Why Your Entrepreneurial Strategy Is Failing—and How to Fix It Fast
Scaling or Failing, Part 5
Sometimes, running a business feels like one big spaghetti-throwing contest.
You know the drill—you’re tossing ideas, strategies, and tactics at the wall, hoping something will stick.
It’s messy, chaotic, and more often than not, you’re left wondering if you’re even on the right track.
Many entrepreneurs start with big dreams, only to get stuck in the weeds of tactics, second-guessing every decision.
That’s why my long-time friend Angela Kingdon and I sat down at Podcast Movement 2024 last year to tackle these very challenges. Angela—a publishing expert, business strategist, and advocate for neurodivergent inclusion in the workplace—brings invaluable insights to the table.
Together, we discussed strategy, tactics, financial clarity, and even how understanding neurodivergence can shape stronger, more inclusive businesses.
In this post, we’ll break down the key lessons from that conversation—covering strategy, tactical execution, financial clarity, and why embracing neurodiversity is a smart move for any entrepreneur.
1: Start with Strategy, Not Spaghetti
Before diving into social media campaigns, podcasts, or books, take a breath.
Angela’s advice is gold: “Why are you doing this?” and “What’s the outcome?” are the most important questions you can ask yourself.
How to Craft a Winning Strategy:
- Clarify Your Why: Are you aiming for financial independence, a passion project, or a legacy? Define it.
- Set Short-Term Goals: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a 10-year vision, focus on the next 18 months. Angela’s $15,000/month net income goal kept her efforts targeted.
- Create a Sounding Board: Assemble a trusted inner circle to vet your ideas—friends, family, or advisors who understand your goals.
Pro Tip: Strategy is about balance. As I often say, “What got you here won’t get you there.” Keep evolving, but don’t lose sight of your original purpose.
2: Financials – Your Business’s Storybook
Many entrepreneurs avoid their financials, thinking they’re just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Yet you’ve heard me say it time and time again: “Your books aren’t just numbers; they’re the story of your business.”
But this goes beyond basic bookkeeping; it’s about understanding the narrative your financials reveal and how they guide your decisions.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling rapidly, financial clarity is critical.
How to Take Control of Your Financials:
- Forecast Cash Flow: Know your inflows and outflows to avoid surprises. It’s all about knowing if you’re hitting your goals, and if not, being able to course correct or pivot along the way.
- Measure ROI: Every expense—whether marketing or experimentation—should lead to measurable returns. Whether it’s investing in marketing, hiring staff, or attending a conference, your financial story will reveal what’s working—and what isn’t.
- Prepare for Growth: Ensure your financial systems can handle scaling, whether that means better bookkeeping software or a CFO. Financials aren’t just a snapshot of the present; they’re a tool for forecasting. By understanding cash flow and profit margins, you can prepare for opportunities and challenges ahead.
And if you’re wondering how to organize your expenses?
Angela and I agreed that labeling a line item as “random shit” proves that even financial planning can have a sense of humor.
See, finance IS fun!
3: Budgeting for Success – Time and Money
Entrepreneurship is as much about resource allocation as it is about big ideas.
Here’s the thing: Most of us let our business finances dictate our personal goals.
Well, let’s turn the tables—let your personal financial goals dictate your business revenue targets.
Sounds wild, right?
But thousands of successful entrepreneurs are using this strategy to scale their businesses while staying on track to meet their personal dreams: upside down budgeting.
In simple terms, upside down budgeting is where your personal financial goals (you know, the stuff you actually care about) drive the revenue targets of your business.
Whether you’re saving for a down payment, a family vacation, or preparing for tax season, this approach helps you reverse-engineer your business objectives with clarity and intention.
Angela offers a practical breakdown of her own budget:
- 45% on Strategy: Invest in aligning your goals and plans. This is the foundation.
- 45% on Tactics: Execute with focus—websites, podcasts, or marketing campaigns that match your strategy.
- 10% on Coaching: Use sparingly for specific challenges, like refining your mindset or gaining new skills.
And Angela’s “Random Shit Fund” mentioned above is a great example of how to experiment within a budget:
She allocated $10,000 per quarter to test ideas—whether attending a conference or trying a new marketing tactic. By giving each experiment a 90-day trial, she avoided rash decisions and maximized ROI.
When you let your personal financial goals guide your business revenue targets, you’ll have greater clarity, more control, and a stronger focus on what truly matters to you.
Angela’s approach to budgeting is all about prioritizing what matters most — but her insight goes beyond finances.
At the heart of her philosophy is a deeper understanding of people—their needs, strengths, and how different working styles can thrive in the right conditions.
This is especially true when creating an inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals, where understanding and support unlock unparalleled potential.
