Did You Budget For That?

Important Update: The 5-Minute Strategist Is EvolvingAfter 100 quick strategic questions designed to help you think differently, I'm launching something new.Introducing The reModel — conversations with experienced founders and operators who've actually executed the strategic and operational shifts you've been thinking about.Why the change?The 5-Minute Strategist helped you ask better questions. The reModel shows you how to actually execute when your business is still running and everything's on fire.What You Get:The reModel (Public Feed):10-minute curated episodes every Thursday with strategic highlights and key insights from practitioners who've done the work.The Founder's Feed (Free Private Podcast):Full 60+ minute unfiltered conversations with:Actual costs and mistakesTactical execution detailsControversial takes that don't make the polished versionThe tangents that reveal how someone actually thinksEverything nobody posts on LinkedInNext Steps:Keep this feed if you want to revisit The 5-Minute Strategist episodesSubscribe to The reModelFirst episode launches January 8th.If The 5-Minute Strategist helped you think strategically, The reModel shows you how to execute.About The reModel:Host Diane Mayor (fractional COO, former investment banker) sits down with founders and operators who've rebuilt businesses while they were still running. Advanced strategies. Real execution. For founders ready for what's next.

If all you want to do once you hit that big revenue goal you're chasing is shut the business down, that doesn't seem like the best use of the time, money, and energy it will take for you to get there.Takeaways: Building a sustainable business requires balancing financial success with personal fulfillment and energy. Recognizing personal motivations for starting a business is crucial for long-term perseverance. Aligning your business goals with your core values avoids friction in daily operations. Embracing change as an opportunity helps entrepreneurs adapt and innovate despite market fluctuations. Continuous learning and personal development keep entrepreneurs engaged and prevent burnout over time. Setting operational and personal growth goals alongside revenue targets ensures a fulfilling business journey.

In the words of Inigo Montoya, "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." When you realize your CRM is a system, not a software, it becomes infinitely more valuable.Takeaways: A CRM should encompass the entire customer journey, not just email marketing. It's essential to track all connections with potential leads, regardless of source. Many businesses overlook the data their CRM can provide beyond simple email engagement. Using a simple system like Google Sheets can be more effective than complex software. Understanding customer lifetime value is crucial for refining your CRM strategy. Most existing CRM systems fail to capture the full range of customer interactions.

SMART goals might be key to achieving results but they can also make you play small by limiting you to what feels attainable in a year. As you head for 2025, it's time to dream big before you set smaller goals.Takeaways: Setting a long-term vision for your business is crucial for motivating your team. Focus on expansive thinking for long-term success rather than just short-term revenue. Your vision should excite everyone in your business, not just focus on financial goals. Explore what opportunities excite you and align with your clients' needs for 2025. Ask yourself if your current goals are keeping you in your comfort zone. A compelling vision makes it easier to engage with your daily work and plans.

It's easy to get lost in the chase for your next business goal, only to reach it and wake up to find yourself feeling unfulfilled because you forgot to allow for personal growth alongside the business growth.Takeaways: It's essential to align your daily actions with your long-term vision and personal goals. Personal development should not be a neglected item on your to-do list; prioritize it. Color coding your calendar can visually reveal whether business or personal goals dominate. Reflect on your personal growth goals and evaluate how they contribute to your well-being. Work-life balance involves both time management and focus on personal development. Don't forget the reasons you started your business; they should guide your current actions.

We know we make an impact with our clients, but how can we make a bigger impact with our business even if we don't have the financial means right now?Takeaways: As entrepreneurs, we must consider how our core values influence our business impact. Finding a balance between financial success and making a positive impact is essential. We can create an impact without solely relying on financial contributions to causes. Our values remain consistent, allowing us to pivot our impact as we grow. Social responsibility can manifest in practices that enhance sustainability within our business. Engaging our community can amplify our efforts to make a difference in the world.

If we all became our own bosses to make our own rules and if we all know rest is essential to our performance, why is it so hard for us to escape the need to push or push through? And Q4 is this feeling on steroids!Takeaways: Taking a break can often lead to unexpected workload, as seen during my hiatus. Many self-imposed deadlines in small businesses can create unnecessary pressure to perform. It's crucial to assess the actual consequences of missing a goal by year-end. Burnout often starts subtly, revealing itself when you lose excitement for your work. Prioritizing work-life balance is essential for sustaining passion and joy in your business. Ask yourself how your current work-life balance will influence your success in 2025.

In a marketplace full of funnels, the business that thinks about what happens beyond the funnel wins the repeat business and raving fans competition.

You bank account is not an indicator of how much available cash you have in your business. Treating as such is going to have scary consqeuences down the line.Takeaways: Keep a close eye on your cash flow, especially during the high-spending Q4 season. Understand your current cash flow situation to ensure you can cover essential expenses. Plan for both personal and business expenses during the holiday season to avoid cash shortages. Assess your spending habits in Q4 to maintain liquidity for necessary investments next year. Establish a budget that accounts for both expected income and potential expenses in Q4. Create a strategy to maximize cash flow and ensure financial security for 2025.

Takeaways: Effective leadership involves empowering your team to make decisions and take risks without constant oversight. Self-assessment of your leadership style can reveal strengths and weaknesses, particularly under stress. Creating a safe environment for your team encourages experimentation and innovation, fostering resilience. Communication of the reasons behind changes is crucial for team buy-in and adaptability. Consider how your presence impacts creativity in meetings; leaders should inspire openness and safety. Model the behaviors you want to see in your team to nurture flexibility and responsiveness.