admin Strategic Planning Is a Team Sport: Working with a Strategic Planner isn’t about hiring a guru. It’s about building shared clarity and direction. Here’s how to get the most from the partnership. 1. Come With Business Clarity Problem: Strategy work gets derailed by lack of basic clarity. Analysis: If you’re unclear on your business model … Read more
Strategy Isn’t a Buzzword. Many teams resist Strategic Plans because they think it’s slow, rigid, or only for big companies. These myths cost time and clarity. Here’s what’s really true. 1. “We Don’t Have Time for a Strategic Plan” Assumption: Planning slows us down. Shift: Lack of planning causes waste and rework. Solution: Start small. … Read more
Why Strategic Plans Often Fail: Many leaders think they have a Strategic Plan when what they really have is a list of goals. A true Strategic Plan requires trade-offs, focus, and alignment. When these elements are missing, even the best execution won’t save you. 1. Mistaking Tactics for Strategy Problem: Companies chase short-term wins without … Read more
Working with someone to create your Core Objectives requires more than just showing up, it requires intention. Practice 1: Know Your Purpose (Even if It’s Fuzzy) Problem: Many founders can’t articulate their deeper purpose. Analysis: That’s okay, what matters is curiosity and openness. Action: Come prepared to reflect. What drives you? What impact do you … Read more
Visionary leaders often have extraordinary ideas, but false assumptions can block strategic clarity. Myth 1: “Big visions don’t need structure.” Assumption: If I stay adaptable and fluid, the vision will take shape naturally. Shift: Boldness without clarity leads to chaos. Solution: Structure your vision into three long-range Core Objectives. These become your compass or North … Read more
Why Core Objectives Matter Without clear long-term objectives, even the most visionary businesses stall. These pitfalls are common, but avoidable. Pitfall 1: Mistaking SMART Goals for Strategic Core Objectives Problem: Many founders default to short-term metrics like revenue targets or product launches. Analysis: SMART goals have a place, but they don’t define direction. They are … Read more
Perfect Prospect Persona work is most powerful when you come in prepared. Here’s how to set yourself up for success. 1. Bring Your Data Even if it’s messy or incomplete, sales data, customer interviews, CRM notes. bring it all. Every clue helps us build a truer picture. Tip: Include feedback from both high-value customers and … Read more
There’s a lot of confusion around Perfect Prospect Personas. Let’s bust the myths that prevent teams from doing this work well. 1. Myth: “We Already Know Our Customer” You might know who buys from you, but do you know why they buy? Most teams confuse anecdotal assumptions with actionable insights. Truth: Real understanding comes from … Read more
Perfect Prospect Personas (PPPs) are often treated like a checkbox. But when they’re done poorly (or not at all) they become a silent bottleneck. Let’s unpack three of the biggest mistakes companies make. 1. Treating Everyone Like a Buyer Not everyone who could buy from you should. When you try to appeal to everyone, you … Read more