How to turn an idea into a profitable business?

There are certainly plenty of ways to turn an idea into a money-making machine, but if I had to pick just one key factor, that would be STRATEGIC THINKING. Meet W7 – my secret weapon for confident business growth. In this article, you’ll learn a step-by-step way to build solid foundations for your business and start smarter—not harder.

Let’s start with my story, shall we?

When I started my first business, there wasn’t a neat formula or a perfect plan. I had no kitchen, just a one-pot electric stove, and a blurry vision. I didn’t know the market or my future clients that well, but I knew one thing for sure—I had to make it work. No safety net, no fallback plan—just me and my desire to succeed.

I was in a foreign country where the culture and consumer behavior were completely different from Europe. My product? A very niche idea: sugar-free treats, in a market that was obsessed with processed, sugary foods. I did my research, but everyone around me said, “Don’t push with this idea. People here love sugar and cheap food—it’s a bad idea.”

But here’s the thing: I trusted my gut, my analytical skills, and that scribbled one-pager I called a strategy. I gave myself 7 days to create a launch plan, and decided to give it 3 months. Was I 100% sure it would work? Absolutely not!

Fun fact: Three months after launching, the same people who had told me not to push this idea were interested in investing in my business. I guess I convinced them that I knew what I was doing. I wasn’t an exceptional baker (quite the opposite!). I was just strategic and good at marketing. That’s all. Of course, I made sure I was delivering a high-quality product (and yes, that’s part of a good marketing strategy in my book).

Years later, after growing multiple businesses, I discovered a system that not only helped me but could help other entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses with confidence. That’s how W7 was born. It’s not just a strategy—it’s the backbone of everything I do, and today, I’m sharing it with you.

Let’s dive into the W7 system—my secret weapon for building, growing, and sustaining a successful business.

The Birth of W7: From Chaos to Clarity

I’m almost sure you’re nodding right now, thinking, “Where do I even go next?” or maybe “What if it doesn’t work?” Trust me, I’ve been there. I know exactly what’s running through your head.

W7 didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It was born out of necessity. In the early days, running a business felt like trying to tame a whirlwind—chaos, stress, sleepless nights. I had it all. And at some point, I had to face the truth: this couldn’t continue. I needed a framework to stop spinning in circles, something to keep me grounded and focused.

Does that sound familiar? Maybe you’re pouring all your energy into the wrong things, chasing ideas that don’t connect, feeling like you’re constantly behind. You’re not alone.

I started seeing the same patterns in the women I mentored. They were overwhelmed. Scattered. Spending too much time on things that weren’t moving the needle. So I began structuring my approach—one step at a time—turning real-life lessons into a system.

That’s how W7 came to life.

Think of it like this: building your business is like building a relationship. You wouldn’t rush into marriage without really knowing your partner, right? You need to speed-date your business idea, test the waters, and see if it’s a match. Then comes the “3-month trial”—you get to know it, adapt, and see where it’s headed. And if it works? You commit—but always on your terms.

Each "W" represents a crucial part of business development. They’re not random steps; they’re the pillars that will hold up your entrepreneurial journey.

WHY – Your Purpose and Vision (but hear me out!)

Your "WHY" is the foundation of everything, but let’s keep it real—no need to start with grand plans of world domination just yet. Let’s focus on the immediate goal: you want to make money and find proof that your business idea actually works. And guess what? That’s a solid reason to get started!

It’s not always about building a million-dollar empire (at least, not right now). It’s about knowing why YOU are building this business. For most of us, the first "WHY" is financial. You’ve got bills to pay, dreams to chase, maybe even debt to get rid of. Maybe you want to retire your parents or send your kids to college with ease. And that’s perfectly okay.

This is your internal WHY. It’s what gets you out of bed on those tough days. So embrace it. Don’t shy away from saying, "I want to make money." Most of us started for that reason—just not many people admit it. You deserve financial freedom and to stop stressing over bills. But once that’s under control, you can focus on the bigger picture.

Think of it like this: it’s like putting on your oxygen mask first on a plane—you take care of you, then you help others.

Once you’ve secured that internal WHY, shift to the larger WHY. What impact do you want to make? Who do you want to help? What problem are you solving? These are the bigger, mission-driven WHYs that create real connections with your clients and make your business stand out.

