Mapping Out Strategic Decisions
A Delicate Balance
It’s no secret that as a solopreneur or business owner, making decisions in the moment and on gut instinct is a part of the job description. And especially in today’s times, pivoting may feel like an annual, if not quarterly, part of the strategy.
Relying on your gut and the work you’ve done are valid and powerful tools. There is also something to be said about taking the time and intention when it comes to making strategic decisions. The delicate needle to thread is finding the balance between the two: Listening to your gut and giving it space to breathe.
I remember when we had come to the conclusion to close our beloved yoga studio. We had arrived to that decision by many different means. There was the impostor syndrome asking how were we even qualifying to do this. There was the rage and exhaustion over the lying and gossiping employee. There was the elation and peace knowing we could take a break and stop carrying what was so heavy. There was the global pandemic of it all. Each day brought on a new set of emotions and facts to wade through.
Questions to Hold
Casey Carroll of Bold Woman Brands coined the phrase Questions to Hold. I appreciate this because while it invites us to get curious, it also leans into giving things space to breathe. When making decisions for our business and/or marketing, having some time to be responsive instead of reactive is always a plus. I know this isn’t always the case, things move so fast in today’s day and age, but it’s a nice practice to keep on the table.
Here are some questions to hold and consider when mapping out a strategic move:
What’s happening today that is impacting my thoughts and feelings on this?
What past information or data do I have to support this, or counter it?
What’s the lift (mental, emotional, logistical, and financial) going to be? To either get to the decision or after it’s made?
Who can I bring in on this to be a trusted sounding board so it’s not an isolated decision?
How will I communicate the decision? Does it need to be a public-facing explanation, to an internal team, stakeholders, or something else entirely?
And for clarity, what I’m referring to when I say “strategic decision” could be a variety of things. Rebranding, overhauling a website, hiring someone, firing someone, implementing new software, a marketing campaign, merging streams of revenue or creative endeavors, collaborating with a partner, launching a brand, closing up shop, or starting something entirely new. The decision, and even the questions to consider, are unique to you. Perhaps this is just a starting point to get you thinking about how to connect strategic thought to decision making.
My Own Strategic Decision
I’ve been writing an iteration a newsletter since July of 2021. I love connecting and sharing through this channel. And in October of 2023, I launched a separate channel for all of my creative, personal essay writing to live, The Diary of a Hungry Girl
In both places, there is a lot of on brand Gemini Sun, Leo Rising stuff happening. Which is to say, the need to process my feelings via communication alongside some Look At Me energy.
As of late, the separation of the two has been diverting my focus and just overall not feeling clear. What am I even writing about? Am I even writing? Does literally anyone care?
That’s me being a bit dramatic and vulnerable, and it’s also true most days. And in a marketing world where loads of people keep pushing the idea to niche down, I’m feeling a lot of resistance to that.
In a sense, I’m overthinking. But I’m also at a place where a strategic decision could come into play: Do I merge my Substack publications?
Here is where I’m at in my decision making process and the questions I’m currently holding:
I’m giving it time. And in that time, I’m doing some digging and info gathering on what the pros, cons, and capabilities of this platform are. Can I (as seamlessly as possible) achieve my desired outcome? I’m also keeping things as is for the time being.
I’m evaluating the lift. It’s going to take time and a lot of figuring out logistics for this to be smooth. So I’m also considering, will that be worth it? Do I want to put forth that effort?
I’m asking for feedback. I’m so grateful to be a part of a weekly Substack Mastermind comprised of incredible writers. I’ve been in conversation with them about this, asking specific “what if” questions and getting clear on goals. It’s been invaluable not to be isolated in my own head when deciphering a decision.
I’m writing about it. LOL. Thanks for bearing with my processing process. I always learn from and get inspired by others who are Working-In-Progressing out loud, so perhaps this can be received as such.
So Much Noise
We’ve been in the Information Overload Era for quite some time now. Making any sort of decision is a cumbersome effort. It can be really hard to sort through the noise and get quiet enough to listen. So, thank you for reading and for being here. I know solo is the main component to being a solopreneur, but not having to go at this entirely alone is something I’m so grateful for.
Lastly, if things feel stable or ok in your biz or brand at the moment (or in general your brain and your heart are open to receiving more), check out the Hope is a Duty podcast. It’s filled with snippets of joy and robust resources to stay engaged politically and connected to humanity.
Resolution Reached
After processing via writing and getting direct feedback from my awesome Substack Mastermind group, I merged my publications! You can catch all my writing in one place now.
The article The Substack Safety Kit (Made After Watching a Friend’s Substack Vanish) from Parents Who Think was a helpful resource, and serious deep dive, in my merging process.
The lift was A LOT of manual tasks but in the end, I’m glad I’ve done it. My whole body of work is now in one place, and going through the process got my archive and files nice and organized. And I’m so glad you’re all still here with me!
Keep being awesome and keep being you, because you’re so on brand. <3