As a business writer and legal template creator for over a decade, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs launch ventures with incredible passion…and face unexpected hurdles. The journey is rarely a straight line. Often, it’s a series of pivots, adjustments, and, yes, revisions. That’s where the spirit of “if at first you don't succeed, try, try again” – a sentiment echoed throughout history – becomes absolutely critical. But perseverance isn’t just blind optimism; it’s informed adaptation. And that adaptation requires a solid, revisable business plan. This article explores the origin of the if you don't succeed try try again quote, its relevance to business, and provides a free, downloadable business plan revision template to help you navigate those inevitable course corrections. We'll also touch on the famous WC Fields quote about persistence and the broader history of the if at first you don't succeed quote.
Tracing the exact origin of “if at first you don't succeed, try, try again” is surprisingly complex. While often attributed to Thomas Edison, the phrase predates his famous lightbulb experiments. The earliest known written version appears in a 1893 essay titled “Try, Try Again” by Orison Swett Marden in Success Magazine. However, Marden wasn’t claiming originality; he was referencing a much older proverb. The sentiment itself dates back to medieval times, appearing in various forms in Latin and early English writings. The core message – the value of persistent effort – has resonated across cultures and centuries.
Interestingly, WC Fields, known for his cynical wit, offered a contrasting perspective: “It’s not what you say that matters, but what they think you said.” While seemingly dismissive of effort, it highlights the importance of how you present your ideas, a crucial element often needing revision in a business plan. Both perspectives – the relentless pursuit and the careful communication – are vital for entrepreneurial success.
A business plan isn’t a static document. It’s a living, breathing roadmap. Think of it less as a prediction of the future and more as a hypothesis to be tested. Here’s why revisions are not only normal but essential:
Ignoring these signals and stubbornly sticking to an outdated plan is a recipe for disaster. Embracing revision is a sign of adaptability, intelligence, and a commitment to building a sustainable business.
While the IRS doesn’t require a business plan, it’s a critical document for several tax-related purposes. Specifically, your business plan informs your projected income and expenses, which are used to estimate your tax liability. Significant deviations between your plan and your actual financial performance can raise red flags during an audit. (See IRS.gov Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center for more information.)
Therefore, keeping your business plan updated and accurately reflecting your financial situation is crucial for tax compliance. Revisions aren’t just about strategic adjustments; they’re about maintaining accurate records for the IRS.
To help you navigate the revision process, I’ve created a free, downloadable template. This isn’t a complete business plan from scratch; it’s designed to be used with your existing plan. It focuses on identifying areas needing adjustment and documenting the rationale behind those changes. The template is structured around the key sections of a typical business plan:
| Section | Revision Focus | Key Questions to Address |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Summary | Overall Plan Alignment | Has the core business concept changed? Are the key objectives still realistic? Does the summary accurately reflect the current state of the business? |
| Company Description | Mission & Value Proposition | Has our understanding of the target market evolved? Do we need to refine our value proposition? Are our competitive advantages still relevant? |
| Market Analysis | Target Market & Competition | Are our market size estimates accurate? Have new competitors emerged? Have customer preferences shifted? Do we need to adjust our marketing strategy? |
| Organization & Management | Team & Structure | Have there been changes in the management team? Do we need to adjust our organizational structure? Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined? |
| Service or Product Line | Features & Benefits | Have we identified opportunities to improve our product or service? Do we need to add or remove features? Are we addressing customer pain points effectively? |
| Marketing & Sales Strategy | Channels & Tactics | Are our marketing channels delivering the desired results? Do we need to adjust our pricing strategy? Are we effectively reaching our target market? |
| Funding Request (if applicable) | Financial Needs & Projections | Do we need to adjust our funding request? Are our financial projections still realistic? Have our burn rate and runway changed? |
| Financial Projections | Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow | Are our revenue projections accurate? Have our expenses changed? Is our business financially sustainable? (Consider using sensitivity analysis – what happens if sales are 10% lower than expected?) |
| Appendix | Supporting Documents | Update any supporting documents (market research reports, resumes, permits, etc.) to reflect the current state of the business. |
Each section of the template includes:
Download the Free Business Plan Revision Template (Microsoft Word format)
Here are some tips to ensure your revisions are productive and impactful:
Ultimately, the ability to revise your business plan effectively is a reflection of your resilience and adaptability. Remember the wisdom of the if at first you don't succeed quote – it’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it and persevering. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, but with a solid plan, a willingness to adapt, and a persistent spirit, you can increase your chances of success. And remember, even WC Fields, with all his cynicism, understood the power of presentation – refining your message is just another form of trying again.
Disclaimer: I am a business writer and template creator, not a legal or financial advisor. This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions.