Strategy on a single page
When you hear the word strategy, do you imagine a 100-page document full of corporate jargon? For many small business owners, the idea of writing a strategy feels overwhelming and out of reach. But here’s the thing: strategy doesn’t have to be complicated.
A Strategy on a Page (SOAP) is a simple, focused way to organize your business goals and the steps to achieve them. It’s not about creating a masterpiece—it’s about giving your business the clarity and direction it needs to grow. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or endless hours to get started.
What is a Strategy on a Page (SOAP)?
A SOAP is exactly what it sounds like: a one-page strategy document. It helps you boil down your business's vision, goals, and actions into a concise format that’s easy to follow and share.
Here’s what it typically includes:
Vision: Where do you want your business to be in the future? (Read How to Write a Vision)
KPIs: Key metrics to measure success.
Strategic Imperatives: The big things you must achieve to reach your vision.
Initiatives/Tactics: The practical steps to make those imperatives happen.
This one-page approach works because it’s actionable, not overwhelming. It forces you to focus on what really matters and keeps you—and your team—aligned.
Why Small Businesses Need Strategy (Even on a Single Page)
Many small businesses operate day-to-day, reacting to challenges as they come. While this can keep the doors open, it doesn’t build momentum. A strategy gives you:
Clarity: You’ll know what success looks like and how to get there.
Focus: Avoid distractions by focusing on what matters most.
Motivation: A clear vision can energize your team and yourself.
A SOAP is particularly valuable for businesses in their first few years of growth. It bridges the gap between “just getting by” and “scaling with purpose.”
How to Create Your SOAP
Writing a strategy doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling out your Strategy on a Page:
Step 1: Define Your Vision
What’s your big-picture dream for the business? This isn’t just about making money—think about the impact you want to have.
Example: "To be the most trusted local bakery, serving high-quality artisan bread to our community."
Step 2: Identify Your KPIs
How will you measure success? Choose 3-5 metrics that matter most to your business.
Example KPIs:
Increase monthly sales by 20%.
Achieve a 4.8+ rating on Google Reviews.
Secure five new wholesale accounts in the next year.
Step 3: Set Your Strategic Imperatives
These are the major areas you need to focus on to achieve your vision. Think of them as the pillars holding up your strategy.
Example:
Improve product quality.
Expand customer base.
Enhance marketing efforts.
Step 4: Plan Your Initiatives/Tactics
Now it’s time to get practical. For each imperative, list specific actions you can take to make progress.
Example for “Improve Product Quality”:
Source higher-quality ingredients.
Train staff on new baking techniques.
Conduct customer taste tests.
Why SOAP Works
A SOAP doesn’t just live in a folder on your computer. It’s a working document—something you can pin to your wall, share with your team, and revisit regularly. Its simplicity is its power: you’re not bogged down by unnecessary detail, so you can focus on execution.
Take the First Step Today
Creating a strategy doesn’t have to feel like climbing a mountain. With the SOAP template, you can start small, keep it simple, and give your business the direction it needs.
Want to give it a go? I’ve created a free, easy-to-use SOAP template that you can download right now. Just sign up for my blog, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Remember: strategy isn’t about perfection. It’s about getting started. And with a single page, you’re already halfway there.
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