What is strategic planning in business?

Strategic planning is about getting clear on your vision, setting achievable goals, and mapping out how to get there. It’s not just about growth—it’s about growing with purpose and making sure your business is sustainable for the long run.

What are the key steps in strategic business planning?

Strategic planning involves setting clear goals, analyzing your market and competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and creating a roadmap for execution. I guide you through this process to ensure your business stays on track.

How does strategic planning improve business performance?

A strong strategic plan helps you prioritize resources, reduce inefficiencies, and make smarter business decisions. It keeps your team aligned and focused on long-term success rather than short-term fixes.

Why is strategic planning important for a business?

Without a strategy, businesses tend to react instead of plan. A solid strategic plan helps you stay focused, aligned, and ready for challenges before they arise. It’s your roadmap to long-term success.

How do you create a business strategy?

Every business is different, which is why I take a hands-on approach. We start by identifying your core goals, assessing current roadblocks, and then creating an actionable plan that prioritizes what really matters for your success.

How often should a business update its strategic plan?

A good strategic plan is a living document. I recommend reviewing it at least once a year to ensure it aligns with market changes, internal growth, and new opportunities.

Is strategic planning only for large businesses?

Not at all! In fact, small businesses benefit even more because they need a clear direction to compete effectively. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, having a strategy in place makes decision-making easier and more effective.

What are the biggest mistakes businesses make in strategic planning?

Some common mistakes include setting unrealistic goals, not tracking progress, failing to adapt to market changes, and not involving key team members in the planning process. My role is to help you avoid these pitfalls and create a strategy that works.

Can strategic planning help businesses during economic downturns?

Yes! Businesses with a strong strategic plan are better prepared to navigate financial challenges, adjust operations, and find new opportunities for growth even in tough times.

How do I implement a strategic plan successfully?

A strategy is only as good as its execution. I help businesses not just create a plan but also implement it step by step—making sure goals are tracked, accountability is set, and adjustments are made as needed.

Real Business Owners, Real Results: See What Our Clients Say

What Happens When You Say Yes to Growth.

Hear from business owners who’ve done the work…

…and seen real results.

We know that trusting someone with your business is a big decision. That’s why we don’t want you to just take our word for it.

Hear directly from the business owners, executives and teams we’ve had the privilege of working with — people who’ve stood exactly where you are now: overwhelmed, uncertain, and questioning what the next step should be.

Their stories are honest, practical, and proof of what’s possible when you get the right support at the right time.

What Happens When You Finally Work On Your Business

Below are real client case studies from business owners who once felt too busy or unsure — but chose to commit anyway. What they discovered was clarity, renewed focus, and a practical path forward.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time” or “Maybe this isn’t for me” take a few minutes to read their stories. It might be the perspective shift you need.

Succession Planning for a $25M Business

How a custom strategic planning process set this business up for leadership transition, long-term stability, and continued growth.

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Consulting Firm Boosts Revenue by 50%

After completing our Business Planning Workshop and ongoing coaching, this team also saw major improvements in staff productivity.

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200% Profit Growth for a Landscaping Company

Through tailored business coaching, this owner gained clarity, confidence and a strategy that skyrocketed revenue in just 12 months.

Read More

Words from Previous Clients

"Excellent business planning process - Suzzanne made the daunting task of thinking ahead both simple and exciting! I highly recommend it!."

Fiona, Wise Legacy
"I found it extremely valuable, walked out with a clear plan to achieve my business goals and a new found understanding of business financials. I would highly recommend Suzzane Laidlaw's program and I only wish I had done so earlier."

Carmen, SHEQ Management
"If we could give it more than 5 stars we would!! It was so valuable to have a clear overview of our business, our bigger vision and a clear action steps for our future success. If you’re a business owner and you don’t have a business plan, then you call Suzzanne!"

Matt, Wild Chiropractic
"Working with Suzzanne has been a game changer for our business, helping us craft a comprehensive and actionable business plan, that not only clarified our vision but also laid out a clear path to achieve our goals. "

Josh, Arena Real Estate
"My business is going from strength to strength everyday since completing her 2 day workshop. With Suzzanne it literally feels like you are declaring your dreams then systematically making them happen by an easy to follow step by step process. 5 stars all the way."

John, Morfit Personal Training
"Suzzanne seems to know how to identify the key aspects of a business that will give it the most improvement and she is very determined to push a business owner to make these improvements."

Neil, Accolade Accounting
"Suzzanne has a wealth of knowledge, super supportive, motivated and above all a wonderful human being. I could not speak any higher of my experience with Suzzanne and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for support in their business."

