Start thinking strategically

Many entrepreneurs today believe that you should plan no further ahead than two or three years. That, above all, you have to remain agile to cope with the rapid changes in the market and technological innovations. In my opinion, with that attitude, you run the risk of not making the investments needed to stay afloat. For long-term goals, it is important to start thinking strategically.

The perseverer wins

In the years I have been in business, sticking to the end goal I set has brought the most. Making adjustments in between is, in my view, often ad hoc policy. By thinking strategically, you consider the consequences of your actions before you act. When making important choices - both business and personal - always keep the end goal in mind. Due to external influences, positive or negative, foreseen or unforeseen, you might start to doubt: 'Should I apply a different strategy?'.
Just at those moments I say: stick to your end goal, because the perseverer always wins!

Take your time

Another important factor in those moments is: take your time! Create a moment of rest for yourself and distance yourself from the situation. Dwell on what you are doing. In fact, strategic thinking begins with awareness. Look around you: does it match the practice, does it fit your feelings, core values and personality. Reflect and analyze in the now and see if it matches the long-term goal you have set.

With your head and with your heart

So first consider: what is my long-term goal again? Where do I want to go? Then ask yourself critical questions, such as: where am I now? Analyze what the situation currently is, determine your current position and see how far away your end goal is. The key point of strategic thinking comes next: determine what the road ahead will be: am I on the right track, or do I need to make adjustments to reach my final goal? In this process, it is very important to be able to make connections well. The whole process of strategic thinking
is largely analytical. You then test that collection of thoughts with your gut. I find intuition very important. I often make the final decision from my gut feeling based on the input from the thinking. With my head and with my heart. 

Distinguishing factor

Looking at the kitchen industry, I increasingly see that products are leading and the kitchen and design are secondary to that. That, in my experience, is short-term strategy. Do you really need a product to sell the kitchen? Surely the power lies in the design and execution of a kitchen! It is precisely the knowledge and expertise about these that makes you a specialist. After all, by advising, you sell much more (your long-term goal). So a big difference and differentiating factor. Consulting should actually be the most important part of your business strategy. At least in the long run. So: when do you start thinking strategically?