How a Strategic Plan Creates Sustainable Business Growth
Note from Crystal: Hey there! Before we dive into intentional marketing, I wanted to say something: this may come as a surprise to you, but even I need a business coach!
I’ve put a LOT of hard work into Oakes Creative House, and I’ve worked all over the world in my career, and I still benefit from pulling in an outside perspective. One of the most beneficial professional relationships I’ve built in the last few years is the one I have with my Business Strategist Danielle Throckmorton.
Danielle has coached me and supported me in more ways than I can count over the years, but most recently, she’s been my business coach as I’ve developed the NEW Marketing Framework and Marketing Roadmap Service at Oakes Creative House.
As we continue to roll out that service, I knew I wanted you all to hear from her firsthand. So, Danielle has been so kind as to guest blog for us in March. Keep reading to hear some of her professional insight. I promise that you’ll love her!
Hey friend,
let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in the small business world—intentional marketing. I know I know… marketing is the first thing that comes to mind as a small business owner! You want to build your brand, attract dream clients, and grow your business revenue as fast as possible. But before you dive into social media, run ads, or invest in that fancy new website, there’s a crucial step that separates thriving businesses from those spinning their wheels: a crystal-clear vision and solid strategic goals.
Many small business owners struggle with marketing, not because they aren’t trying hard enough, but because they don’t have a defined vision for where they’re going. This leads to scattered, inconsistent efforts that feel overwhelming and ineffective. Marketing without direction is like trying to hit a bullseye while blindfolded and spinning in circles. Instead, intentional marketing ensures every move you make supports your goals, speaks to your audience, and sets you up for long-term success.
Why You Need a Strategy Before Diving All In On Your Marketing
Jumping into marketing without a plan is like an archer walking into a competition blindfolded, with mismatched arrows and no target in sight. Sure, you might hit something, but you’ll waste precious arrows, drain your energy, and likely miss opportunities for that perfect bullseye. Every experienced archer knows that success comes from careful preparation, proper alignment, and a clear vision of your target before you draw your bow.
Oftentimes, clients come to me frustrated because they’re showing up on social media but not getting any results, or they’ve hired a social media manager, but their revenue goals still aren’t shifting. As a revenue strategist on time, money, and energy, I see clients frustrated with their marketing agency’s output or not getting a return on investment from their time and marketing. Almost always, it’s because they jumped straight into marketing without taking the time to create a proper roadmap first.
Effective goal setting is the foundation of any successful marketing strategy. Too many entrepreneurs jump straight into content creation, ads, or branding before asking themselves these big questions:
- What’s your mission? What is the deeper purpose behind your business?
- Who is your ideal audience? Who do you serve, and how do you make their lives better?
- What’s your long-term vision? Where do you want to be in one, three, or five years?
- What are your strategic goals? How does your marketing support your bigger vision?
Every piece of content, every campaign, and every client interaction should align with your bigger business goals. As a multi-passionate entrepreneur and business strategist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial this alignment is for sustainable growth.
The Power of Intentional Marketing
Intentional marketing isn’t about being everywhere all the time. It’s about showing up in the right places, with the right message, for the right people. Business owners who embrace intentional marketing see better results because they:
- Prioritize strategy over trends: They don’t jump on every new marketing hack—they focus on what truly moves the needle.
- Stay consistent and aligned: Their messaging, branding, and outreach all work together seamlessly.
- Measure and refine: They track results, assess what’s working, and make data-driven adjustments instead of guessing.
When you take an intentional approach to marketing, you attract the right clients, avoid wasted effort, and grow your business on purpose—not by accident. This approach has helped me successfully grow and scale multiple 6-figure companies, and it can work for you, too.
Why Goal Setting Matters Before Scaling
Thinking about hiring a VA? Expanding your team? Bringing on a social media manager or marketing team? These are amazing moves, but only if you’re clear on where you’re headed. Too many business owners try to scale before they’ve laid the proper foundation, which leads to more stress, not less.
As a small business owner, making these moves at the right time is crucial for sustainable growth. Before scaling, make sure you have:
- A Defined Business Vision: Growth should be aligned with your long-term mission.
- Key Performance Metrics: You need to know what success looks like (so you’re not just guessing).
- Solid Goal Setting Strategy: You should have a vision strategically mapped out to help you direct your efforts, your team, and your energetic output.
When your vision and goals are locked in, scaling becomes so much easier. You can confidently make strategic decisions instead of feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up.
Actionable Steps to Set a Clear Vision (Before You Market!)
If marketing feels overwhelming right now, take a deep breath and step back. Here’s how to get clear on your business vision and strategy first:
- Clarify Your Mission: Define the deeper purpose behind your business and why it exists.
- Identify Your Ideal Audience: Understand exactly who you serve and how your business improves their lives.
- Map Out Your Long-Term Vision: Set clear goals for where you want your business to be in one, three, and five years.
- Establish Strategic Goals: Outline key business milestones that will keep you focused and progressing with confidence.
Align Marketing with Your Vision: Ensure every campaign, content piece, and client interaction supports your bigger business objectives.
Final Thoughts: Vision Casting and Goal Setting First, Marketing Second
Before you jump into marketing, take a pause. Get crystal clear on your vision, goals, and strategy. When you build your marketing on a strong foundation, your efforts become intentional, strategic, and way more profitable.
Through proper goal setting and strategic planning, you can create a marketing approach that truly serves your business vision. As a Business Strategist specializing in empowering female entrepreneurs, I’ve seen the transformative power of this approach. It’s not just about growing your business; it’s about designing a business that serves your life rather than the other way around.
So, before you hit “post” on your next social media campaign, ask yourself: Does this align with my bigger vision? If the answer is yes—go for it! If not, take a step back and realign.
Want more support in building a business that works for you? I’d love to connect! Come hang out with me on Instagram @Danielle_Throckmorton, or check out my website for resources to help you grow with intention. Whether you’re looking for personalized 1:1 Coaching, a VIP Day experience, or to join my Elite Accelerator Mastermind, I’m here to help you create a streamlined strategic plan that accelerates your success in life and business.
Love you big!
Danielle Throckmorton
Business Revenue Strategist 9x Award-Winning Business Owner
