Strategic planning doesn’t have to be a multi-week, binder-producing slog. In fact, for many small business owners, simpler is better. A well-crafted One-Page Strategic Plan offers clarity, direction, and alignment—without the complexity. Best of all, you can build one in under 90 minutes.
Why Simplicity Wins in Strategic Planning
Overly complex plans often gather dust. A concise, focused plan keeps your team aligned and your actions consistent. With a single page, you eliminate the noise and zero in on what truly matters.
Here’s what a One-Page Strategic Plan can do for you:
- Clarify your long-term vision
- Focus your short-term goals
- Align team actions to core priorities
- Create accountability without bureaucracy
What to Include in Your One-Page Strategic Plan
Before you start writing, gather your leadership team or key decision-makers. You’ll move faster—and get better ideas—with collaboration.
1. Vision Statement (10 minutes)
Where are you going long-term? Write a clear, aspirational sentence about where you want the business to be in 3–5 years.
Example: “To become the leading eco-friendly packaging provider for independent retailers across North America.”
2. Mission Statement (10 minutes)
What is your purpose today? Keep this to a single sentence that answers why your company exists and who you serve.
Example: “We help small retailers reduce environmental waste by delivering affordable, sustainable packaging solutions.”
3. Core Values (10 minutes)
List 3–5 guiding principles that define your company culture and decision-making. These values should be actionable, not abstract.
Examples: Integrity, Sustainability, Customer Empowerment
4. One-Year Goals (15 minutes)
Set 3–5 specific, measurable goals you want to achieve in the next 12 months. Each goal should include:
- What you want to achieve
- How success is measured
- Who is accountable
Example: “Increase monthly recurring revenue by 25% through new subscription services.”
5. Key Strategies (15 minutes)
What key actions or initiatives will help you achieve those goals? These should be high-level strategies, not task lists.
Example: “Launch a referral program for existing customers.”
6. Metrics to Watch (10 minutes)
Choose 3–5 KPIs that matter most for tracking your progress. These should reflect performance on both goals and strategy.
Examples: Customer retention rate, average order value, lead-to-close conversion rate
Template: One-Page Strategic Plan Format
Here’s a simple structure to organize your final output:
- Vision Statement
- Mission Statement
- Core Values
- Top 3–5 One-Year Goals
- Key Strategies
- Success Metrics
Format this on one printed page or digital document. Use a simple table or bullet format to keep it clean and easy to reference.
Tips for Maximizing the Plan’s Impact
- Review quarterly: Use it to assess progress and re-align as needed.
- Share it with your team: Clarity drives engagement.
- Display it visibly: Post it in a team hub or internal dashboard.
- Keep it dynamic: It’s a living document, not a locked file.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Want help building a plan tailored to your business? At Scotch Creek Consulting, we’ve helped dozens of small businesses craft strategic plans that are both powerful and practical. Our guided process simplifies planning and ensures real-world follow-through.
Book your free discovery call now to get expert guidance on building a One-Page Strategic Plan that actually gets used.
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