Strategic planning is one of those things that’s easy to push off because, let’s face it, running a business keeps you busy. But here’s the deal: if you don’t have a clear plan, it’s way harder to hit your goals. You’ll just be spinning your wheels instead of moving forward.

At Duct Tape Marketing, we’ve been tweaking our strategic planning process for years, and it’s been a game-changer. Since we started using this approach, we’ve grown our revenue by over 20% every year. 

If you’re ready to map out your best year yet, let’s take a look at how we do it.

What Is Strategic Planning, Really?

Strategic planning is just a fancy way of saying you’re making a plan to reach your goals and figuring out how to take action. It’s about thinking big (one-year and three-year goals) and then breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks you can focus on every quarter.

A lot of people skip strategic planning because they feel too busy, or they don’t follow through after they make the plan. That’s why having a simple system makes all the difference.

Our Go-To Framework for Strategic Planning

At Duct Tape Marketing, we mix mindset, goal-setting, and action steps into a process that actually works. Here’s how:

1. Get Clear on What Matters to You

Before you dive into business goals, take a minute to think about your personal values. What drives you? What matters most? When you’re clear on this, it’s way easier to stay motivated and make decisions that align with what you care about.

Try This:

Grab a notebook (or our handy spreadsheet) and brainstorm what’s important to you. Is it work-life balance? Making an impact? Financial security? Once you have your list, rank your top 10. These are your guideposts for staying focused and grounded as you plan.

2. Lay the Foundation for Your Business

Your business needs a strong foundation. This means knowing your purpose, values, what makes you unique, and who your ideal customers are. This step sets the stage for everything else you’ll do—from marketing to operations.

Ask Yourself:

• Why does my business exist? What’s the deeper purpose?

• What values define how we operate and interact with clients?

• How are we different from competitors in our space?

• Who are we trying to help? What do they need from us?

Taking the time to answer these questions creates clarity and ensures every decision you make aligns with your bigger picture.

3. Write Down Your Goals

If you don’t write it down, it’s not a real goal—it’s just a wish. Studies show that people who write their goals are way more likely to achieve them. For your business, focus on revenue and profit targets for the next year and three years.

SMARTER Goals:

We use a twist on the classic SMART goals. Our SMARTER goals are:

• Specific: Clear and actionable.

• Measurable: Define success with