowed to build a business — and a body — you’re proud of.
Let’s train with purpose.
Let’s work with intention.
Let’s make this our most focused and productive year yet.
