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8 strategies and tactics for Founder

What is Founder strategy?

Team success often hinges on the ability to develop and implement effective strategies and tactics. It's a bit like playing chess, except that you have more than 1 player on each side.

Developing an effective Founder strategy can be intimidating, especially when your daily duties demand your attention. To assist you, we've curated a list of examples to inspire your planning process.

Feel free to copy these examples into your favorite application, or leverage Tability to maintain accountability.

How to write your own Founder strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

Founder strategy examples

You will find in the next section many different Founder tactics. We've included action items in our templates to make it as actionable as possible.

Strategies and tactics for improving Business Operations and Growth

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Streamline software project delivery

    • Evaluate current project timelines to identify inefficiencies
    • Implement project management tools for better task tracking
    • Create SOPs for recurring projects to ensure consistency
    • Utilise ready-made templates to reduce development time
    • Assign a dedicated project manager to oversee timelines
    • Establish a quality assurance process before project delivery
    • Train the team on effective time management techniques
    • Schedule regular check-ins to ensure project alignment
    • Encourage feedback loops to improve future project processes
    • Monitor project ROI to determine the most profitable projects

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Enhance marketing service offerings

    • Review current service pricing to remain competitive
    • Develop compelling case studies to showcase successes
    • Strengthen brand identity to improve market perception
    • Expand social media presence with targeted campaigns
    • Diversify marketing services to include emerging trends
    • Leverage client testimonials as part of digital marketing
    • Implement SEO strategies to improve online visibility
    • Offer bundled services to increase client engagement
    • Conduct market research to understand client preferences
    • Establish KPIs to measure marketing campaign performance

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Increase sales conversion rates

    • Train the sales team on advanced negotiation techniques
    • Set clear sales targets and track progress weekly
    • Enhance lead generation efforts through targeted advertising
    • Build partnerships with complementary businesses to source leads
    • Create a follow-up system to nurture potential clients
    • Utilise CRM tools to manage and monitor sales pipelines
    • Offer incentives for clients who refer new business
    • Revamp sales presentations to better relay service benefits
    • Host informative webinars to educate prospective clients
    • Analyse closed deals to refine sales pitches and tactics
profitabilityclient-acquisitionproject-managersales-managermarketing-teamsoftware-development-team
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Strategies and tactics for increasing annual sales to £5M+

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Expand your market reach

    • Conduct a market analysis to identify potential new geographical markets
    • Develop partnerships with distributors in new regions
    • Customise marketing strategies to cater to the specific needs of new markets
    • Attend international trade shows to showcase products and network with potential clients
    • Utilise digital marketing to target international clients
    • Hire local sales representatives in new regions
    • Establish a local presence through virtual offices or pop-up events
    • Explore government trade support programs for international expansion
    • Adjust pricing models to remain competitive in new markets
    • Continue market research to identify shifts or opportunities in new and existing markets

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Diversify product offerings and enhance value proposition

    • Conduct R&D to innovate new product lines in nanoimprint resin and machines
    • Engage with current customers to gather feedback and identify unmet needs
    • Develop custom solutions or add-ons that complement current offerings
    • Bundle products into packages that offer cohesive solutions for customers
    • Provide comprehensive training or installation services to enhance product value
    • Offer attractive maintenance or subscription models
    • Partner with complementary businesses to cross-sell products
    • Focus on sustainability and highlight eco-friendly product features
    • Increase marketing efforts on unique product benefits that solve specific industry pain points
    • Regularly update clients on enhancements and the development of future products

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen customer relationships and brand loyalty

    • Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to personalise client interactions
    • Offer loyalty programs and incentives for repeat customers
    • Conduct quarterly webinars or workshops on industry trends and how clients can leverage your products
    • Set up a dedicated customer service team to handle post-sale inquiries swiftly
    • Send regular newsletters with success stories and case studies featuring your products
    • Seek customer testimonials and use them in marketing efforts
    • Organise exclusive networking events for premium customers
    • Reach out for feedback regularly and implement desirable changes accordingly
    • Develop a referral program to encourage customers to recommend your products
    • Evaluate and improve the client onboarding process to ensure satisfaction from the start
market-reachcustomer-relationshipssales-representativecustomer-servicemarketing-teamr&d-team
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Strategies and tactics for generating a Profitable and Scalable Tech Startup Idea

