When we think of strategic planning, we often picture executive retreats, multi-page decks, and teams of leaders hashing out growth initiatives. It’s a tool, we assume, for larger organizations with big ambitions and even bigger budgets.
But what about solopreneurs?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with a few lately, and it’s reminded me just how powerful a focused, scaled-down version of strategic planning can be—especially for a business of one.
Sure, the process looks different. There’s no need to build alignment across a leadership team. You skip the politics and posturing and get right to the good stuff. In a few short hours, you can answer foundational questions that unlock clarity:
- Why am I doing this work?
- Who do I serve best?
- What kind of business (and life) do I want to build?
This kind of clarity can be transformational. When you’re the only one making the decisions and doing the work, focus is everything. Strategic planning for solopreneurs isn’t about building five-year forecasts or prepping for an exit—it’s about using limited resources wisely and creating alignment between your business and your life.
A session like this doesn’t have to be long or expensive. In fact, it shouldn’t be. But done well, it can deliver big value. One or two pages is often all it takes to bring structure to the chaos.
And remember—strategy doesn’t have to be about growth. It can be about clarity. About doing excellent work. About setting boundaries. About building resilience. About making sure the business you’re running actually supports the life you want to live.
If you’re a solopreneur, don’t count yourself out of the strategy conversation. It just might be the thing that gives you the freedom and focus you’ve been looking for.
