Run Your Business Like an Airplane

Part 1 of the “Build Your Business Like an Airplane” Series

Imagine you’re the pilot of a plane headed from Dallas to New York. At first, everything feels smooth. But then you notice the right engine losing power, causing the plane to tilt off course. You check the instruments—no flight plan. You glance out the window: one wing is only half there. And now, the fuel gauge is dropping fast.

Not exactly the flight you signed up for, right?

This isn’t how anyone would design an airplane. And it’s not how you should run your business, either.

Many business owners feel like they’re constantly wrestling to keep everything “in the air.” Growth feels unpredictable. Exhaustion sets in. It’s easy to wonder if you’re even headed in the right direction.

That’s where the Airplane Framework comes in.

Donald Miller, in How to Grow Your Small Business, compares your company to an airplane with six essential systems. When all six are healthy, your business soars. When one falters, the whole flight gets bumpy—or worse.

Here’s what each part represents:

🧭 Cockpit – Leadership & Vision

💡 Right Engine – Marketing

💰 Left Engine – Sales

🛩️ Wings – Products/Services That Work

🧍 Body – Operations

⛽ Fuel Tanks – Cash Flow

Over the next few weeks, I’ll break down each part—why clear leadership is your flight plan, how marketing and sales provide thrust, why great products create lift, and how strong operations and healthy cash flow keep you flying for the long haul.

Before Part 2, I’d love to hear from you: Which part of your business “airplane” feels strongest? Which one keeps you up at night? Drop a comment or send me a message—let’s make sure your business is built to fly.

✅ Next Up: Part 2 — The Cockpit: Why Clear Vision Keeps Your Business on Course.