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Conduct Market Analysis

    • Research current tech trends and identify unsolved problems
    • Analyse competitors and identify gaps in their offerings
    • Conduct surveys or interviews with potential users to gather insights
    • Use online tools to identify trending topics and demands
    • Compile a list of potential industries with growth potential
    • Study successful startups and their business models for inspiration
    • Identify underserved customer segments needing tech solutions
    • Evaluate market size and potential for scalability
    • Assess potential regulatory challenges in chosen industries
    • Establish criteria for selecting a promising market to enter

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Leverage Personal Strengths

    • Make a list of personal strengths, skills, and experiences
    • Seek feedback from peers or mentors to identify unrecognized strengths
    • Identify industries or problems where these strengths can be applied
    • Study case studies of founders who succeeded using similar strengths
    • Explore partnerships that complement personal skill gaps
    • Join tech forums and communities to gain new insights
    • Connect with industry experts for guidance and networking
    • Participate in hackathons or innovation challenges
    • Reflect on past projects or work that brought satisfaction and success
    • Develop a personal goal and vision statement to guide decision making

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Prototype and Validate Ideas

    • Shortlist the top three startup ideas based on research and strengths
    • Create initial prototypes or mockups for each idea
    • Gather user feedback through interviews or usability testing
    • Refine ideas based on user feedback and technical feasibility
    • Develop a basic business plan outlining cost, revenue, and growth
    • Conduct a SWOT analysis for each idea to evaluate risks and opportunities
    • Test market demand using landing pages or ads
    • Analyse financial projections to ensure potential for £10K profit
    • Seek mentors or advisors to review and critique ideas
    • Select the most promising idea to pursue full-scale development
scalabilityprofitabilityfoundermentorresearch-and-developmentmarketing-and-sales
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Strategies and tactics for fundraising for Seed-Level SaaS

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Build a compelling pitch

    • Develop a clear and concise elevator pitch
    • Create a comprehensive pitch deck highlighting the problem, solution, market opportunity, traction, and team
    • Prepare a detailed financial model showing projected income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets
    • Include testimonials and case studies from early users or clients
    • Rehearse the pitch with your team and seek feedback to refine it
    • Record a video version of the pitch for digital platforms
    • Tailor the pitch to the investor's profile, focusing on what they care about most
    • Prepare for common investor questions and objections
    • Gather all necessary legal documentation and compliance records
    • Practise storytelling techniques to make the pitch memorable and engaging

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Identify and engage with potential investors

    • Research and create a list of potential seed investors, including angels, VCs, and crowdfunding platforms
    • Leverage your network to find warm introductions to potential investors
    • Send personalised emails to each potential investor outlining why you believe you're a good fit
    • Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences to connect with investors
    • Participate in pitch competitions to gain exposure
    • Utilise LinkedIn and other social platforms to expand your network
    • Engage with online communities and forums related to your industry
    • Create content (blogs, videos, social media posts) that demonstrates your expertise and market potential
    • Follow up persistently but respectfully with potential investors
    • Keep potential investors updated with progress reports and milestones

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Demonstrate traction and market validation

    • Launch a minimum viable product (MVP) to gather user feedback
    • Implement analytics to track user behaviour and engagement
    • Collect and share key performance indicators (KPIs) that demonstrate traction, such as user growth, retention rates, and revenue
    • Build case studies showcasing early successes and user benefits
    • Secure letters of intent or pre-orders from potential customers
    • Offer free trials and gather testimonials from users who experienced your product's benefits
    • Conduct market research to validate demand and identify pain points
    • Develop strategic partnerships or collaborations to expand reach
    • Show evidence of a scalable go-to-market strategy
    • Continuously improve the product based on user feedback to show adaptability and commitment to growth
fundraisingsaasstartups-foundersinvestorsmarketingproduct-development
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Vision and Strategy for Research and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Medicine

