Wavelength Strategies

Why it’s easier to write a to-do list than define your actual goals ✨

Why is it so hard to name the outcomes we really want in our business—and so easy to focus on all the “stuff we need to do” every day?

If you’ve ever wondered this yourself, here’s why:

🧠 We’re wired for action.

Running a business means you’re constantly putting out fires, responding to clients, managing your team, fixing tech…
So it feels productive to just keep moving.

BUT… 🔁

Staying busy doesn’t always move you forward.

If we don’t stop to ask: “What’s the actual impact I’m trying to achieve?” — we can spend all our energy on tasks that don’t change anything.

🎯 Here’s the shift:

Start with the outcome.
Then let the tasks serve that.

📌 Example:

• Outcome: “Lical market-goers become raving fans, increasing our repeat customers to 40%”

Tasks:
– Launch a “first sip free” promo for new customers
– Add signage with QR code to join SMS list
– Post weekly farmer’s market updates with cold brew highlights
– Offer punch card for return visits

See the difference?

Without a clear outcome, your to-do list runs you.

With one? You lead with intention—and your time starts to work for you.

You don’t need more hustle.
You need more clarity. 🧭

👇 Tag a fellow small biz owner who needs this reminder.

Time to build with purpose, not just busywork.

Newsflash: Busy Isn’t Always Better

You’re constantly working — updating your website, posting on Instagram, texting clients, ordering supplies. You’re doing all the things… but is it paying off?

Let’s break it down:

🥄 Inputs = what you put in (time, money, effort)

🛠 Outputs = what you do (the work itself)

🌟 Outcomes = the difference it makes to your business

Let’s look at two examples:

🛍️ Boutique Owner

Input: You launch a spring sale and run daily social posts

Output: 2,000 people see your promo, 40 people visit the store

Outcome: 15 customers buy and your daily revenue increases by 20% for the week

💪 Wellness Studio Owner:

Input: You offer a free class to first-timers

Output: 12 new people show up

Outcome: 6 sign up for memberships — and 4 are still coming a month later

See the difference? The outcome is what tells you if your time and effort actually made a difference.

OKRs focus on outcomes — not just being busy, but being effective.

💬 What’s something you tried recently that led to a real shift — more clients, better retention, a boost in revenue?

You're not alone in your struggles. I've been reminding myself of this over the past month as I've navigated some tough stuff.

I've just written about it in my latest newsletter:

Are you on track? We're halfway through the year. How is your progress towards your intentions?

A question I’m often asked is how to prepare for the future.

My recent article examines three major leadership trends that you should monitor and prepare for. Throughout the article, I offer insightful questions to consider as you ponder how they relate to your own leadership journey.

https://open.substack.com/pub/sue273/p/thriving-in-uncertainty?r=32dewc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Applications have reopened for the Securing Small Business Rebate!

The SSB Rebate helps small businesses across the province access funding to repair or prevent damage caused by property crime and vandalism. Updates from the have made it easier to apply for funding, and the application deadline has been extended until January 2025.

To learn more and apply for the Securing Small Business Rebate, visit the website: https://bcchamber.org/securing-small-business-rebate

Great resources for your business!

Build your business, startup or not-for-profit with workshops and peer masterminds from Community Futures! Check your eligibility at MyCFBC.ca
Not able to make it to a workshop? Register to access the recording.

April 30th: Reels that convert to sales
April 30th: How to reduce anxiety and stress in your business
May 1st: The brave leaders guide to crucial conversations
May 2nd: Respectful Workplaces
May 2nd: Streamlining Success: Refining operating models for Entrepreneurs

Free of charge in most parts of BC. Check your eligibility by creating an account, and register at www.myCFBC.ca

View all Workshops: https://mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/supports/workshops/
View all Peer Masterminds: https://mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/supports/peermasterminds/

Workshops and Peer Masterminds are brought to you by Community Futures with funding provided by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan).

This is such an amazing resource for business impacted by disasters. Check it out!

Services for disaster-impacted businesses.

Strengthen and grow your disaster-impacted -business with free services from Community Futures! Access Workshops, Peer Masterminds, and Consulting from our experts in rural business.

Sign up through an account on myCommunityFutures.

Available across BC! Conditions apply to receive free services, check your eligibility at: www.myCommunityFuturesBC.ca

Funding provided by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) with priority given to businesses impacted by disasters in BC.