Pro Tip: Just chasing money will eventually lead to burnout. If you want long-term success, combine your internal WHY with something greater. Why settle for one when you can have both? 😉

Task: Write down your internal and external WHYs. Keep them somewhere visible. These will ground you when the going gets tough and remind you why you’re in this game.

WHAT – Crafting Your Offer

Once you’ve figured out your WHY, it’s time to define WHAT you’re offering. And let me tell you, this is where a lot of people hit a wall. They have this big vision, but they don’t know what they’re actually selling. And here’s the truth: if you don’t have something to sell, you don’t have a business—you have a hobby.

I’ve lost track of how many people come to me frustrated because they can’t find clients, yet when I ask what they’re offering, it’s crickets. They throw around terms like “I serve high-ticket clients,” but that’s just smoke and mirrors. What’s a “high ticket”? Is it $500? $50,000? What value hides behind the price and what difference does it make in your client's lives? When it comes to your offer, focus on solving a real problem with a real solution. That’s where the magic happens. The pricing will come later.

When I started, my offer wasn’t glamorous, but it solved a real problem. I had one pie and three flavors of sugar-free ice cream. That’s it! My clients didn’t care about fancy packaging or logos, and honestly, I didn’t want to overly invest in product design at the very beginning of my business. What mattered to them was that my product was a healthy, delicious alternative for diabetics and those trying to lose some weight. And you know what? They kept coming back. I wasn’t trying to impress them with aesthetics—I was focused on making them happy by offering something of real value.

The offer for my sugar-free dessert business was small but it gave my clients enough variety to keep them interested and allowed me to test the waters without overwhelming myself. I also didn’t have an oven, so I had to figure out something my one-pot stove could handle! Talk about working with what you’ve got. LOL.

Pro Tip: Define your core offer, and don’t overcomplicate it. Test the waters with one thing. If it resonates, then you can expand. Simplicity is your best friend at the start.

Task: What’s your offer? What’s your solution? Whether it’s one product, a service, or a program, get laser-focused on it. You don’t need a massive menu of options right out of the gate. Start with one hero product or service that solves a real problem, and let it grow from there.

WHO – Knowing Your Clients Inside Out

Your business is only as strong as the people it serves. If you don’t know your clients, your business has no soul. Your clients are like the soulmates of your business—they need to "get" you, and you need to "get" them. That's how brands are born.

When I was building my first business in the Philippines, I didn’t have a deep understanding of the market at first. You start with an idea, and then watch who you attract very closely. Through research and talking to real people, I began to understand what my ideal clients wanted, and that changed everything. I learned that my clients were mostly wealthy Filipino women, aged 27-56, who wanted to lose weight and needed healthier alternatives that they couldn’t find in their local stores.

Even though that food delivery business started back in 2017, I still remember the names and personal stories of my first clients. Honey was my very first, and on my first delivery day, she was at the hospital delivering... her newborn! :)

It felt so symbolic to me. Those memories are just so joyful. Now, I live in Spain and that chapter is history, but some of those women still reach out to me just to say hi or thank me for the impact I had on their health journey. Every single message from them, or even former employees, means the world to me. It’s a reminder of the power of connection.

After reaching 50 clients, I couldn’t follow each one as closely, but I always kept my eye on my Top 10 (biggest spenders). Why? Because understanding your clients—their needs, wants, and how they feel valued—is what makes your business thrive. Small gestures, solutions tailored to their problems, and showing them you truly “see them” will keep them coming back.

This is about connecting on a deeper level with your audience.

And here’s one more tip: language barriers matter. If you’re in a new market or your clients speak different languages, make sure your messaging resonates with them. Communication is key.

Pro Tip: Quality over quantity. Focus on connections and long-term relationships with your first clients. Get to know their deepest desires, frustrations, and lifestyle. Watch them closely in those first 3 months (and always!)

Task: Write down a profile of your ideal client. Include their age, gender, location, pain points, desires, and how your offer can solve their problem. Dive deep into their mindset and create a persona that helps you understand their world.

