We are officially back in strategy season that time of the year when companies pack their bags, book a lodge, and go “plan the future.” Some travel with laptops. Some travel with flip charts. Some travel with cooler boxes.
And SMEs… ahhhh SMEs usually say: “Strategy is for big companies, isu tiri vadiki.”
Let me tell you the truth today a truth so sharp it can slice through your 2026 vision board:
Big companies are big BECAUSE they strategised. They didn’t start strategising because they became big. Strategy is the vehicle. Size is the destination.
If you are an SME and you don’t plan, then you are basically running your company using faith + vibes + luck + miracles.
Why SMEs Think Strategy Is Not For Them
Most small business owners say:
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“I will plan when the business grows.”
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“I don’t have time.”
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“Planning requires a consultant.”
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“We can’t go to a resort yet no money.”
My friend, strategy is not Nyamapanda border. You don’t need a passport to visit it.
Strategy is simply answering:
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Where are we going?
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How will we get there?
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Who is responsible?
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What resources do we need?
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When will we do it?
Even a vendor selling on the streets of Harare can strategise.
** The SME Strategy Blueprint (And Why Most Fail at Execution)**
Many companies go for strategy retreats and come back with:
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A beautiful PowerPoint
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A colourful blueprint
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A 50-page document
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A lot of motivation
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Zero implementation
Three months later: The strategy document is lying in someone’s drawer under old invoices and expired receipts.
My question is: WHY WASTE THREE DAYS? You are not going to sweep carpets, eat buffet, and take sunset selfies only.
Strategy must be followed by EXECUTION.
Otherwise you are just doing a corporate vacation.
SME Strategy Meetings The Comedy Version
Let me show you what many SME strategy sessions look like:
Day 1
CEO: “We want to dominate Zimbabwe and Africa.” Team: *Claps hands
- No one asks how.
Day 2
Someone suggests: “We need a website!” Everyone writes it down like it’s the second coming of Jesus.
Day 3
People are tired, want to go home, so they agree with anything. “KPI? Yes.” “Implementation plan? We’ll do it later.” “Budget? Next week.” “Who is responsible? Ahh tichazviona.”
Then the strategy retreat ends. The only thing that grows is the waistline because of the resort food.
The Truth: A Strategy Without Execution Is Useless
You cannot:
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Plan without assigning owners
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Dream without timelines
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Set goals without tools
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Create KPIs that no one monitors
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Expect progress without accountability
A strategy must answer: What? Who? When? How? And with what resources?
Execution is the difference between:
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Companies that grow
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Companies that just talk**
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Here’s What SMEs MUST Do: The Practical Strategy Checklist
Define your mission Set clear goals Identify the people responsible Put deadlines Allocate resources Define KPIs Have monthly reviews Update the plan when things change Hold people accountable Reward performance
If you don’t do the above, then you are doing wishful thinking, not strategy.
A Small Business Without Strategy Is Like a Kombi Without Brakes
You are moving fast, yes… But nobody knows where you are going, or when you will crash.
Strategy:
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Gives direction
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Prevents mistakes
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Improves performance
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Saves money
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Reduces confusion
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Unites your team
BOTTOM LINE: Strategy is for ALL companies especially SMEs
You cannot grow beyond what you plan for. Dreams without strategy remain dreams. A company with no strategy becomes a company with no future.
As you prepare for 2026, remember: Don’t waste those three days. Don’t waste that resort money. Don’t waste your team’s energy. Plan, review, execute, and grow.
If you’re an SME and you finally want a strategy that actually works (not one that sleeps in a drawer until December), this is your moment. Let us help you plan, align your team, set KPIs, and build an execution roadmap that delivers real results in 2026. Whether you’re a start-up, growing business, or established company strategy is your fuel.Execution is your engine. +263 77 961 9739 | +260 972 936 033 Book your SME Strategy Session now and let’s turn your plans into progress.
By The Chartered Vendor
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