From plan to progress: how digital tools and a 60-day plan can drive business success
In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a strategy is not enough—it’s the execution that drives results. A well-structured 60-day business plan, supported by the right digital tools, helps business owners stay on track, increase profitability, and create a more sustainable operation.
For example, a business with a clearly defined strategy, effectively communicated to key partners and supported by tools tools like weekly reminders, target setting and regular reviews, is more likely to achieve its goals than one with a more disjoined, scattergun approach. This structured, tool backed method ensure that strategic goals turn into measurable outcomes.
Recently, I had the opportunity to facilitate a webinar for the Digital Solutions Program and Adelaide Business Hub on the role of digital tools in supporting a 60-day business plan. It was a great session where we discussed real-world applications, shared success stories from businesses already leveraging digital tools, and provided practical steps for business owners to start implementing these strategies right away. Before we get into the tools, let’s consider the benefits of a 60 day business planning cycle.
Focused Execution: A shorter cycle keeps teams accountable and reduces the risk of losing momentum.
Agility & Adaptability: Regular check-ins allow businesses to pivot quickly in response to market changes.
Clear Measurement of Success: Progress can be tracked effectively, making it easier to identify what’s working and what needs adjusting.
As a business owner, I’ve learnt from others, made mistakes and refined my systems and digital tools to help streamline my business, improve efficiencies and free up my time so that I can do the things that are in my zone of genius: stakeholder engagement, project management, business coaching and facilitation of training. The digital tools we currently use at Cross Country Management include a project management tool (that has customer relationship management capability), an accounting & banking package which allows me to make payments (via card) from my bank account and it is automatically reconciled , an email marketing platform, a shared online calendar (for the first time in history I do not have a physical diary) and others to enhance the customer experience.
In 2025 if we are not using all of the tools in our toolbox, be them physical, or digital, we are doing ourselves a disservice.
What role can digital tools play in assisting you to achieve your business strategy?
Digital tools can be incredibly effective in helping businesses become more efficient, improve the customer experience, and save valuable time. However, they are not a replacement for what we do best. Instead, they should complement our strengths and streamline processes to allow us to focus on the areas where we provide the most value.
Automation tools help reduce manual tasks, allowing business owners to focus on high-value activities. For example, a client of mine recently automated their invoicing system, reducing late payments and saving hours of administrative work each week. Their platform also automatically issues overdue notices which has a 2 fold benefit: the client doesn’t have to ring the customer, and it sets a standard for clients that they will be issued overdue notices as soon as the payment terms have been exceeded.
Digital tools provide real-time insights into business performance. An agribusiness I work with uses an analytics dashboard to track soil moisture and weather data, enabling them to make more informed irrigation decisions and reduce water costs.
As the pace of 2025 picks up, here are three key considerations when reviewing digital tools for your business:
Integration & compatibility – Ensure that new tools work seamlessly with your existing systems to avoid inefficiencies and data silos.
Ease of use & adoption – The best tool is the one your team will actually use. Look for user-friendly interfaces and strong customer support.
Return on investment – Digital tools should either save time, reduce costs, or generate revenue. Assess whether the benefits outweigh the costs.
Digital tools and integration into our business plans and overall strategy can add terrific gains to our businesses. It is essential to ensure that any digital tool you use has safety considerations and that like any online tool, we are using caution when sharing information via digital tools.
The Digital Solutions Program is an Australian Government funded initiative to support the digital growth of small businesses. Here in South Australia, Paige is a registered service provider and in 2025 eligible businesses can access 3 hours of mentoring for $99. Let’s work together to identify the right digital tools for your businesses and set up a 60 day plan that drives real results.