A while back, I decided to get active again after some health challenges. I started with a weekly dance class and eventually committed to three times a week, thinking the extra effort would yield results. But despite all the dancing, I wasn't seeing the progress I hoped for. So, I joined a gym, added some resistance training, and expected a breakthrough.

Months later, the scale told a dramatically different story. I knew I needed to change my approach, but I wasn’t sure how. That’s when I stumbled on a free body composition assessment at my gym. A trainer walked me through the results and offered a free session. I wasn’t planning to invest and was honest about it up-front, but moved forward with his encouragement.

About midway through that one session, I could feel my efforts shifting—my body was working in a more optimized way. I realized that if I was ever going to achieve the results I was looking for, I needed an expert beside me. With just a few adjustments, I noticed a real difference. I began working with him once a month, and in the first month alone, I lost 6 pounds—not by working out more, but by working out smarter.

The Power of Expert Direction

Of course, it’s so easy to do the same when building a small business. We put in the hours, try different tactics, and hope that our hard work will pay off. But without the right direction, we end up spinning our wheels.

Can you cobble together your own business plan or marketing strategy? Absolutely. The same way you can combine ingredients without a recipe or build something without instructions. But should you? Well—that depends on how long you want to wait to see results and how much you value your time. Having expert guidance is like having a proven recipe or detailed instructions; it speeds up the process and ensures you get the outcome you’re looking for.

Just like in fitness, success in business isn’t always about putting in more time or effort—it’s about knowing where to focus your energy. When your strategy is guided by someone who understands what’s needed to achieve your goals, you’re able to make real progress faster.

Finding the Right Balance

I understand that money is often the big deterrent when it comes to investing in professional help. That’s why I recommend striking a balance. Hire a professional to craft your high-level strategy, and then figure out what you can handle on your own once you have the roadmap in place. This way, you can ensure that at minimum, you’re following the right path.

That’s exactly what I do with my trainer: we meet once a month, he shows me what I should be working on and how to optimize my form. Then, I push myself through the workouts until the next month, when we recalibrate. It’s the perfect balance between guidance and self-direction.

Ready to Work Smarter, Not Harder?

To help you get started, I’ve linked a checklist with some free tools that’s broadly applicable to getting any new business off the ground.

If you’re past the stage of dipping your toe in, an optimized, informed strategy is what will ensure you reach profitability early, stand out, and sustain your momentum.

If you’re tired of putting in effort without seeing the results you want, it’s time to bring in some expert direction. Let’s create a tailored marketing strategy for your business, so you can make every move count and finally reach your growth goals.

Click here to schedule a connection call and discover attainable ways we can work together to achieve the results you deserve.