Why Strategy is the Secret to Moving Your Business Forward
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things in your business but still not making progress, this is for you.
If you feel like you’re constantly reacting instead of acting with intention, you’re in the right place.
And if you’re tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of busy work that doesn’t lead to results—keep reading.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think, ‘Ugh, strategy sounds so corporate and complicated,’ stick with me. Because without a solid strategy, you’re basically running around in circles.
The Endless Action Loop
Too many business owners get caught in what I call the ‘Endless Action Loop'.
They’re busy—checking off tasks, putting out fires, answering emails—but they’re not actually moving the needle in their business. Sound familiar? I’ve been there. I used to think working harder was the answer, surely the harder I worked, the better I got, I even carried this theory with me when I launched my business, but what I really needed was a clear strategy to guide my energy and focus.
Today, I’m breaking down why having a business strategy is the difference between spinning your wheels and actually getting where you want to go.
What is Strategy, Really?
A lot of people think strategy is just a big, complicated business plan. It’s not. And it’s not just goal setting.
Strategy is simply making intentional decisions about where your business is going and how you’re going to get there. It’s about focus—deciding what to do, but more importantly, deciding what not to do.
When you have a strategy, you know:
🔹 What your priorities are
🔹 Where to focus your energy
🔹 What’s actually moving the needle in your business
This means you’re proactive and in control—not reactive. And let’s be honest, reactive businesses rarely last long.
The Three Biggest Strategy Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake #1: Thinking Strategy Is Just a One-Time Thing
Many business owners think, “I wrote a business plan once, so I’m good.” Nope!
Strategy isn’t something you do once and forget about. It’s a living, breathing part of your business. Your business evolves, your audience evolves, and your strategy needs to evolve too. That’s why regularly reviewing your strategy—whether it’s quarterly, monthly, or even weekly—is key.
✅ ACTION STEP: When was the last time you reviewed your business strategy? If it’s been more than 3 months, block out time this week to reflect on what’s working and what’s not.
❌ Mistake #2: Confusing Tactics with Strategy
I see this all the time—business owners jumping from tactic to tactic, hoping one will be the magic bullet.
“Maybe I just need to post more on Instagram.”
“Maybe I should send more emails.”
“Maybe I should launch a new offer.”
But tactics without a strategy? That’s just noise. Strategy is the bigger picture—it answers:
Why are you using this tactic?
How does it fit into your overall goal?
Is it actually leading to sales and growth?
✅ ACTION STEP: Look at one thing you’re doing in your business this week and ask yourself: “How does this connect to my bigger strategy?”
❌ Mistake #3: Not Making Decisions Based on Data
Gut feelings are great—but data is your best friend in business. If you’re making decisions based on what feels right instead of looking at what’s actually working, you might be throwing time and money at the wrong things.
🔹 Do you know where your best leads are coming from?
🔹 Do you know what content is actually driving sales?
🔹 Do you know what’s getting the best engagement?
✅ ACTION STEP: Pick one key metric this week—maybe it’s sales, engagement, or email sign-ups—and track it. Use that data to guide your next move.
How to Start Thinking Strategically Today
Here’s a simple way to approach it. Ask yourself these 3 questions:
1️⃣ Where do I want my business to be in 6 months? (More sales? More visibility? A new offer launched?)
2️⃣ What are the 3-5 key actions that will get me there? (One big focus with a few clear steps.)
3️⃣ What do I need to stop doing? (Are you saying yes to the wrong things, wasting time on social media without a plan, or overloading yourself?)
✅ ACTION STEP: Write down your answers to these three questions. This is the start of your strategy!
Final Takeaways
✨ 1. Strategy isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process. It’s the WHY and HOW behind your business growth—not just goals or tactics.
✨ 2. Tactics without strategy are just noise—always connect them to your bigger goal.
✨ 3. Data matters—track what’s working so you can make smarter decisions.
Ready for more, or want to tell me your challenges book a free Joy Strategy Call Now Here
Or
If you know strategy is important but you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you covered. The 21-Day Strategy Sprint is a step-by-step process to help you build a clear, effective business strategy in just 21 days.
For just £21, you’ll get:
✅ Daily prompts to create a clear, simple business strategy
✅ Actionable tasks that take 15-30 minutes a day
✅ A framework to make strategic decisions—without the overwhelm
