You’ve probably heard this a million times:
“Stop working in the business and start working on it.”
But if you’re like most small business owners, you’re probably wondering how to actually make that happen. Between client work, emails, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to get stuck in the weeds.
Here are five tips to help you start thinking more strategically about your business (starting today!):
1. Schedule Strategy Time
Treat your business like your most important client. Block out dedicated time each week to focus on strategy, not operations. For me, that’s Monday mornings. I use that time to review what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Even an hour a week can create massive clarity and momentum.
2. Start with the End in Mind
Before diving into any new project or marketing idea, make sure you know exactly what success looks like. I spoke with a business owner recently who wanted to launch a new campaign but wasn’t clear on the goal behind it. Always ask yourself: Why am I doing this? and What outcome do I want? That clarity will help you make smarter, faster decisions. Develop SMART Goals here and use our Goal Tracker to help you.
3. Document Your Processes
If every task lives only in your head, you’ll never be able to step away or scale. Start documenting how things get done, even if it’s just a simple checklist. The more you can standardize, the easier it becomes to delegate or automate later.
4. Track the Right Metrics
Don’t just measure activity, measure impact. Track metrics that actually move your business forward, like client retention, conversion rates, or revenue per service. Numbers don’t lie; they show you exactly where to focus your time and energy.
5. Revisit the Client Experience
Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. From the moment they need your service and start looking for you, to the moment they refer someone else to you. What’s their experience like? Look for gaps, bottlenecks, and missed opportunities to wow them. Small improvements here can lead to big results in loyalty and referrals.
If you’re ready to take this a step further, The Client Journey program was designed to help small business owners like you map out their customer experience, spot hidden opportunities, and walk away with a clear, strategic plan for growth.
