Here’s a clear, no-fluff guide. 7 steps, tested and doable, even if you’re not running a Fortune 500 (yet).

1. Start with your ‘why’ (seriously)

I know, I know. You’ve heard this a hundred times. But it’s not fluff. If you don’t know why your business exists — beyond “make money” — it’s going to show. And people (clients, partners, even your own team) can feel it.

Your ‘why’ is what gives direction to every decision. Want to build a company that helps local artisans grow online? Or maybe you’re obsessed with simplifying accounting for freelancers? Whatever it is, write it down. Make it loud and clear.

2. Define where you’re going — and be specific

“Grow the business” doesn’t cut it. Grow how? In revenue? In people? In impact?

Set concrete objectives. “Hit £500K turnover by December”, “open a second location in Manchester”, “reduce churn by 15% in 6 months”… You get the idea. If your goal isn’t measurable, it’s just a nice wish.

3. Know who you’re talking to

Too many businesses build a strategy based on who they think their audience is. Guesswork is dangerous. You need data.

Look at your actual customers. Talk to them. Send a quick survey. Check analytics. Who buys? Why do they buy? What frustrates them? What do they type into Google at 11pm when they’re looking for a solution like yours?

One founder I worked with realised her main buyers weren’t startups, but mid-size agencies — completely changed her roadmap.

4. Study the market (yes, again)

Markets move fast. What was true last year may be irrelevant now. New competitors show up. New tech reshapes the field. COVID taught us that the hard way.

Don’t overcomplicate it. A simple SWOT analysis still works. Look at what others are doing right — and where they’re failing. That’s often where the best opportunities are hiding.

5. Pick your 3-5 strategic pillars

This is your battle plan. Your “how”. Based on everything above, what are the few core areas you’ll focus on?

Examples? Customer experience, product innovation, partnerships, operational efficiency, international growth. Don’t pick ten. Pick a few. Nail them.

One client of mine chose just two: mastering customer retention and becoming the top-rated solution in her niche. Six months later, both KPIs were climbing.

6. Translate strategy into real actions

This is where most strategies die. On PowerPoint slides.

Take each strategic pillar and break it into actions, owners, and deadlines. Who does what, by when, and how will you know it’s working?

Tools like Notion, Trello or even a simple spreadsheet can do the job. The key is follow-up. Monthly check-ins, weekly priorities. It’s boring, maybe — but it works.

7. Review, adjust, repeat

No strategy survives untouched for 12 months. Things change. You’ll make mistakes. Some ideas will flop. That’s normal.

Set moments to pause and review — every quarter minimum. What worked? What didn’t? What needs to shift?

One founder I admire blocks half a day every first Monday of the quarter to review strategy. Phone off, no calls. Just deep focus. Try it — it’s a game changer.

Final thoughts

Building a strategy isn’t just for “big” companies. It’s for any entrepreneur who wants to stop reacting and start steering. Whether you’re solo or leading a 20-person team, a clear direction changes everything.

So, ready to map your next move?