When figuring out a strategy, it’s easy to get caught up in externalities that confuse and derail the planning process.

What if we don’t raise capital? What if conditions change? What if that big deal doesn’t happen?

The trick is to develop a plan that makes reasonable (or even bullish) assumptions about the outcome of those externalities.

You WILL raise that capital. The conditions will ALWAYS change. The big deal WILL happen (or another one like it).

Worst case scenario, your assumptions prove to be wrong and you can recalculate.

But if you’re constantly compromising your strategy and getting hung up on externalities - you will never unblock your team and drive toward successful outcomes.

The other key trick: execute so well that your bullish assumptions come true. Make. Them. Happen.

Run an excellent fundraising progress that blows investors out of the water (your incredible plan will help!), monitor conditions closely and build in feedback loops, do everything you can to close that big deal (or, better, find a path that doesn’t rely on single big deals).