Anthony, Olive Farm Wines
"Suzzanne's passion for helping people get the most out of themselves is unrivaled - and her motivation, enthusiasm, and eternally optimistic attitude really rubs off on myself and her clients. She's guided us through business growth despite economic uncertainty, and makes you see the forest for the trees."

Steve, Activ IT
"Sue is very open and honest. She tells you exactly what she sees going on in your business. Often, you're too close to things to notice — but she brings that powerful outsider perspective. The power of planning is hugely beneficial; it gives you insight into the future that you didn’t have before."

Dave, WAComm
"Have been working with Suzzanne for 5 years now, not only have we doubled our revenue. I now have a full time sales team, electronic systems for all our processes and a business that can run without me. I would happily recommend her to anyone wanting to grow or optimise their business".

Anthony, The Fabric Printer
"Suzzanne has been pivotal with our start up . With Suzzanne's guidance we wrote a business plan and set our goals which is so important in building a strong business model. Thank you Suzanne, cannot recommend you enough when it comes to Business Coaching!"

Justin, Rocket Launcher
"I attended the business planning course with Suzzanne, it was extremely informative and useful for my business, I strongly recommend this for the future planning and growth of your business."

Ken, United Fuel Injection
"We have worked with Suzzanne and her team for a number of years utilising various services that she offers. We appreciate her fresh insights, focus on accountability, and the connections she fosters with other business owners."

Martina, Alecto Australia
"It's a simple step, and one of the best investments you'll make. I have zero doubt it will pay dividends. Suzzanne is a part of the success in implementing my new strategies."

Nick, Leap Resourcing
"From attending Suzzanne's workshop I have identified outcomes I have been searching for, for a long time, and can see light at the end of the tunnel. I now have more self-confidence in my ability to get my business more organised and profitable.”

Julie, Boomers Protein
"I haven't seen another tool that can bring so much together like the Business Planning software used in Suzzanne’s workshop. You can tweak, adjust and do an analysis without it being a complex spreadsheet."

Calvin, Calvins Plumbing

Real Business Owners, Real Results: See What Our Clients Say

What Happens When You Say Yes to Growth.

Hear from business owners who’ve done the work…

…and seen real results.

What Happens When You Finally Work On Your Business

Succession Planning for a $25M Business

Consulting Firm Boosts Revenue by 50%

200% Profit Growth for a Landscaping Company

"Excellent business planning process - Suzzanne made the daunting task of thinking ahead both simple and exciting! I highly recommend it!."

"I found it extremely valuable, walked out with a clear plan to achieve my business goals and a new found understanding of business financials. I would highly recommend Suzzane Laidlaw's program and I only wish I had done so earlier."

"If we could give it more than 5 stars we would!! It was so valuable to have a clear overview of our business, our bigger vision and a clear action steps for our future success. If you’re a business owner and you don’t have a business plan, then you call Suzzanne!"

"Working with Suzzanne has been a game changer for our business, helping us craft a comprehensive and actionable business plan, that not only clarified our vision but also laid out a clear path to achieve our goals. "

"My business is going from strength to strength everyday since completing her 2 day workshop. With Suzzanne it literally feels like you are declaring your dreams then systematically making them happen by an easy to follow step by step process. 5 stars all the way."

"Suzzanne seems to know how to identify the key aspects of a business that will give it the most improvement and she is very determined to push a business owner to make these improvements."

"Suzzanne has a wealth of knowledge, super supportive, motivated and above all a wonderful human being. I could not speak any higher of my experience with Suzzanne and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for support in their business."

"Have been working with Suzzanne for 5 years now, not only have we doubled our revenue. I now have a full time sales team, electronic systems for all our processes and a business that can run without me. I would happily recommend her to anyone wanting to grow or optimise their business".

"Suzzanne has been pivotal with our start up . With Suzzanne's guidance we wrote a business plan and set our goals which is so important in building a strong business model. Thank you Suzanne, cannot recommend you enough when it comes to Business Coaching!"

"I attended the business planning course with Suzzanne, it was extremely informative and useful for my business, I strongly recommend this for the future planning and growth of your business."

"We have worked with Suzzanne and her team for a number of years utilising various services that she offers. We appreciate her fresh insights, focus on accountability, and the connections she fosters with other business owners."

"It's a simple step, and one of the best investments you'll make. I have zero doubt it will pay dividends. Suzzanne is a part of the success in implementing my new strategies."

"From attending Suzzanne's workshop I have identified outcomes I have been searching for, for a long time, and can see light at the end of the tunnel. I now have more self-confidence in my ability to get my business more organised and profitable.”

"I haven't seen another tool that can bring so much together like the Business Planning software used in Suzzanne’s workshop. You can tweak, adjust and do an analysis without it being a complex spreadsheet."