If the word "strategy" makes you want to fake an incoming call and disappear, you aren’t alone. For many of us, "strategic planning" sounds like a weekend spent in a windowless hotel room, eating rubbery chicken and discussing "synergy" until everyone’s eyes glaze over.
At BBSI, we have a much simpler definition. Strategy isn’t a 50-page binder gathering dust on a shelf next to your high school trophies. Strategy is a battle plan that prevents you from going broke by accident.
Many of the best businesses start by accident. You did great work, the phone rang, you hired your brother-in-law (we've all been there), and suddenly you have 30 employees and a mountain of overhead.
That’s not a strategy; that’s a whirlwind. And while it’s fun when the wind is at your back, "winging it" is a stressful way to live when the weather turns. If your current growth plan is "hope the phone keeps ringing and the trucks keep starting," we need to talk.
Real strategy for every business owner boils down to three blunt and slightly uncomfortable questions:
The hardest part of strategy isn’t coming up with a good idea; it’s sticking to it when an inevitable shiny object appears.
"Strategy is the art of saying 'no' to a profitable-looking distraction, so you can say 'yes' to your long-term sanity."
You don’t have to figure all of this out alone—and frankly, most business owners shouldn’t. This is exactly where having the right partner in your corner makes the difference between guessing and executing with confidence.
Think of BBSI and your business unit team as your navigator. While you’re down in the engine room making sure things stay hot and moving, we’re up on the deck with the binoculars. We help you identify inflection points—those moments where your business is about to level up, or potentially trip over its own shoelaces.
You don’t need a corporate retreat. You just need a Tuesday morning and a legal pad.
At its core, BBSI exists to help business owners build stronger, more resilient companies. We combine real-time data, hands-on operational support, and practical business guidance to help you make smarter decisions about your people, your processes, and your growth.
From workforce strategy and risk management to leadership coaching and financial insight, our goal is simple: give you the clarity and structure to run your business on purpose, not by accident.
Next in the Series: We’ve got the vision (Leadership) and the map (Strategy). Now comes the part where the rubber meets the road: Execution. Because a map is useless if your truck has a flat tire.
About the Author
Chris Piper is a business growth strategist with several years of experience helping businesses achieve their goals. Chris believes the best way to help businesses grow is to partner with them as a trusted advisor.
He and his team take time to understand their clients' business goals and challenges, and then develop a customized growth strategy tailored to their specific needs. He leads a committed and passionate team, providing clients with the highest level of service and support. Always available to answer questions and provide guidance, his team works with you to implement your growth strategy.
Outside of BBSI, Chris spends time enjoying as many of the recreational offerings Central Oregon has to offer, as well as being an active community volunteer.