04/04/2025
I just learned something I’m not happy about…
Good strategy means saying “No,” to some opportunities and honestly, that has me feeling twitchy. Lemme explain...
I recently created a course for a client on strategy, and the biggest thing that stuck out to me?
A good strategy isn’t just about deciding what to do—it’s about deciding what not to do.
Duh. Obvious. Right? But then my client hit me with the hard part: It means closing the door on some opportunities.
I beg your finest pardon??? Close a door? I’d rather prop them all open like an unbothered Airbnb host. In fact, let’s throw open a window while we’re at it!
But here’s the thing: If you spend all your time keeping doors open (damn the wind!), you never actually walk through one. 😱
So, I’ve been thinking: What doors am I desperately trying to keep open, and what is it costing me?
Here’s one I’ve decided to close: I’ve been trying to make myself seem like a one-size-fits-all course creator. But the truth is—I am not the course creator for everyone, as much as it pains me to admit it.
I don’t create just-check-the-box corporate trainings or info-only courses where the point is just for the learner to gather information and do with it what they will. No personal quips. No help with implementation. Just straight info on a (standard) PowerPoint deck.
Now, you might be thinking, “Nobody wants that!”
Oh, but the evidence says otherwise! Because if you’ve ever worked in the corporate world, you know that’s exactly what gets made. Every. Single. Time.
And I get it.
Who wants everyone giggling during a course on workplace professionalism???
Well... I do. I want people giggling through a course on workplace professionalism. I want people crying in a course on finding their artistic style. I want to create courses that actually feel alive - whether that’s for internal company training or courses sold to the general public. Courses with stories, humor, and the kind of weird, unexpected analogies that make lessons stick.
And maybe that strategy is going to cost me some opportunities but ya know what… I’m ok with that!
So tell me, what doors have you closed? Was it worth it?
