Rest, Reflect, Slay: How A Strategic Planning Retreat Changed Our Business
In any business, strategic planning isn't just a task—it's a cornerstone of success. And it’s doubly true for a small business that’s just hitting its stride. But, in the heat of the non-stop grind of daily operations, finding the time and space for effective business planning can seem like a distant dream.
We're about to spill the tea on how a team getaway sets the tone for how we slay the business game. If you’re lucky, we might even sprinkle in a little “woo-woo” lunar magic and a tip on how to get the best brand photography without leaving the house. (I mean, we did…we went to someone else’s house, but you’ll get it; just keep reading!)
So here’s the secret recipe for a team building/strategic planning retreat that will knock your socks off:
Step 1: Get yo’self a dream vacation home fit for queens.
Bright colors are optional but recommended. A tropical paradise helps. Oh, and Disney food…that’s the ultimate fuel for creativity.
Oh, and Disney food…that’s the ultimate fuel for creativity.
Step 2: Gather the team and decide on a goal.
Don’t pull a Cari; try to do everything in three days. You want to go full-on Lanie vibes here. Choose a goal, make a doable plan, and hold each other accountable. (Our goal for this trip? Eat our own dog food: take ourselves through the StoryBrand brand messaging process.)
Step 3: Work hard, but find time to play too.
Listen, ya’ll. Running a business is hard work. And if you don’t build in time to have fun, you’ll become one of those hustle culture zombies that needs a full-ass, year-long sabbatical at 26 (no shame to the sabbatical lovers).
Get ready to dive into the juicy deets of our recent escapade in Orlando and how it's shaking things up at Storyteller Wordsmith!
Living Our Best Life: The Orlando Retreat Extravaganza
Picture this: palm trees swaying, sun-kissed vibes, and a luxurious vacation home in Orlando that's straight out of our wildest dreams. Yep, that's where the magic began for our squad at Storyteller Wordsmith.
I mean, yes, we were in Orlando on a content creation mission for a client, and yes, we decided to spend a few days in the theme parks, but come on…how can you NOT be inspired when you walk into a home like this? This Vacation Alchemy home truly was the perfect backdrop for our creative mission.
The design and luxury of this home fueled the creation of our new brand and messaging. With large open areas to work together and plenty of room to spread out, we had all the space we needed to conquer our brand guide by day and relax poolside in the hot tub by the fire pit at night. It was dreamy.
*Honestly, what are you waiting for? Check out the Palm Palace…or any of their other properties. You won’t be sorry.
Why are retreats such a powerful catalyst for success?
Strategic planning retreats provide small business teams with a dedicated space to brainstorm, strategize, and innovate. Away from the distractions of the office, team members can immerse themselves in the creative process, fostering collaboration and ideation.
Capturing the Storyteller Swagger with a Virtual Photo Shoot
Say Cheese, Darling!
When it comes to branding, visuals are everything. That's why our virtual photo shoot with Lisa Haukom from Goldenbrand was more than just a photo op—it was a chance to show the world who we are and what we're all about.
Yeah, that’s right….I said VIRTUAL.
Lisa worked with us to help define our signature look, coordinate outfits, and create a shot list that captured all the brand photography we needed to help tell our story. Do you see these beautiful photos on this site? She took ‘em…with our cell phone…from thousands of miles away.
Lisa helped us capture the essence of our brand in all its glory. Think fierce poses, killer smiles, and enough sass to power a small country.
Planning Magic: Sprinkle in a Little “Woo-Woo”
I’m constantly on the hunt for planning tools and methods to help our small but mighty team be more efficient and badass while also keeping us all from losing our ever-loving minds.
Enter Lunar Phase Business Planning.
Crazy cat lady say what?!
You heard right. This year, we’ve been using the lunar phases to tap into a more natural rhythm of productivity.
The lunar cycle has long been associated with rhythms of growth, change, and renewal. By aligning business planning activities with lunar phases, small business teams can harness the natural ebb and flow of energy to optimize productivity and performance.
So, we've ditched the boring old calendar and hopped on the lunar bandwagon. Why? Because planning our biz around moon phases isn't just witchy—it's downright effective.
And most importantly it emphasizes building an intentional time of rest and reflection into our business planning.
So, during the waxing moon, we're all about setting those big, hairy goals. But when the moon starts waning, it's time to kick back, relax, and recharge our boss babe batteries. It's all about finding that sweet spot between hustle and flow, baby!
Slaying Goals, Taking Names
At Storyteller Wordsmith, we're not just here to play the game—we're here to slay it. With our Orlando retreat and strategic planning under our belt, our new brand launched, and intentional times set to work hard and play hard, we're turning dreams into reality and goals into gold.
Dream Big, Slay Hard
Ready to join the slay squad and take your business to the next level? Reach out to us today, and let's make magic happen. Because when you've got the right squad by your side, anything is possible.
