You’re great at figuring things out. It’s one of the reasons you felt confident starting your business in the first place.

And for the gaps in your knowledge? No problem—you’ve got a stack of business books, a lineup of podcasts that could make a marketing professor weep, and a bookmark folder overflowing with “how-to” blog posts. Why spend money on a coach or consultant when you could invest it in something shiny, like a new espresso machine for your office? (Priorities, right?)

Yikes.

This is exactly how so many small business owners approach their ventures. It’s not that they don’t have the money to invest in expertise—it’s that they think it’s a luxury, not a necessity. The buildout, the logo, the Instagram aesthetic—those are the shiny objects. The strategy? That gets pushed to the back burner.

The Friends-and-Family Phase

At first, it feels like you’re crushing it. You launch with enthusiasm, and your friends and family show up in droves to support you. The likes and comments on your Instagram posts are rolling in. Everything is going great.

Until it isn’t.

The initial buzz dies down. The crickets start chirping. You can’t figure out why people aren’t showing up, booking, or buying. So you listen to a podcast, try a method, and wait for the magic to happen.

When it doesn’t, you try another method. And another one. And another one. Fast forward to infinite tries later, and now you’re discouraged, overwhelmed, and panicking. It feels like nothing is working. How can anyone help? You’re convinced your business is broken, and marketing doesn’t work.

The Real Problem

Here’s the truth: the problem isn’t you. It’s not even the methods you’ve been trying. The problem is that these are tactics with absolutely no strategy behind them.

Without a strategy, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. That might work if you’re making dinner, but it’s not how you build a sustainable business.

Start the New Year the Right Way

This isn’t about making resolutions or lofty goals you’ll abandon by February. It’s about committing to a sustainable strategy—one that works for you and your business. Start this year with intention. Build a plan that bakes in growth and retention from the start. Because the best businesses aren’t cobbled together with random tactics—they’re built with purpose.

The Way It Should Be

The way I run my businesses—and the way I teach my clients to run theirs—is with the growth plan baked in from day one.

We don’t do random marketing activities. Everything is aligned with the client in mind, designed for sustainable growth and long-term retention. Instead of chasing tactics and quick fixes, you’re building something intentional, cohesive, and resilient.

This isn’t about working harder or trying everything under the sun. It’s about working smarter, with a strategy that aligns your business goals with your client’s needs.

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, guessing at what might work, and trying every tactic under the sun, it’s time to stop. Start the year with a clear direction and a strategy that sets you up for success—not just for the next few months, but for the long haul.

Click here to schedule a consultation, and let’s turn your business into a well-oiled machine that actually works for you. Because figuring it out on your own is great—but building something sustainable is even better.