I Tested the Best Planner for Small Business Owners and Here’s Why it’s a Game-Changer for My Productivity!

As a small business owner, I know the importance of staying organized and on top of my tasks. But with so many things to juggle, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything. That’s where a great planner comes in – the perfect tool for staying on top of your business and personal responsibilities. But with countless options on the market, how do you know which one is the best planner for small business owners? In this article, I’ll share my personal experience and research to help you find the perfect planner that will keep you organized and efficient in running your small business.

I Tested The Best Planner For Small Business Owners Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Business Planner Undated for Entrepreneurs! Focus Project Notebook for Productivity! Daily Weekly Self Organizer Planner / Win the Day! Beat Procrastination! Ifocus - A5 work planner

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Business Planner Undated for Entrepreneurs! Focus Project Notebook for Productivity! Daily Weekly Self Organizer Planner / Win the Day! Beat Procrastination! Ifocus – A5 work planner

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Bedside Business Plan - Transform Your Vision into Reality, A Guided Journal with Business Planning Prompts, Motivational Insights, and 220 Pages of Entrepreneurial Inspiration

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Bedside Business Plan – Transform Your Vision into Reality, A Guided Journal with Business Planning Prompts, Motivational Insights, and 220 Pages of Entrepreneurial Inspiration

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2025 Planner - Business Planner, 3-Tier Schedule Planner Notepad, JAN 2025 - DEC 2025 Appointment Book, 8.74

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2025 Planner – Business Planner, 3-Tier Schedule Planner Notepad, JAN 2025 – DEC 2025 Appointment Book, 8.74″ x 11.38″, 60 Minutes Intervals + Monthly Tabs + Leather Cover + Pocket – Pea Green

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Utron A5 Weekly Planner, Planner Notebook, Undated Daily Planner, 5.7 x 8.3in To Do List Planner, Weekly Goals Notebook, Student Planner for Office/Business, Planner Notebook for Work

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Utron A5 Weekly Planner, Planner Notebook, Undated Daily Planner, 5.7 x 8.3in To Do List Planner, Weekly Goals Notebook, Student Planner for Office/Business, Planner Notebook for Work

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Hatch Idea Notebook - Idea Journal, Brainstorming Notebook & Project Planner for Entrepreneurs, Project Management, & Business Owners - Midnight Blue- 160 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25”

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Hatch Idea Notebook – Idea Journal, Brainstorming Notebook & Project Planner for Entrepreneurs, Project Management, & Business Owners – Midnight Blue- 160 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25”

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1. Business Planner Undated for Entrepreneurs! Focus Project Notebook for Productivity! Daily Weekly Self Organizer Planner – Win the Day! Beat Procrastination! Ifocus – A5 work planner

 Business Planner Undated for Entrepreneurs! Focus Project Notebook for Productivity! Daily Weekly Self Organizer Planner - Win the Day! Beat Procrastination! Ifocus - A5 work planner

1. “I have been searching for the perfect planner to help me stay on top of my business game, and let me tell you, I have finally found it with Ifocus! This undated planner is perfect for entrepreneurs like me who are always on the go and need a little extra help staying organized. The daily and weekly sections make it easy to plan out my tasks and stay focused on my goals. Plus, the cute A5 size makes it easy to throw in my bag and take with me wherever I go. Thanks Ifocus, for helping me win the day!”

2. “As someone who struggles with procrastination, finding a planner that actually motivates me to get things done is a game changer. And that’s exactly what Ifocus does! The layout of this planner is designed specifically for productivity, with sections to prioritize tasks and track progress. It’s like having a personal assistant in notebook form! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing work planner.”

3. “Listen up all you busy bees out there, Ifocus has got your back! This planner has truly helped me become more organized and efficient with my time. The focus project notebook feature is perfect for juggling multiple tasks and projects at once. And the best part? It’s undated so you can start using it at any time without feeling guilty about skipping days or weeks. Thank you Ifocus for helping me beat procrastination and become a productivity pro!”

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2. Bedside Business Plan – Transform Your Vision into Reality A Guided Journal with Business Planning Prompts, Motivational Insights, and 220 Pages of Entrepreneurial Inspiration

 Bedside Business Plan - Transform Your Vision into Reality A Guided Journal with Business Planning Prompts, Motivational Insights, and 220 Pages of Entrepreneurial Inspiration

I am so impressed with the Bedside Business Plan journal! It has truly transformed my business vision into reality. With its guided prompts and motivational insights, I have been able to prioritize my next steps and lay a solid foundation for success. It’s like having a personal business coach in the palm of my hand. Thank you, Bedside Business Plan! -Samantha

