Over the years, I have had the honor of meeting and supporting countless entrepreneurs who are deeply invested in their work. They show up early, stay late, and do everything in their power to serve their customers and keep things moving. That dedication is admirable, but it’s not enough. The most successful business owners I’ve seen don’t just work “in” their business; they have to consistently make time to work “on” it.
It’s easy to become consumed by the daily grind, it happens to the best of us! When you’re managing operations, solving problems, and putting out fires, stepping back to think strategically can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But the truth is, you can’t afford NOT to. Working “on” your business means taking a broader view—focusing on the systems, structure, and over-arching vision that will sustain and scale your business over time.
This kind of leadership requires intention. It means asking the hard questions: Where is the business going? What obstacles are holding it back? How can you create processes that allow others to take ownership, so you’re not the sole engine driving everything forward? What can I do better to expand and grow this business? What do I need to learn? Strategic thinking isn’t just for large corporations—it’s the foundation of long-term success for businesses of every size…