Business Planners for Every Small Business Owner

November 6, 2023

Despite the ubiquity of electronic calendars, many entrepreneurs and business owners still use — and can’t live without — a physical business planner.

It’s a good place to write everything from meetings and appointments to to-do lists and contact information. All of this important information can live in one handy place.

The bonus? You don’t have to worry about whether your phone is charged or the internet connection is working to access it.

But choosing the best planner for you can take some research. How do you know which business planner suits your needs and work style? It’s good to compare planner sections, format, and size to find the one that fits your needs.

Here are the key types of business planners to consider.

Traditional Business Planners

Looking for a place to keep track of your schedule and write down your to-dos and contact information? A traditional planner might fit the bill.

You can choose the format that fits your needs, whether a daily planner, weekly planner, or monthly planner. You also have a wide selection of brands, each with its own design and format. So, compare options like AT-A-GLANCE and Blue Sky.


Professional Note-Taking Systems

A professional note-taking system might be the ticket if you need to take and organize many notes — whether at meetings or while brainstorming.

Discbound planners, such as TUL note-taking systems, allow you to add and rearrange pages and sections, custom-designing your planner as you see fit. You can color-code pages, add dividers for easy organization, or add calendar pages for keeping track of your schedule.

Calendars

Beyond having a traditional business planner or notebook, you may need a quick and accessible way to view your schedule for the day or week or jot down tasks you (or your team) need to do. Desk calendars or dry-erase calendars that can be mounted on a wall are a natural solution.


As you choose your planner, think about how you can improve your time management and organizational skills in the year ahead. The right business planner can help you do just that. 

About the Author

Kelly Spors is a freelance writer and editor based in Minneapolis. She previously worked as a staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal, covering small business and entrepreneurship.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.​