Start with Strategy: Why Planning Before Action Matters
We all do it. It’s easy to think, “I should be posting more” and jump right into finding images or writing descriptions. It feels like progress—doing “something.” And “something” always feels better than “nothing,” right? Probably. But is it the right thing? How do you know?
For me, strategy is what tells me what I should be doing. It’s taken years, mentors, trial and error, but having a plan works more often than not. When I say “strategy,” I mean setting yourself up with a clear path that allows for meaningful action. It’s like having a blueprint before building a house—you could start digging, but it’s a lot easier when you know where the foundation is going.
At Flatland Kitchen, when we say, “Our Practice is Your Guide,” we mean we help you articulate your goals, define your path, prioritize actions, and stay focused. Instead of reacting to whatever feels urgent, you’re leading with intention and working toward a clear destination.
Take ELEMENTAL, a Pilates studio we originally worked with over four years ago. We helped them build their identity, messaging, and even their physical space. Fast forward to today, we’re working together again—but this time, we’re refining their positioning. Instead of targeting the general Pilates audience, we’re helping ELEMENTAL focus on athletes—those looking to build strength, increase performance, prevent injuries, and return to play after rehab. You can see some of this in action via their blog posts and their instagram posts.
Through strategic refinement, we’ve:
Reworked their offerings to reflect this new focus, making sure they attract the right clientele.
Created systems to evaluate and introduce new services that align with their goals.
Redefined their audience so their messaging speaks directly to athletes rather than the general public.
Developed their content strategy for both long-form and short-form content, positioning them as thought leaders in athletic performance and rehabilitation.
This is the power of strategy. Without it, ELEMENTAL could have stayed in a generalist lane, offering services to everyone but resonating with no one. Now, their efforts are precise, their messaging is clear, and they’re better equipped to create content that supports their goals—attracting clients and delivering results.
Strategy brings clarity. It gives you the “why” behind everything you do. When you align your actions with a clear strategy:
You’re not just posting content; you’re communicating with purpose.
You’re not guessing what your audience wants; you’re addressing their needs.
You’re not spreading yourself thin; you’re focusing on the areas that matter most to your goals.
This approach helped ELEMENTAL transition from a broad service offering to a highly focused studio, and that refinement has positioned them for long-term success.
Good strategy isn’t about having all the answers upfront. It’s about creating a framework that allows you to navigate business decisions with confidence. When we help clients like ELEMENTAL clarify their strategy, things become simpler. You know what to say, who to say it to, and how to say it.
But strategy without execution is just theory. And execution without strategy? That’s just wasting time. Don’t fall into the trap of jumping into action without a plan. Spend time developing your strategy so that your efforts pay off, just like they did for ELEMENTAL.
Before you spend more time or money on marketing or launching your next big idea, ask yourself: Do I have a clear strategy?
If you’re unsure, it’s time to pause and reassess. At Flatland Kitchen, we help you find clarity and focus through our Assessment, where we identify opportunities, refine your messaging, and create a plan that aligns your actions with your goals.
Because strategy is what makes execution powerful—and we’re here to make sure you have both.