Missed Q1? You Haven’t Missed the Year
A practical approach to setting a 2026 plan when the year is already underway
Just realized the first quarter has evaporated - and you’re feeling like you’ve already failed because your 2026 plan isn’t written or underway? Wondering if you’ve missed the window altogether?
You haven’t. And you’re not alone.
Rather than beat yourself up, redirect that energy into getting a plan in place now. It’s spring - a perfectly reasonable time for a reset.
If your next thought is, “I don’t actually know how to write a 2026 business development plan,” here are a few practical ways to get started.
Think about your current practice and how you’d like to see it grow and develop.
Think about the relationships you have - and the ones you’d like to build.
Think about the unique value you bring to these relationships through your experience and perspective.
Draw inspiration from this thinking to shape your plan for the year.
Keep it simple. A few well‑chosen SMART goals are far more effective than a long list of good ideas you’ll never have time to execute.
As you define your goals, be specific about what you want to achieve, clear about how you’ll measure progress, and realistic about what’s achievable given your time and resources. Make sure each goal aligns with your firm’s or practice group’s priorities, and put a deadline on it. That discipline matters.
Now, write it down. Research shows that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t.
I hope this helps you move past the feeling that you’re late to the party and gives you a simple framework for getting started. With a plan in place, you can move into the remaining 75% of the year with clarity and intention.
About the author
Terry Moore is a marketing strategist and business development coach who works with lawyers and other professionals on strategy, marketing, business development, and client experience. With more than 20 years of senior leadership experience, Terry advises firm leadership and individual practitioners on practical, people‑centred approaches to sustainable practice growth.
Terry can be reached at terry@mooreforprofessionals.com.