A Strategic Plan is a Roadmap, Not A Guessing Game
I facilitate several groups of million-dollar-revenue CEOs across different industries. I like to start the year off by having them create a strategic plan for their business, so in January, they’re ahead of the game and have a tangible document their teams can follow because they know the direction they need to take.
In every group, there is always at least one person who says, “I’ve never had a strategic plan, and I don’t need to start one after x number of years. Somehow, we always manage to generate revenue. I don’t see the point of the plan. This way, the world is our target!”
In a fast-moving world, it’s tempting for CEOs to believe that agility alone is enough. After all, many founders reach seven figures by instinct, hustle, and the ability to pivot quickly. But here’s the truth: speed without direction eventually creates friction, confusion, and burnout. A clear strategic plan doesn’t slow a company down—it aligns it.
A strategic plan gives your team a shared destination, even when the route changes. Sales teams can’t consistently hit revenue goals if they don’t know the annual target, ideal customer profile, or priority offers. “Go out and bring me some deals” is not a plan. When sales know the “number” and the strategy behind it, they can focus their energy on the right deals instead of chasing everything.
HR faces the same challenge. Without a plan, how can they anticipate hiring needs, invest in the right platforms, or build systems that support growth? Strategy tells HR who to hire, when to hire, and what tools are required to scale responsibly.
Accounting, too, depends on clarity. Spending limits, cash flow planning, and profitability targets are impossible to manage when revenue expectations and growth initiatives are undefined.
In uncertain times, strategy isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about guiding your people. A clear plan empowers your team to move fast together, not just react individually. That’s how real, sustainable growth happens.