Planning isn't Strategy.......... #91

Adrian Dionisio - business737 owner
Feb 2, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Mar 19, 2024

Picture of white bord with diagram and post it notes stuck on it — Strategies for your success @business737

Ever find yourself caught in the web of planning, thinking it's the roadmap to success? Be clear: planning and strategy aren't two peas in a pod.

Let's unravel the secrets of strategic planning and how it can transform your solopreneurial journey.

The Comfort Trap of Planning

Picture this: You're knee-deep in planning mode. You've got a list of activities – improving customer experience, opening a new plant, launching a talent development program.

Sounds good, right? Well, not quite. Why? Because you might be missing the crucial ingredient – a strategy.

As a solopreneur, planning might seem comforting. It's about controlling costs, resources, and activities. You decide how many people to hire, what products to launch, and where to allocate resources. But hold on; there's a catch.

The Strategy Advantage

"A strategy is an integrative set of choices that positions you on a playing field of your choice in a way that you win."

In essence, a strategy is a theory. It's not about controlling costs; it's about winning customers. And winning customers? Well, that's a bit trickier. Customers decide, not you.

Southwest Airlines: A Lesson in Strategy Triumph

Remember when major airlines were busy planning routes and schedules? Southwest Airlines wasn't playing the planning game. Instead, they had a strategy – to be a convenient substitute for Greyhound buses. They flew point to point, had a standardized fleet, no in-flight meals, and encouraged online bookings. Their strategy resulted in lower costs and, ultimately, market domination.

Southwest's story teaches solopreneurs that while you're busy planning, a competitor might be figuring out how to win. Are you playing to participate, or are you playing to win?

Escaping the Planning Trap

So, how do you escape the planning trap? Embrace the angst that comes with strategy. It's about stepping into uncertainty, acknowledging that you can't prove success in advance.

It's not being a bad manager; it's being a great leader, giving your business the chance to do something remarkable.

Lay out the logic of your strategy clearly. What must be true for your strategy to work? This allows you to watch, tweak, and refine your strategy as the world unfolds. Keep it simple; a one-page strategy is a powerhouse.

Solopreneur Strategy in Action

Let's bring it home with a client example. Sara, a solopreneur offering freelance graphic design, shifted from mere planning to strategic thinking. She chose a niche – small businesses in need of vibrant branding. Sara's clear logic: if she could offer unique designs at an affordable rate, small businesses would choose her over competitors.

Sara's journey wasn't without its challenges, but by continuously refining her strategy, she became the go-to designer for local businesses.