Six Planning Practices of Strategic Leaders: A Leadership Coach's Perspective

As the year comes to a close, many businesses are deep into their strategic planning processes, including Look Up Coaching, LLC, as we prepare to enter our third (!) year in business. I’m both humbled and grateful for the incredible growth over the past two years and honored to be part of so many leadership journeys. Reflecting on my own path as a business leader, coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker, I recognize how much I still have to learn. Yet, I feel compelled to share the insights I’ve gained with those climbing their own mountains.

This month’s post takes a strategic look at planning for the future, using leadership lessons from Look Up Coaching, LLC’s second year as a case study to illustrate how a data-driven, broad-lens approach can shape success. Regardless of whether you’re leading yourself, others, or an organization, keeping a strategic view of your work and business is essential to stay competitive and relevant.

Six Planning Practices of Strategic Leaders:

1. Balance the Present with the Future

Are today’s challenges putting your or your organization’s future at risk?

When I launched Look Up Coaching, LLC, two years ago, I was publishing weekly newsletters and blog posts. While I love writing and sharing, I quickly realized that maintaining this output wasn’t sustainable as my client base grew. By the end of Year 1, I made the intentional decision to scale back to monthly publications, freeing up time to focus on live, one-on-one coaching. The results show me that scaling back was the right strategic decision for my long-term goals: my newsletter subscribers have doubled, and my blog post views have surged by 220%. Sometimes, strategic decisions require shifting gears on activities now to be well positioned for the bright future we really want.

2. Stay Current on Industry Trends

How are you consistently staying informed about trends in your industry?

To provide relevant, timely resources to my coaching clients, I am committed to year-round learning—reading, listening, conversing, and studying. Each keynote presentation I deliver is backed by up-to-date research and statistics, requiring a constant review of information from various sources. This year I will spend over 70 hours in Continuing Education, gaining credentials in real estate, human resources, and coaching—all central to my business. Our ability to problem solve, influence, and maintain resiliency is rooted in our knowledge, so staying informed is an ongoing investment that pays off in relevance and expertise.

3. Understand Revenue Drivers and Your Role

Where do you add the most value to your organization’s bottom line?

The primary drivers of my revenue continue to be referrals from clients, former colleagues, and speaking engagements, allowing me to deliver on all three of my service offerings again this year (coaching, facilitation, and public speaking). Nurturing these connections is critical, whether through digital, events, or direct contact. The results are exciting: new business opportunities have grown by 70%, and I’ve doubled my client base and my revenues by maintaining a solid 55% win rate (truth is, I'm not for everyone). Trust is at the core of effective coaching which is why fostering authentic connection with former colleagues, clients, and those I meet at events is at the top of my sales strategy, and I’m immensely grateful for the trust my clients and colleagues place in me.

4. Stay Close to Your Customers

How are you partnering with clients to help them achieve their goals?

Aimed at nourishing mind, body, and spirit for individual achievement, Look Up Coaching, LLC hosted two special ways to connect with clients: a table at the Atlanta Real Estate Prayer Breakfast and a Goat Yoga class. Additionally, I achieved my goal of walking with 24 professionals in 2024 – a “netwalk”! Walking has numerous benefits, and I found with each of these 24 one-hour walks that the change in scenery, casual conversation, and movement boosts our feel-good mood. As each individual shared, I was able to extend curiosity and compassion for encouragement, clarity, and/or perspective. These close connections, along with regular coaching calls, ensure that I stay tuned to what’s happening in my clients' world, helping them stay on track with their leadership goals.

5. Develop Systems for Efficiency

Are your current systems designed to support future growth?

Prayer remains an essential part of my process, offering clarity and peace in my decisions and keeping me grounded in purpose and gratitude. I made a couple of changes this year to my time management, one was impactful and one not as much. Adopting Calendly for scheduling calls has been a small, cost-effective change that saves time for both me and my clients. I also experimented with basic CRM systems but am still searching for one that fits best with my workflow. Incorporating more personal photography into my posts (replacing stock images), saves time and money, and adds a personal touch that resonates with my audience. Small adjustments can make a big impact on efficiency.

6. Celebrate Along the Way

How do you recognize and celebrate your milestones?

Celebration, for me, comes in moments of reflection, especially after a client call. This year, 44% of my clients accepted new positions with more responsibility and higher compensation, and every time I hear them attribute their growth to our work together, I feel a surge of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to play a part in their success. These moments also remind me of the mutual growth we experience as they become better leaders, and I become a better coach.  During my monthly reconciliations and annual planning the financial signs of success are celebrated too.  But for me the real joy comes from witnessing the impact and celebrating my clients leading well, getting recognized, and thriving.

In Closing:

I remain committed to fulfilling my vision of elevating leaders so that business is better for everyone.  My strategic planning prioritizes enriching the lives of those I partner with, because when my clients’ lives are enriched, they enrich the lives of those around them.   Whether you’re leading yourself, a team, or an organization, taking a strategic look at your approach requires data, reflection, and a plan for what’s next. Get clear on what you want to be known for so that the discipline, work, and process are energizing investments in your best life. Don’t wait for someone else to lead you toward your goal. It’s up to you to take the lead.

As a leadership coach, I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive.