I don’t have time for strategy
Let’s get something straight: if you’re running a small business and think you don’t have time for strategy, you’re not alone. It’s a common excuse. After all, who has time to sit around planning when the phone’s ringing, customers are complaining, and invoices need paying?
Here’s the problem: that’s bullshit. You do have time for strategy. You just think strategy is something it’s not.
Strategy isn’t about wasting hours writing a 50-page document no one will read. It’s not about fancy graphs or jargon-filled slideshows. Real strategy—action-oriented strategy—is about focusing your energy on what matters, so you’re not running yourself ragged fixing the same problems over and over again.
Let’s break down how this works.
Why Most Strategic Plans Don’t Work
If the word "strategy" makes you roll your eyes, I get it. A lot of what’s sold as strategy is overcomplicated nonsense. People write plans they can’t follow, filled with buzzwords like "synergy" and "optimisation" that don’t mean anything to real business owners.
Here’s the truth:
A strategy isn’t about looking clever; it’s about knowing what to do next.
A strategy isn’t a thing you write; it’s a tool to make decisions.
A strategy isn’t a plan that gathers dust; it’s a playbook you use every day.
Action-Oriented Strategy: What It Is (and Isn’t)
What it is:
A clear, actionable guide to help you focus your energy and resources.
A way to prioritize what really matters so you stop wasting time on what doesn’t.
A tool that helps you solve the right problems and seize the best opportunities.
What it isn’t:
A time-sucking academic exercise.
A massive report you write once and never look at again.
A magic wand that fixes your business overnight.
An action-oriented strategy is more like a compass than a map. It doesn’t show you every step, but it keeps you heading in the right direction, even when the path gets messy.
Why Small Businesses Can’t Afford to Skip Strategy
I know what you’re thinking: “That’s great, but I don’t have time to stop and think about strategy when I’m trying to keep my business afloat.”
But here’s the irony: by not stopping, you’re making things harder for yourself.
You’re fixing the same problems over and over because you’re treating symptoms, not causes.
You’re spreading yourself too thin because you don’t know what to prioritize.
You’re leaving money on the table because you’re chasing every opportunity instead of the right ones.
The Secret to a Strategy You’ll Actually Use
A strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn’t be. If you can’t explain your strategy on one page, it’s too much.
Here’s what an action-oriented strategy includes:
Your Goal (The Big Picture): What’s the one thing you’re trying to achieve?
Example: Increase revenue by 25% next year.
The Key Challenges (The Roadblocks): What’s getting in your way?
Example: Low customer retention, outdated processes, and weak online presence.
The Focus Areas (The Fixes): What are the 2-3 areas you need to focus on to overcome those challenges?
Example: Improve customer service, streamline operations, and invest in digital marketing.
The Actions (The Playbook): What specific steps will you take to make progress?
Example: Launch a customer loyalty program, automate invoicing, and hire a digital marketing consultant.
That’s it. No fluff, no jargon—just a clear plan you can act on immediately.
The Power of Simplicity
Here’s the thing about strategy: it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about knowing where to start.
When you have a strategy—an actionable one—you stop reacting to every little thing and start taking control. Instead of running yourself into the ground doing everything, you focus on doing the right things.
And when you do that? Your business grows. Your workload feels manageable. Your problems don’t just get patched up—they get solved.
Let’s Make It Happen
If the idea of writing a strategic plan still feels intimidating, don’t worry. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll help you craft a plan that’s as simple as it is powerful—one you’ll actually use.
Let’s stop the cycle of firefighting and start building a business you love to run.
It’s not about finding time for strategy. It’s about making time to stop wasting it.
