Strategic planning is often seen as the backbone of successful businesses, especially in the corporate world, where every decision is measured, analyzed, and executed with precision. It’s a skillset that drives growth, manages risks, and ensures long-term sustainability. But how do these ideas apply to small business ownership?
Alessandra Haybittle is an entrepreneur and former marketing executive. She found the answer when she transitioned from a 20-year career in multinational companies to building her own Pilates business. Her experience shows that the same strategies that help big companies can also support small businesses in their growth.
In her corporate roles, planning wasn’t optional. She learned that planning is crucial for success, whether launching a new product or entering a new market. This understanding became second nature for her. When she decided to open her Pilates studio, she recognized that having a clear plan was just as important as her passion for fitness.
She wanted to understand her clients well. She aimed to create a space where people felt comfortable, supported, and motivated. She took the time to learn what her clients needed and shaped her business around those needs. This focus on client experience became a key part of her business strategy.
From her corporate background, she also learned the importance of staying on top of finances. She had managed large budgets in her previous roles, and she knew that money could make or break a business. When starting her own, she took the same careful approach, planning for both growth and unexpected challenges. This mindset became crucial when she launched her business during the pandemic. While many fitness studios struggled, her financial planning helped her adapt and stay afloat during a tough time.
Another lesson that carried over was the value of execution. A good idea is only as strong as the action behind it, and Alessandra was determined to make her plans a reality. Whether it was hiring staff, scheduling classes, or building her brand, she took small, steady steps to turn her ideas into results. She also made sure to review what was working and what wasn’t, tweaking her strategies as needed.
Alessandra valued teamwork in her corporate jobs. At companies like AmBev, employees took ownership of their work. She brought this same approach to her Pilates business. She encouraged her team to share their ideas and take pride in their roles. This created a positive atmosphere in her studios.
She learned that while planning and executing strategies are important in small business ownership, she needed to change her approach. In a large company, she had big teams and large budgets. As a small business owner, she had to be resourceful. Rather than using costly marketing campaigns, she focused on building relationships within her community. Word-of-mouth and personal connections became her best tools for growth.
Running a small business comes with challenges, and Alessandra has faced many. The pandemic was a big hurdle, forcing her to adapt quickly to keep her business alive. She stayed focused on her long-term goals and used her problem-solving skills to find solutions. For instance, she started milestone celebrations like her “Elite Club,” which helped keep clients engaged and motivated during tough times.
For her, the best reward is seeing how her business impacts others. Watching clients reach their fitness goals, gain confidence, and connect with one another makes all her hard work worthwhile. It has also been satisfying to create a business that reflects her values, combining her love for fitness with her commitment to helping people.
Her journey shows that growing a small business doesn’t happen by chance. It takes careful planning, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. It’s also about staying true to what matters most—whether that’s serving clients, supporting the team, or building something she’s proud of.
Alessandra’s story reminds us that the lessons we learn in one part of life can help us in another. By applying what she learned in the corporate world, she turned her Pilates studio into a successful business. For anyone thinking of starting a business, her experience shows that with the right mindset and a strong plan, growth is possible—even when facing challenges.
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