When I made the decision to do my first triathlon, I simultaneously made the decision that I was already properly conditioned for the race and would not train. What could go wrong?

When we think of the smartest, most strategic companies right now, like Amazon, Netflix, and Google, one thing that distinguishes them from so many others is the ability to visualize the future accurately, create plans to capitalize on it, and execute those plans well. A little luck never hurts along the way either, but luck alone can’t account for these giants.  

20-years of working with—and on—small and midsize businesses to address growth related challenges has given me some insight into the most obstacles out there. In one way or another, the source of many of these problems I’ve seen can be traced to strategy. These are the most common mistakes I’ve seen, and how to avoid them.

If you’ve ever tried fixing your car while driving it, you know it’s easier to make changes when you aren’t in motion. That’s true of changes to your car and it’s true of changes to your business. Which is why right now is a great opportunity for many businesses to pivot. Here’s how to start your pivot.