Power of Strategy: Why You Need a Game Plan

I still remember the first business I tried to start. I was in my early 20s—hungry for success, full of energy, and brimming with ideas. I had what I thought was a brilliant plan: launching a fashion business. Why fashion? It felt like second nature. My mother was a designer and model, and fashion had always been a part of my life. Plus, people always complimented my style, so, why not?

This will be easy, I thought. In my mind, I already had a built-in customer base. All I needed was a business name, and the sales would come flooding in. Right? Wrong!

What I had wasn’t a business plan—it was just an idea, with no real strategy for growth. What was my brand identity? How would I market my products? What exactly was I selling? Was I running a one-person operation, or would I build a team? Who were my customers? What currency would I charge?

Needless to say, that business never took off. It remained just a name and an idea. Looking back, I had so much to learn about what it truly takes to build a successful business. Thankfully, experience and education changed everything.

Running a business without a strategy is like driving in a foreign country without a map—you’re moving, but you have no idea where you’re going. Whether launching a startup, growing a mid-sized company, or leading a major corporation, a clear strategy sets the foundation for long-term success.

It Really Matters

Strategy is about making smart, informed choices. It defines where your focus should be, how to grow, and where to invest time and resources. Without a clear plan, businesses end up reacting to challenges rather than proactively creating opportunities. This can lead to missed chances—or worse, a failed business.

Profitability Boost

With rising costs and increasing competition, many businesses see a dip in EBITDA. Blindly cutting expenses isn't the way to go but rather, having a strategic approach helps improve efficiency, streamline operations, and increase profitability. Whether it’s automation, optimizing workflows, or focusing on high-margin products, having a strategy makes all the difference.

When I first considered launching my business, I never once thought about managing costs while ensuring efficiency. I never planned for a scenario where I’d be overwhelmed with customers and needed a system to maintain profitability.

It's Not Just About Cost-Cutting

Cost-cutting can only take you so far. Sustainable profit growth comes from strong pricing models, market expansion, product innovation, and real customer value. If the focus is solely on reducing expenses, one risks losing its competitive edge. Firms that invest in strategic growth initiatives and set clear milestones tend to achieve long-term success.

Are we seeing why my "grand idea" was dead in the water before it even started?

The Real Growth Driver

Attracting new customers is great, but keeping them is where true growth happens. A firm strategy always puts the customer experience first—ensuring they stay engaged, happy, and loyal. Bespoke service, consistency, and high-quality support can transform one-time buyers into lifelong customers, reducing churn and increasing profitability.

Had I started my business without thinking about customer experience, I would have damaged my brand’s reputation before it even got off the ground. A lack of strategy wouldn’t just cost me sales—it would cost me trust.

Company Culture - The Backbone

A good strategy isn’t just about revenue—it’s about people. When employees understand the company’s direction and feel connected to its goals, they perform better. A well-communicated strategy fosters innovation, accountability, and a strong workplace culture. Happy, motivated employees contribute to long-term success.

I was a one man show with no culture and no clear goals. I would have been my own miserable employee (laughs in corporate).

Differentiation: Standing Out in a Competitive Market

Companies that invest in strategy always stand out. Success isn’t a matter of luck—it’s about having a clear plan and executing it well. A strong strategy drives revenue, builds loyalty, strengthens company culture, and creates a competitive advantage.

Not having a strategy is like steering a ship without a compass—sooner or later, it drifts off course. If I had launched my business without a strategy, I would have been floating aimlessly, with no clear direction or destination.

Take Apple, for example. Have you ever noticed how there’s always a software update to fix a bug? They consistently identify potential issues and address them before they escalate. That’s strategy—anticipating problems, staying ahead of the curve, and ensuring customer satisfaction at every turn.

Have a Game Plan

Don’t just hope for the best. Have a strategy—no matter how small. Review it regularly. Consider both worst-case and best-case scenarios. Be prepared and have a game plan in place. Because in business, those who plan win.

Don't be 20 something Chanel, learn from experience.