#605 The 8-Step Strategic Plan Every Entrepreneur Needs for 2026

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Jan 9, 2026

Many entrepreneurs struggle to stick to their goals, but a solid strategic plan can change that. Learn how writing down your plan boosts execution and clarity. Discover how to create a 10-year vision and break it down into actionable one-year goals. The importance of SMART criteria helps avoid vague objectives, while sharing your plan with trusted partners ensures accountability. With quarterly check-ins and monthly adjustments, you can stay on track and achieve your dreams without burning out.

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ADVICE

Write Your Plan By Hand

Write your strategic plan by hand to process ideas more deeply and improve execution.
Mark J. Kohler says pen-to-paper thinking produces clearer, more strategic decisions than only typing.

INSIGHT

Imagine Your 10-Year Ideal Scene

Set a 10-year 'ideal scene' vision to unlock what you can accomplish long-term.
Mat Sorensen urges imagining revenue, team, role, and product mix for that decade.

ADVICE

Work Backwards From The Long-Term Goal

Reverse-engineer the 10-year vision into five-, three-, and one-year goals to make progress measurable.
Mark J. Kohler recommends working backward so this year's goals align to the decade plan.

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Most entrepreneurs set goals every year… and most of them fail to follow through. In this episode of the Main Street Business Podcast, Mark J. Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down their proven, real-world process for building a strategic plan that actually works in 2026 and beyond.

You’ll learn how to think long-term without burning out short-term, why writing your plan down is non-negotiable, and how to reverse-engineer a 10-year vision into realistic one-year action steps. Mark and Mat walk through their exact eight-step framework, covering SMART goals, realistic capacity checks, quarterly execution, accountability, and why sharing your plan with your spouse or board can make or break your success.

If you’re a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur who wants clarity, focus, and momentum this year, this episode gives you a practical blueprint you can implement immediately. Subscribe for more Main Street business strategy, leave a comment with your 2026 goal, and check out future episodes for execution and scaling tactics!

You’ll learn:

Why most entrepreneurs overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what’s possible in ten
How to create a clear 10-year vision and reverse-engineer it into realistic 5-, 3-, and 1-year goals
The importance of writing your strategic plan down and why pen-to-paper thinking changes execution
How to use SMART goals to avoid vague plans that never get finished
When taking a step back financially is the smartest move for long-term growth
How to break big objectives into bite-sized, actionable steps you can actually complete
Why quarterly planning and realistic scheduling matter more than motivation
How accountability, board meetings, and sharing your plan with your spouse can dramatically improve results
Why your strategic plan should be flexible, reviewed regularly, and adjusted without guilt

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