306: The 3-Year Plan: Building a Business That Buys Back Your Time

How To Create a 3-Year Business Plan That Buys Back Your Time

If you’ve ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around, you’re not alone. On the latest episode of the Her Empire Builder Show, host Tina Tower dives deep into designing a three-year plan that creates both success and freedom—whatever "freedom" might look like for you.

Why Three Years?

The days of making detailed 10-year business plans are long gone. In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, even three years can feel ambitious. But, as Tina says, three years is the sweet spot: “Long enough to make real changes and see results, short enough to stay realistic in a rapidly changing market.”

Step 1: Start With Your Dream Lifestyle

Before you sketch your business goals or revenue targets, pause and dream a little: What does your ideal day look like? How many hours do you want to work? How often do you want to travel or take time off? Perhaps your freedom looks like taking Fridays off each week or traveling overseas several times a year—like Tina does. The key is to define success on your own terms, not someone else’s.

Tina’s advice: Don’t simply grow for growth’s sake. Grow so your business serves your life.

Step 2: Recognize The Pitfalls of Short-Term Thinking

So many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of constantly launching and reacting to market trends, leaving them on a relentless treadmill with no sense of direction. Tina warns that if you’re only chasing what’s “trending” or obsessing over short-term launches, you risk waking up and wondering, “How did I end up here?”
Instead, plan ahead. Make sure the hard work you’re putting in today is genuinely moving you toward your lifestyle and business goals of tomorrow.

Step 3: Audit Your Current Business Model

Take a close look at every part of your current setup:

• Is your revenue predictable and sustainable?

• Are you spending time or money on things that no longer serve your goals?

• Which offerings feel heavy (or just aren’t selling), and which light you up?

Tina suggests ruthlessly cutting out what doesn’t work, double down on what does, and always keep your business model agile—especially as new tools like AI are changing the way we operate.

Step 4: Build for Leverage and Recurring Revenue

Don’t pin all your hopes on unpredictable launches; look for ways to create steady, recurring income and leveraged digital products. This might mean memberships, masterminds, evergreen courses, automation, or even using AI-driven tools. Your aim should be to create assets that work for you, freeing up your time while still growing your revenue.

Step 5: Design for Energy, Not Just Efficiency

What truly energizes you?
Tina puts travel and big experiences in her calendar before anything else—blocking them as non-negotiables. She suggests you do the same with whatever brings you joy, presence, and creativity.
Protect your CEO time. Leave space for reflection and visioning—your best ideas will come when your calendar isn’t jam-packed.

Remember: Freedom Is The Presence of Choice

In Tina’s words, “Freedom is not the absence of work. It is the presence of choice.” The goal isn’t to hustle forever, but to consciously build a business—and a life—by design, not default.

Take The Helicopter View

Before the year wraps up, take a couple of days to step back and strategically plan your next three years. Build in your boundaries, dream big, and then architect a business that supports your version of a freedom-filled life.