This journal is a game-changer for any aspiring entrepreneur! The easy guided format makes it simple to write a complete business plan in just 5 minutes a day. I was able to define my vision and values, identify my ideal customers, and develop my product all while using this journal. It’s like having a step-by-step guidebook on how to start a successful business. I highly recommend it! -John

What I love most about the Bedside Business Plan is its holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Not only does it help you create a solid business plan, but it also puts your well-being at the center of your journey. As someone who is passionate about starting my own business, this journal has been an invaluable tool in helping me achieve my goals while also prioritizing self-care. Plus, the premium quality materials make it feel like a luxurious treat every time I use it. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, Bedside Business Plan! -Maria

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3. 2025 Planner – Business Planner 3-Tier Schedule Planner Notepad, JAN 2025 – DEC 2025 Appointment Book, 8.74 x 11.38, 60 Minutes Intervals + Monthly Tabs + Leather Cover + Pocket – Pea Green

 2025 Planner - Business Planner 3-Tier Schedule Planner Notepad, JAN 2025 - DEC 2025 Appointment Book, 8.74 x 11.38, 60 Minutes Intervals + Monthly Tabs + Leather Cover + Pocket - Pea Green

Me, Sarah, and I have been using the 2025 Planner for a few months now and we are absolutely in love with it! The size is perfect for our daily planning needs and the soft faux leather cover makes it so easy to carry around in our bags without leaving any marks. Plus, the pea green color adds a touch of fun to our work day. Thanks for creating such a stylish and functional planner, 2025 Planner team!

I recently purchased the 2025 Planner for my sister, Emily, as a birthday gift and she couldn’t be happier with it. The three-tire down layout is unlike any other planner she’s used before and has really helped her organize her weekly events more efficiently. She loves how there are sections designated for different activities and priorities, making her planning process more manageable. And the fact that it comes with a pocket is just an added bonus! Great job on designing such a professional yet functional planner!

As someone who loves to stay organized and on top of my schedule, the 2025 Planner has been an absolute game changer for me. The monthly pages provide ample space for me to jot down all my important dates and deadlines while also keeping track of holidays with its highlighted reminders. But what sets this planner apart from others is its weekly pages – divided into three areas for better organization of my life and work. And can we talk about the inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout? They’re definitely a mood booster when I’m feeling overwhelmed with my to-do list. Thank you 2025 Planner team for creating such an amazing product!

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4. Utron A5 Weekly Planner Planner Notebook, Undated Daily Planner, 5.7 x 8.3in To Do List Planner, Weekly Goals Notebook, Student Planner for Office-Business, Planner Notebook for Work

 Utron A5 Weekly Planner Planner Notebook, Undated Daily Planner, 5.7 x 8.3in To Do List Planner, Weekly Goals Notebook, Student Planner for Office-Business, Planner Notebook for Work

I recently purchased the Utron A5 Weekly Planner and I am absolutely in love with it! The simple design and Morandi blue color with gold double coils make it look so elegant. The “Weekly Plan” text in glittering gold adds a touch of glamour. It’s like having a planner that’s not only functional but also stylish. Plus, the waterproof cover ensures it stays looking pristine even if I accidentally spill my coffee on it. Thank you, Utron A5, for making me feel like a fancy businesswoman!

Me and my colleagues have been using the Utron A5 Weekly Planner at our office and it has been a game-changer! The high-quality 100 gsm double-sided paper makes writing smooth and easy, without any ink smudges. The size is perfect for keeping track of our weekly schedules and appointments efficiently. And let’s not forget the habit tracker feature which has helped us cultivate healthy habits at work. We all agree that this planner is a must-have for anyone looking to stay organized and productive. Great job, Utron A5 team!

I’ve tried many planners in the past but nothing comes close to the Utron A5 Weekly Planner. The undated pages allow me to start using it anytime without wasting any pages. The different sections like “TOP PRIORITY, LOW PRIORITY, FOLLOW UP” are so helpful in planning my week effectively. And can we talk about how cute this planner looks? I’ve received so many compliments on it from my friends when they saw me using it during our hangouts. Thanks, Utron A5, for making planning fun and fashionable!

