What Are Frameworks - And Why I Built My Business on One

Steve Freeman
May 21
2 min read

When I started my coaching business, I chose the name Framehouse. Now, I know it should technically be two words, but to me, combining them just flowed better. My thinking was simple: just like a house needs a frame, so does a business.

In construction, the frame determines the design—or perhaps it’s better to say the design determines the frame. Either way, questions must be answered:

How many bedrooms will there be?
Is it a single-story or two-story home?
Where will the kitchen go in relation to the dining room?

In business, it’s the same. If you're a small business owner who wants to be successful—and I assume you are—you need frameworks to optimize performance and drive growth.

So, What Is a Framework?

According to my friend ChatGPT, a framework is a structured way of thinking about a topic. It’s not a script—it’s a guiding structure, a set of principles, steps, or elements that help you:

Solve problems
Make decisions
Achieve results

Think of a framework like scaffolding for your thinking—it supports clarity, focus, and consistency.

In simple terms, a framework is a repeatable way of doing something that works most of the time.

Everyday Examples

One of my favorite examples is Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Whether you're looking to grow personally or professionally, these habits provide a roadmap that has stood the test of time.

Another is Donald Miller’s StoryBrand framework, which helps businesses clarify their message. Whether you’re building a website, writing a blog, or preparing a sales pitch—his framework helps you stay on point and resonate with your audience.

Why Are Frameworks So Powerful?

Here’s what makes frameworks a game-changer for small business owners:

They make things simple. Complexity kills momentum. Frameworks help you break down big challenges into small, doable steps.
They save time . You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.
They help you scale. When your team shares a common structure, you can grow without growing chaotic.
They improve communication. Everyone’s on the same page, speaking the same language.

Finding the Right Framework

But here’s the catch: not every framework works for every business. The key is finding the one (or ones) that best match your vision, your goals, and your team.

That’s what I love doing—helping business owners get unstuck by identifying the right frameworks that give them clarity, direction, and momentum.

Want to Talk Frameworks?

If you’re ready to build your business on a solid foundation, let’s talk.👉 Schedule a call with me today and let’s find the right framework for your next breakthrough.