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance research output and quality through strategic initiatives

    • Establish a research excellence task force to benchmark against the top 25 universities globally
    • Initiate a faculty-wide grant writing workshop to increase the number of successful research proposals
    • Develop a mentorship programme to pair early-career researchers with senior academics
    • Implement a performance-based reward system for high-impact publications
    • Strengthen the research infrastructure with the latest technology and facilities
    • Create interdisciplinary research teams to tackle global health challenges
    • Conduct regular seminars and symposiums involving external experts
    • Encourage publications in high-impact journals by offering financial incentives
    • Increase research training opportunities for postgraduate students
    • Formulate a comprehensive research strategy with input from all departments

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Foster international collaborations and networking opportunities

    • Develop a targeted partnership strategy with ASEAN and Asian universities
    • Host an annual international conference to showcase research and innovation
    • Create joint research programmes with top-ranked global institutions
    • Appoint a dedicated international collaborations coordinator
    • Increase faculty mobility through exchange programmes and sabbaticals
    • Secure funding for joint projects with international research bodies
    • Promote dual-degree and joint supervision programmes for postgraduate students
    • Participate actively in global academic networks and alliances
    • Enhance visibility of research through international media and publications
    • Develop marketing strategies to highlight achievements and opportunities for collaboration

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Boost interdepartmental and interfaculty cooperation

    • Form multidisciplinary committees to address common research goals
    • Monitor and analyse data on collaborations to identify successful patterns
    • Offer seed funding for joint projects between departments and faculties
    • Organise regular networking events to foster collaboration and sharing of ideas
    • Create an online portal to connect researchers across different departments
    • Encourage shared use of research facilities to optimise resources
    • Promote cross-departmental teaching initiatives to enhance collaborative education
    • Implement a 'Visiting Scholar' programme to invite national and international experts
    • Develop joint seminars and workshops with other faculties
    • Recognise and reward successful collaborative research projects
researchinternational-collaborationmentorcollaborations-coordinatorresearch-excellence-task-forcemultidisciplinary-committees
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Strategies and tactics for developing a Strategic Framework for University Growth

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

    • Upgrade and decorate lecture rooms and seminar spaces
    • Expand and upgrade medical, engineering, and IT laboratories
    • Develop a new library expansion project
    • Establish a second medical laboratory
    • Install a robust IT structure with green and sustainable technology
    • Open a new campus branch in a strategic location
    • Replace and upgrade university's transport vehicles
    • Collaborate with public and private sectors for infrastructure investment
    • Implement eco-friendly practices in all campus operations
    • Develop and enforce strong health and safety guidelines

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Foster Academic Growth and Student Engagement

    • Revise and enhance the academic curriculum regularly
    • Introduce student empowerment and development programs
    • Integrate co-curricular activities to promote holistic learning
    • Provide mentoring and tutoring systems for student support
    • Expand transformational education experiences with global outreach
    • Implement a comprehensive enrolment management plan
    • Offer competitive scholarships and financial aid
    • Encourage community engagement through volunteering and projects
    • Foster an inclusive and collaborative educational environment
    • Implement quality recruitment processes for diverse and skilled faculty

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Strengthen Research and Resource Management

    • Prioritise socio-economic research in university's agenda
    • Create partnerships with local and international organisations
    • Develop a strategic financial plan for sustainable funding
    • Enhance the university's internal and external communication
    • Introduce a robust monitoring and assessment framework
    • Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
    • Strengthen the support for research activities and infrastructure
    • Develop a resource utilisation policy for efficiency
    • Organise seminars and workshops to showcase research
    • Provide training for staff on resource management and efficiencies
infrastructure-improvementacademic-excellenceuniversity-administratorcurriculum-developerinfrastructure-developmentacademic-affairs
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Strategies and tactics for creating an onboarding plan for an EA role

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish strong communication with the CEO

    • Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the CEO to understand their expectations and working style
    • Set up regular check-ins to ensure alignment on tasks and priorities
    • Utilise communication tools and platforms preferred by the CEO for efficient information exchange
    • Develop active listening skills to fully comprehend the CEO’s needs and directives
    • Clarify preferred methods for updates and feedback from the CEO
    • Maintain an open-door policy to encourage communication and trust
    • Prioritise confidentiality in all communications with the CEO
    • Document key discussions to reference in future communication
    • Create a summary report of weekly progress and outcomes to share with the CEO
    • Continuously seek feedback to refine communication effectiveness

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Demonstrate proactiveness and initiative

    • Identify and suggest improvements to existing processes and workflows
    • Research and propose tools or systems that could enhance productivity
    • Anticipate the CEO's needs and prepare resources in advance
    • Create a timeline and action plan for your first major project to showcase initiative
    • Take ownership of any task delegated to you and provide timely updates on progress
    • Develop a list of potential challenges and proactively suggest solutions
    • Actively participate in meetings and offer insightful contributions
    • Network with other EAs and Chiefs of Staff to gather insights and best practices
    • Stay informed about industry trends to provide relevant and timely advice to the CEO
    • Seek out learning opportunities to continue personal and professional development

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Build a strong internal and external network

    • Introduce yourself to key stakeholders within the company
    • Schedule introductory meetings with heads of departments to understand their operations
    • Attend industry events or networking functions relevant to the company
    • Engage with the company's social media accounts to understand public perception
    • Join professional networks or groups associated with EAs and Chiefs of Staff
    • Develop strong relationships with other administrative staff to facilitate collaboration
    • Create an organisational chart with key contacts and their roles for reference
    • Plan to meet with the company's HR team to understand culture and employee relations
    • Establish and nurture relationships with external partners and vendors
    • Regularly update the CEO on any significant networks or connections you have built
communicationnetworkingexecutive-assistantchief-of-staffexecutive-teamadministrative-team
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Strategies and tactics for defining Your AI Consultancy

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Emphasise Marketing AI Solutions

    • Identify the core AI solutions you offer to enhance marketing efforts
    • Research competitors and identify gaps in their AI marketing offerings
    • Develop case studies showcasing successful AI applications in marketing for SMEs
    • Highlight the unique AI tools and technologies you use for marketing
    • Create a brand statement emphasizing your role as marketing consultants with AI expertise
    • Develop a dedicated webpage outlining AI-driven marketing services
    • Host webinars focusing on AI applications in marketing for SMEs
    • Develop marketing collaterals highlighting AI's impact on marketing strategies
    • Leverage testimonials from clients who benefited from your AI marketing solutions
    • Position yourself as thought leaders in AI-enhanced marketing through blogs and articles

  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Highlight AI Creativity Integration

    • Articulate the creative aspect of your AI offerings and how they transform businesses
    • Showcase innovative AI projects that demonstrate creative integration in business
    • Develop partnerships with creative agencies to enhance your AI creativity offerings
    • Create a portfolio showcasing AI-driven creative campaigns for business transformations
    • Craft messaging that conveys the imaginative power of AI in your services
    • Curate a video series demonstrating real-life creative AI applications
    • Organise workshops on combining creativity with AI for business impact
    • Engage in industry events as speakers to discuss AI's role in business creativity
    • Utilise visual storytelling on your website to demonstrate creative AI solutions
    • Gather and publish client testimonials focusing on creative transformations

  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Present as Comprehensive AI Business Consultants

    • Define the scope of AI services beyond marketing and creativity for businesses
    • Highlight the flexibility of your consultancy in adapting AI to varied business needs
    • Develop a detailed services guide showcasing all dimensions of AI applications
    • Create client personas to better match your services with their needs
    • Emphasise your expertise in AI technology adoption and implementation
    • Provide training workshops on AI literacy and its applications in business
    • Secure partnerships with tech companies to broaden your consultancy capabilities
    • Develop an AI readiness assessment tool for potential clients
    • Publish success stories of AI integration across diverse business domains
    • Launch a newsletter focusing on trends and insights in AI solutions for SMEs
ai-consultancymarketing-solutionsmarketing-consultantai-specialistmarketing-strategy-teamcreative-development-team
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How to track your Founder strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to keep your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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