Written by Mary Fashanu, Business Strategy Consultant
Mary Fashanu is a successful strategy consultant, certified coach by John C Maxwell, published author, and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder of multiple business ventures under the group company, The Maverick Group Inc., and the author of The Limitless You Book, published in 2024.
When businesses thrive, it’s often because they have one thing in common: a clear and actionable strategy. Yet, too many companies overlook the value of a well-thought-out strategy, relying instead on reactive decision-making. This approach might work for a while, but it’s not sustainable for long-term growth. In today’s fast-paced, competitive landscape, strategy isn’t just important; it’s the heartbeat of your business.
Why a clear strategy is essential
Think of strategy as your business’s roadmap. Without it, you’re likely to:
Waste time and resources on activities that don’t align with your goals.
Struggle to make consistent, forward-thinking decisions.
Miss opportunities to optimize operations, expand, or scale effectively.
A strong strategy aligns your vision, operations, and goals, ensuring every effort contributes to measurable success. It provides clarity for your team, confidence for your stakeholders, and focus for your growth initiatives.
A simple framework for creating a winning business strategy
Here’s a four-step framework to help you create or refine your strategy:
Define your vision and goals: Start by identifying where you want to be in 1, 3, and 5 years. Set SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluated, and Reviewed) goals to ensure clarity and focus.
Analyze your environment: Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to understand your internal capabilities and external challenges. Consider industry trends, market shifts, and competitor movements.
Prioritize and plan: Based on your analysis, outline key priorities and allocate resources effectively. This step should include specific action plans with timelines, milestones, and accountability measures.
Monitor and adapt: A strategy is not static. Continuously track progress, evaluate results, and make necessary adjustments to keep your business on track.
What’s next for your business?
If you’re ready to elevate your business with a clear and actionable strategy, we’re here to help. Our team specialises in strategy planning, consulting, and business process optimisation to unlock growth potential.
Book a free strategy discovery session to assess your current approach and uncover opportunities for growth.
Let’s work together to ensure your business not only survives but thrives.
Click here to schedule your session now!
Remember, strategy is not a one-time exercise; it’s a continuous process that drives sustainable growth. Take the first step today, and let’s make your vision a reality.
Read more from Mary Fashanu
Mary Fashanu, Business Strategy Consultant
Mary Fashanu is a strategy consultant, certified John C. Maxwell coach, published author, and serial entrepreneur. She empowers entrepreneurs and service-based business owners to grow their businesses and make an impact. With over a decade of experience in international business, consulting, and coaching, Mary has received numerous accolades. In 2022, she was recognised by the African Business Chamber as one of the top 100 African business leaders and acknowledged by the UK Black Business Guide for her business transformation expertise. She was also nominated for the Northern Power Women’s Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year award. Mary is a speaker, consultant, author, coach, and community builder.