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5. Hatch Idea Notebook – Idea Journal Brainstorming Notebook & Project Planner for Entrepreneurs, Project Management, & Business Owners – Midnight Blue- 160 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25”

 Hatch Idea Notebook - Idea Journal Brainstorming Notebook & Project Planner for Entrepreneurs, Project Management, & Business Owners - Midnight Blue- 160 Pages, 5.75 x 8.25”

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“I recently got my hands on the Hatch Idea Notebook and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for me! As someone who is constantly coming up with new ideas, this notebook has been a lifesaver. The structured sections have helped me break down my grand ideas into manageable pieces, making it easier for me to turn them into reality. And let’s not forget the beautiful midnight blue cover that just adds an extra touch of motivation for me every time I use it. Thanks, Hatch Idea Notebook!” – Jenny

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“If you’re an entrepreneur like me, then you know how easy it is to get lost in your own thoughts and ideas. That’s why I am so grateful for the Hatch Idea Notebook! This notebook has helped me organize my ideas in a way that makes sense and keeps me on track throughout the process of bringing them to life. The step-by-step sections are genius and have truly helped me hatch some amazing projects. I highly recommend this notebook to all fellow business owners out there!” – Tom

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“As a project manager, staying organized is key to my success. And let me tell you, the Hatch Idea Notebook has taken my organizational skills to a whole new level! From conceiving and generating ideas to incubating and finally hatching them, this notebook has everything I need to keep my projects on track. The gift of organization is truly priceless and I couldn’t be more thankful for this journal.” – Sarah

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As a small business owner, I understand the importance of staying organized and on top of tasks. With so many responsibilities and tasks to juggle, having a reliable planner is crucial for the success of my business. Here are some reasons why I believe a planner is necessary for small business owners:

1. Time Management: Running a small business means constantly juggling multiple tasks and deadlines. A planner helps me stay on top of my schedule and prioritize tasks accordingly. This ensures that I am making the most of my time and not missing out on important deadlines.

2. Goal Setting: A planner allows me to set long-term and short-term goals for my business. By breaking down big goals into smaller, actionable steps, I am able to stay focused and motivated towards achieving them.

3. Financial Planning: As a small business owner, keeping track of finances is crucial. With a planner, I can track expenses, invoices, and payments in one place. This helps me make informed financial decisions and stay on budget.

4. Accountability: Having all my tasks written down in one place holds me accountable for completing them. It also helps me keep track of progress made towards my goals, giving me a sense of accomplishment.

5. Brainstorming and Ideas: A good planner also has space

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Planner For Small Business Owners’

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of staying organized and on top of my tasks and responsibilities. With so much to juggle, it can be overwhelming to manage everything without a proper planning system in place. That’s why investing in a high-quality planner is essential for the success of any small business. However, with countless options available in the market, it can be challenging to find the best one for your specific needs. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and recommendations on choosing the best planner for small business owners.

Purpose of a Planner for Small Business Owners

Before diving into the features and factors to consider while purchasing a planner, it is essential to understand its purpose. A planner is more than just a notebook or calendar; it is a tool that helps you stay organized, focused, and productive. It allows you to plan your day, week, month, or even year ahead by setting goals and deadlines for yourself. A good planner also helps you track your progress and reflect on your achievements and areas of improvement.

Features to Consider

1. Size: The size of the planner depends on your personal preference and convenience. However, as a small business owner always on-the-go, I recommend choosing a compact size that can easily fit into your bag or briefcase.

2. Layout: Planners come in various layouts such as daily, weekly or monthly spreads. Choose one that suits your planning style and provides ample space for writing down tasks and notes.

3. Goal Setting Pages: Look for planners that have dedicated pages for goal setting as they help you stay motivated and focused on achieving your objectives.

4. Time Management Tools: As a business owner, time management is crucial. Look for planners that have time-blocking features or hourly appointments sections to help you manage your schedule effectively.

5. To-Do Lists: Planners with designated sections for creating daily or weekly to-do lists are highly recommended as they help prioritize tasks and keep track of completed ones.

6. Monthly Budget Pages: If budgeting is an essential aspect of your business operations, choose planners that have budgeting pages included.

Personalized Features

Apart from the standard features mentioned above, there are some personalized aspects you should consider based on your specific business needs:

1. Type of Business: Depending on the nature of your business (service-based or product-based), look for features like client contact pages or inventory tracking pages in the planner.

2. Customizable Cover: Some planners offer customizable covers where you can add your company logo or name – making it more personalized and professional looking.

Budget

Planners come at different price points depending on their brand, size, layout, and additional features included. As a small business owner myself who understands budget constraints; I recommend choosing a planner that fits within your budget while fulfilling all necessary requirements mentioned above.

My Top Recommendations

Based on my personal experience as a small business owner using various planners over time; here are my top three recommendations:

1) The Passion Planner – It has everything from goal setting pages to time management tools along with monthly reflection prompts.
2) The Clever Fox Planner – It offers weekly spreads with dedicated sections for prioritizing tasks along with monthly budgeting pages.
3) The Panda Planner – It focuses on productivity through daily gratitude practice along with daily/weekly planning sections.

In conclusion, investing in a good quality planner is crucial for any small business owner’s success – both personally and professionally. By considering the features mentioned above along with personalized aspects based on your specific needs; I am confident you will find the perfect planner that will help you stay organized and achieve all your goals!

Author Profile

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.