4: Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace
One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was Angela’s discussion on neurodivergence, particularly autism, and how it plays out in the workplace.
Angela, who is autistic herself (and has an AWESOME podcast about autistic culture), shared insights into how understanding neurodivergent needs can create a more inclusive and effective work environment.
By addressing these needs proactively, you don’t just improve productivity—you create a workplace where people feel valued, understood, and equipped to perform at their best!
And who wouldn’t want that?
Key Takeaways on Neurodivergence:
- Understanding Support Needs: Just like plants need different care, people thrive when their individual needs are met. For neurodivergent individuals, this might mean accommodations like noise-canceling headphones, flexible schedules, or sensory breaks.
- Shifting the Narrative: Angela introduced a garden metaphor: neurodivergent people aren’t “broken” versions of neurotypical people—they’re simply different. Like little pink flowers in a garden of orange blooms, they bring unique strengths; they may just thrive in different conditions.
- Tapping Into Strengths: Neurodivergent individuals often process information differently, which can lead to creative problem-solving, heightened focus, and innovation. However, these strengths shine when their workplace offers the right support.
“100% of people have support needs. The key is figuring out what those needs are—for everyone.”
– Angela Kingdon
This idea challenges the notion that support is only for those with visible challenges or diagnoses. Instead, it emphasizes that everyone—whether neurotypical or neurodivergent—can benefit from recognizing their unique requirements for thriving!
Creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals is a reminder that success often comes down to intentionality—taking the time to understand what people (and businesses) need to thrive.
And guess what? The same principle applies to building your entrepreneurial strategy.
Skipping essential steps or diving straight into tactics without a solid foundation can lead to costly mistakes.
As Angela shared, starting with the wrong order of operations is like planting seeds without first preparing the soil—it’s hard for anything to grow.
5: Avoid the Wrong Order of Operations
Starting with tactics before strategy can lead to expensive mistakes.
Steps to Stay on Track:
- Define Your Offering: What are you selling, and why does it matter?
- Know Your Audience: Who are they, and what problem are you solving for them?
- Prioritize Execution: Only after clarifying your goals and market should you invest in tactics like social media campaigns or affiliate programs.
I’ll add my own perspective here: as I mentioned above, your financials tell a story.
This is obvious, but understanding your company’s financial health is crucial for making informed decisions and driving growth.
BUT: You don’t need to be a finance expert. Seriously.
Getting cozy with your numbers—cash flow, profitability, return on investment (ROI)—isn’t just for accountants. These basics give you the power to dodge potholes, find shortcuts, and cruise toward long-term success.
So, work closely with your finance team to uncover opportunities and refine your strategy—just remember, you don’t need to be the finance team.
6: The “Friend in the Foxhole”
Every entrepreneur needs someone in their corner—a Friend in the Foxhole. Unlike coaches or vendors who focus narrowly on their niche, a Friend in the Foxhole helps you connect strategy to execution.
What Makes a Friend in the Foxhole Different?
- They’re Hands-On: Whether it’s solving a financial crisis or providing clarity on next steps, they’re in it with you.
- They’re Honest: A good ally will tell you when something doesn’t make sense, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
- They’re Invested in You: It’s not about selling services; it’s about ensuring your success.
One story sticks out: During a late-night fraud crisis, I worked step-by-step with Angela to shut down accounts and protect her business. And that’s what a Friend in the Foxhole does—they help you weather the storm and come out stronger.
So, don’t just hire someone to ‘make the numbers go away.’
Your books should empower you!
And with an expert who gets what you are going through, understands your vision, and has your back? You’ll be positioned to tackle any financial hardship with confidence and clarity.
The right expert will evaluate everything related to your financial situation, take ownership of it, and set you up with an information flow that aligns with the vision you have of your business.
Conclusion: Clarity Beats Chaos
Running a business doesn’t have to feel like a spaghetti-throwing contest. With a clear strategy, intentional resource allocation, financial clarity, and an inclusive mindset, you can make decisions with confidence.
Success lies in the balance between thoughtful planning and bold execution—and knowing when to seek the right support to guide you along the way.
Whether it’s a Friend in the Foxhole, a strategic advisor, or a trusted sounding board, the right support makes all the difference.
For more insights, check out S5E6 of the “Cash Flow with Pam Prior” podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
(P.S. Need your own Friend in the Foxhole? Reach out to me here and let’s chat about how we can build your business blueprint to finding calm, clarity, and confidence in your finances.)
Pam Prior
Author, Virtual CFO, and Finance Coach
“Your First CFO: The Accounting Cure for Small Business Owners” on AMAZON
“Founder to Exit: A CFO’s Blueprint for Small Business Owners” on AMAZON
