Strategy First – Laying the Foundation
Last week, I introduced you to my 6-part framework for building a successful creative business from scratch. For the next 6 weeks, I’ll introduce you to each part of my framework. As you follow along, remember: You Can Do This! I had to completely reinvent myself in my late 50’s after getting laid off from my corporate job. If I can build a business of my own from scratch, so can you!
Today, we’re diving into Step 1: Strategy First.
This is where it all begins. Because without a solid strategy, it’s impossible to build something lasting and meaningful. Each week, I’ll walk you through one step of the framework to help you create your own roadmap to success.
Why Strategy Is So Important
Have you ever tried building something without a plan?
Maybe you’ve spent hours creating beautiful designs, only to feel frustrated when your creative business doesn’t seem to grow. Maybe you’re trying to figure out what steps to take next, feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities.
If you feel like you’ve been spinning your wheels, it’s not your fault. The truth is, building a successful creative business without a clear strategy is like trying to build a house without a blueprint.
It’s impossible to know where you’re going if you don’t have a map to guide you. And that’s why strategy comes first.
Why Strategy Comes First
When I was laid off from my corporate job at 58, my entire world was turned upside down. After working for over 30 years in the corporate world, suddenly having no income was terrifying.
But even more than the financial fear, there was something else eating at me—I felt like my entire identity had been stripped away.
That’s when I decided to build something of my own.
At first, my motivation was purely financial. I wanted to create a business where I could earn as much as I did in my corporate career. But there was something even more important driving me.
I wanted to create something I loved and that no one could take away from me.
That became my big “why.” And it’s the foundation on which I built my creative business. But I had to figure everything out the hard way, and it wasn’t until I created a clear strategy and a framework to follow that everything started to fall into place.
And that’s what I want for you. I want to help you gain the same clarity and confidence I discovered—without having to go through years of frustration and trial and error.
What Strategy Really Means
Having a strategy isn’t about over-planning or creating a rigid, inflexible roadmap. It’s about getting crystal clear on your vision, your goals, and the kind of creative business you actually want to build.
When you start with strategy, you can:
Define your purpose and your big “why.”
Set clear creative and financial goals.
Create a business that supports the lifestyle you truly want.
It’s the difference between constantly spinning your wheels and making consistent, meaningful progress.
The 3 Key Questions to Ask Yourself
To build a strong foundation for your creative business, start by answering these three critical questions:
Question 1: What is your big “why”?
Think about why you’re building this creative business in the first place. Is it about financial freedom, creative fulfillment, or something else entirely?
For me, it started with wanting to earn the same amount of money I did in my corporate job. But it quickly became more than that. I wanted to create a business I loved, one that brought me joy and purpose every day. And most importantly, I wanted something no one could ever take away from me again.
Reflect: Why is this important to you? What does success truly look like for you?
Question 2: What are your creative and financial goals?
Now that you know your big “why,” it’s time to get clear on your goals.
What do you want to achieve with your creative business, both creatively and financially? Think about the projects you want to pursue and the income milestones you want to reach.
Reflect: What would your ideal creative business look like a year from now? How about five years from now?
Question 3: What kind of lifestyle do you want your business to support?
This question is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly important. Your creative business should support the life you want, not the other way around.
Do you want more freedom and flexibility in your schedule? Do you want to scale your business to a certain income level while still having time for family, friends and other passions?
Reflect: What would your ideal day-to-day life look like if your creative business was thriving?
Putting It All Together
When you have clarity about your big “why,” your goals, and your desired lifestyle, you’ll finally have a strong foundation to build on. This is what I call the Strategy First approach.
And here’s the best part: When you have a clear strategy, everything else becomes so much easier. You’ll know exactly who you’re trying to reach, what you’re trying to build, and how to get there.
Download Your Worksheet
I’ve put together a simple worksheet with these three questions so that you can write down your answers. Take the time to reflect and dive deep. This is important work. Be intentional and gain the clarity you need to move forward. You’ll come back to these answers again and again as you build and grow your creative business.
📄 Download Your Strategy Worksheet Here
Join Me Live on Wednesday
As usual, I’ll be live on Facebook & YouTube on Wednesday at noon PT / 3pm ET.
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annelafolletteart
📌 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnneLaFollette1
Come hang out and bring your questions—I can’t wait to see you there!
xo,
Anne
Interested in my group coaching program? Spots are limited. Complete your application HERE and I look forward to talking to you.
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
