By Saul Sutton, Founder & President of Letsscale
“Struggling to grow your business? The difference between business strategy and planning could be the game-changer you need. In this must-read guide, discover why strategy drives success, how to create a one-page strategy, and the secrets top leaders use to outperform the competition. Stop over-planning and start winning—read now!”
Introduction: Why Planning Alone Will Set You Up for Failure
In business, two words get thrown around a lot: strategy and planning. People use them interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
I’ve worked with countless founders and executives who spend hours—sometimes days—perfecting plans. They map out projects, assign deadlines, and budget down to the last cent. But despite all that effort, they struggle to hit their goals. Why? Because a plan without a strategy is like a GPS without a destination.
Planning tells you how to do something. Strategy tells you why you’re doing it and what winning looks like. If you focus only on planning, you’re running on a treadmill—moving fast but going nowhere.
Today, we’re breaking down:
✅ The difference between strategy and planning
✅ Why strategy is the foundation of success
✅ How to create a simple, effective strategy that actually works
Let’s dive in.
Part 1: Planning vs. Strategy – What’s the Difference?
What Is Planning?
Planning is all about execution. It’s the how and when—organizing tasks, timelines, and budgets.
🔹 Example: Let’s say you want to launch a new product. You create a launch plan with marketing activities, deadlines, and costs. Sounds great, right?
But here’s the catch: If you don’t have a solid strategy first, your plan is useless. If you’re marketing to the wrong audience, using the wrong messaging, or offering something nobody needs, no amount of planning will save you.
What Is Strategy?
Strategy is about making smart choices to position yourself for success. It’s the why and what behind the plan.
A strong strategy answers three key questions:
1️⃣ Where are we playing? (Which market, audience, or industry are we focusing on?)
2️⃣ How are we going to win? (What makes us different and better?)
3️⃣ What systems will help us succeed? (Processes, tools, and resources that make execution possible.)
Think of it this way:
🔹 Strategy is the game plan—what sport you’re playing and how you’re going to win.
🔹 Planning is just drawing up the plays.
The Key Differences Between Planning & Strategy
Why Plans Fail Without Strategy
Ever been on a road trip with no destination? That’s what running a business without a strategy feels like.
Here’s the reality:
🚨 Plans crumble when unexpected challenges arise. Strategies adapt.
🚨 Planning keeps teams busy. Strategy keeps teams effective.
🚨 Without strategy, you could execute perfectly… but still fail miserably.
💡 Key Takeaway: Planning supports execution, but strategy determines success.
Part 2: Why Strategy Is Essential for Success
1. Strategy Gives You Focus & Direction
A clear strategy eliminates distractions. It helps you say:
✔ “Yes” to the right opportunities
❌ “No” to things that waste time and resources
I’ve seen businesses jump on every new trend—chasing shiny objects instead of staying focused. Their plans were airtight, but their lack of strategy led to failure.
Want proof? Look at Apple. When Steve Jobs returned in 1997, the company was making printers, cameras, and even clothing. Sales were tanking. His strategy? Focus on four products: one desktop and one laptop for consumers and professionals. That single decision changed Apple’s trajectory.
2. Strategy Makes Decision-Making Easier
With a strong strategy, decision-making becomes crystal clear. Ask yourself:
❓ Does this opportunity align with our strategy?
❓ Will this help us win in our chosen market?
If the answer is no, walk away. Simple as that.
3. Strategy Helps You Adapt
Markets change. Competitors shift. Customers evolve. A solid strategy lets you pivot when needed while staying true to your mission.
Remember Airbnb’s early days? Their original plan was to offer air mattresses in people’s homes. That flopped. But their strategy—helping travelers find affordable, unique stays—remained intact. They pivoted to full home rentals, and the rest is history.
4. Strategy Optimizes Resources
💰 Money, time, and talent are limited. Strategy ensures you invest wisely.
Without it, businesses spend money on things that don’t move the needle.
I once worked with a founder who poured money into paid ads before defining his strategy. His plan was solid, but the ads weren’t targeted at the right audience. Thousands of dollars wasted.
Strategy first. Planning second. Always.
5. Strategy Aligns Your Team
A great strategy unites people around a shared vision. If everyone knows the goal, they can align their efforts instead of working in silos.
A confused team is an ineffective team. A clear strategy prevents that.
Part 3: How to Develop a Winning Strategy (In One Page)
Now that we know strategy is key, how do you create one? Keep it simple.
A great strategy fits on a single page and answers three questions:
1️⃣ Where are we playing? (Define your market and audience.)
2️⃣ How are we winning? (Identify your competitive advantage.)
3️⃣ What systems will help us succeed? (List key tools, processes, and resources.)
Example of a Simple One-Page Strategy
📌 Pro Tip: Print your strategy and keep it visible. Refer to it constantly.
Conclusion: Stop Over-Planning, Start Winning
Let’s recap:
✅ Strategy is about choices. Planning is about execution.
✅ If you only plan without a strategy, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
✅ A strong strategy keeps you focused, adaptable, and aligned.
Action Step:
Take a hard look at your current plans. Do they align with a clear strategy? If not, define your:
✔ Where to play
✔ How to win
✔ What systems will support success
Businesses with strong strategies don’t just survive—they thrive. Now’s the time to stop over-planning and start winning.
Q&A
💬 What’s one area of your business where strategy is missing? Let’s talk about how to fix it.
