At a recent networking event, someone asked, “What’s everyone’s take on free versus paid webinars?” It was a simple question, but it sparked a great conversation and honestly, it’s something I’ve been thinking about myself. And there doesn’t seem to be a blanket answer here. The right choice really depends on your goals, who you’re trying to reach, and where the webinar fits within the larger strategy of your business.

We don’t always think of Business Identity and Business Strategy as being connected, but they should be. One defines who you are and what you stand for. The other guides how you grow and make decisions. When these two are working together, your business has both clarity and direction. But when they’re disconnected, things start to feel off, like the work you're doing isn’t quite matching the business you want to build.

Every business goes through slower seasons. Sometimes it’s a dip in client work. Sometimes leads go quiet. Sometimes you’re just not hitting your numbers. When that happens, it’s easy to panic, spiral, or question everything. But what if the lull wasn’t a problem to solve? What if it was an opportunity to reset?

I like to reframe these periods as a perfect time to work on your business.

We live in a world that glorifies busy. Where productivity is prized and associated with our worth. Where rest is treated like a reward you only earn after burning out. I see it all the time - entrepreneurs constantly chasing the next client, the next offer, the next breakthrough. Always in motion. Always doing.

But the thing people often miss is that sustainable businesses aren’t built in the rush. They’re built in the pause.

As I’ve worked with more small business owners and entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed a clear pattern. These are smart, passionate, driven people who are deeply focused on things like networking, serving clients, and generating revenue. All important things, no doubt. But when all the energy goes toward external demands, there’s often little time left to focus on the internal structure - the foundation that actually allows the business to run smoothly and sustainably.

When it comes to strategic planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the big vision — the long-term goals that can feel far off. But what I find is that focusing solely on the endgame can leave you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from what’s actually within reach.

I believe that success is built one step at a time. Short-term planning is just as important as long-term vision. It’s the small wins, the consistent action, and the regular check-ins that pave the way to sustainable growth.

Lately, I’ve been working with several clients who are bravely starting to look at the numbers in their business: their revenue, their expenses, what each offer or client brings in, and how it all adds up.

And what I’m seeing continuously is a quiet, persistent fear. Not just fear of “doing it wrong” or facing something they’ve been avoiding, but something deeper:

Somehow, along the way, we got lost in the idea that busier is better. That a packed calendar equals productivity. That juggling a dozen tasks at once means you’re doing it “right.” That if your days aren’t full to the brim, you must not be trying hard enough.

There's a saying, "slow is smooth, smooth is fast", that is widely attributed to U.S. military training, particularly within the Navy SEALs. It emphasizes the importance of deliberate and precise actions to achieve optimal performance under pressure.

This concept 100% applies to business and it's one I take to heart. Why?

At its core, strategic planning is the deliberate process of setting goals, defining objectives, and creating a plan of action to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.