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Strategy & Planning

10 guides about strategy & planning for business owners.

Strategy & Planning·intermediate·11 min read

Building a Competitive Moat: Sustainable Advantages for Small Business

A competitive moat is what keeps others from easily copying your success. Here's how small businesses can build durable advantages that compound over time.

By Josh Caruso·Jan 23, 2026
Strategy & Planning·intermediate·11 min read

Pivoting Your Business: When to Change Direction and How

Knowing when to pivot is one of the hardest decisions in business. Learn how to recognize the signals, evaluate your options, and make the change without losing what you've built.

By Doug Ebenal·Jan 22, 2026
Strategy & Planning·beginner·10 min read

Annual Planning: A Simple Process for Small Business

Annual planning doesn't need to be a corporate ritual. Here's a straightforward process that takes a weekend, not a quarter, and gives you a roadmap you'll actually follow.

By Josh Caruso·Jan 21, 2026
Strategy & Planning·advanced·11 min read

Succession Planning: Who Runs the Business After You?

Whether you plan to retire, step back, or prepare for the unexpected, succession planning ensures your business survives the transition. Here's how to start.

By Doug Ebenal·Jan 20, 2026
Strategy & Planning·advanced·11 min read

Exit Planning: Preparing Your Business to Sell (Even If You're Not Ready Yet)

Most small business owners wait too long to think about their exit. Start planning now so you have options later -- whether that's selling, merging, or passing it on.

By Josh Caruso·Jan 19, 2026
Strategy & Planning·beginner·10 min read

Market Research for Small Business: Low-Cost Methods That Work

You don't need a $50,000 research budget to understand your market. Here are practical, low-cost methods that give you real insight into customers, competitors, and demand.

By Doug Ebenal·Jan 18, 2026
Strategy & Planning·intermediate·10 min read

Goal Setting: OKRs, KPIs, and What Actually Drives Action

OKRs, KPIs, SMART goals -- there's no shortage of frameworks. Here's how to cut through the jargon and set goals that actually change how your business operates.

By Josh Caruso·Jan 17, 2026
Strategy & Planning·beginner·9 min read

SWOT Analysis: A Practical Framework for Decision Making

SWOT analysis gets taught in every business class, but rarely done well. Here's how to use it as an actual decision-making tool instead of a pointless exercise.

By Doug Ebenal·Jan 16, 2026
Strategy & Planning·intermediate·9 min read

Competitive Analysis: Understanding Your Market Position

Stop guessing where you stand. Learn how to systematically evaluate your competitors, identify gaps in the market, and position your business where you can actually win.

By Josh Caruso·Jan 15, 2026
Strategy & Planning·beginner·8 min read

Writing a Business Plan: Who It's Really For

A business plan isn't just a document for lenders. Learn how to write one that actually helps you run your business, make decisions, and stay focused on what matters.

By Doug Ebenal·Jan 14, 2026

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