WHERE – Finding Your Marketing Channels

Now that you’ve nailed down your WHY, WHAT, and WHO, it’s time to figure out WHERE to connect with your audience. Where are your clients hanging out? Where do they spend their time? You need to be present where they are, whether that’s online or offline.

While the first parts of the W7 System focus more on psychology and analysis, steps 4-5-6 are more technical. And then, step 7 is all about the numbers, with the WOW Card swooping in at the end to make everything EVEN BETTER! 😉 Just wait for it!

Let’s be real. Social media has completely changed the business game, but not all platforms are created equal. If your target audience is younger, Instagram or TikTok might be your sweet spot. If you’re going after a more corporate, B2B crowd, LinkedIn might be where you need to focus.

For example, when I built my healthy food delivery business, my clients hung out on Viber, Instagram, and Facebook Groups. That’s where I spent most of my energy engaging with them. I didn’t even need a website! Instead, I used ManyChat to automate customer service and ran Facebook Ads to drive traffic. Simple, but effective.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing your channels:

• Website: Your home base for credibility.

• Instagram: Visual storytelling and community building.

• Facebook: Local targeting and broader reach.

• LinkedIn: B2B strategies and professional connections.

• Google Ads/SEO: For people actively searching for your solutions.

• Meta Ads: For scaling your business without getting bogged down by algorithms.

• YouTube: For longer-form content and tutorials.

• Email Marketing: For consistent, direct engagement.

  
  

Pro Tip: Test both organic and paid strategies. Build your presence authentically, but when you’re ready to scale, don’t hesitate to invest in ads.

Task: Don’t overcomplicate it. Pick 2-3 channels that make sense for your audience and focus on those. Grow 1 before spreading yourself too thin.

WHOM – You Don't Have To Do This Alone

Here’s a bigger truth: you can’t do it all alone! Even if you’re a solopreneur, there are tools, software, and partnerships that can make your life so much easier. Whether it’s hiring your first team member, outsourcing work, or leveraging AI tools like Bella (my AI assistant team made up of ConvertKit, Canva, ChatGPT, CapCut, WIX, etc.), you need support.

I’ve worked with countless women who try to do everything themselves, thinking they’re saving money. But what happens? They burn out. You need a team—or at the very least, a system—that supports your growth.

In my early days, I learned the value of outsourcing. I started by delegating tasks like baking to pastry chefs, deliveries to Grab drivers, and focusing my energy on running the business. At the end of the day, as the CEO, your role is to lead and strategize—not do everything alone.

But here’s where it gets interesting: having a mentor can fast-track your growth like nothing else. I’m almost always fully booked (so don’t feel like I’m pushing you to work with me 😏), but finding a mentor who can guide you will save you time, money, and energy. In those early stages, ego often gets in the way. Pretending you know it all might kill your business. Trust me—I’ve watched people let their ego sink their dreams, and I’m just here trying to warn you. You don’t have to know it all!

Pro Tip: Start small but smart. Delegate tasks that don’t require your personal touch so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Task: Who’s on your team? What tools are you using? Whether it’s a virtual assistant, part-time help, or AI solutions, set yourself up for long-term success by building a support system now—and maybe even find a mentor to guide you along the way.

WHEN – Timing Your Strategy

Everything in business comes down to timing. Knowing WHEN to launch, scale, or pivot is critical. So many entrepreneurs rush the process of BIG steps, thinking the higher they jump, the quicker success will come. But here are two truths you need to understand:

Business loves speed—

so it’s better to start today than tomorrow.

Business is a marathon, not a sprint—

think long-term, and save your energy by making well-thought-out decisions.

Picture this: climbing the ladder one small step at a time, consistently, helps you reach the top, while trying to jump straight up might break your legs (or the ladder!). I hope that analogy lands well.

When I launched my first business, I didn’t immediately rent a storefront or throw in huge investments. I played it smart. I gave myself 7 days to land my first clients. And trust me, it was 7 days of no sleep, working on speed-dial. I needed money—desperately—so I had no choice but to make it work.

At that time, I lived in a tiny studio with just a one-pot stove. Three months later, after proving the concept, I moved to a bigger house with a huge kitchen and bought all the commercial equipment I needed. Six months later the investment came in... well, you can imagine how the expansion unfolded. Step by step, one strategic move at a time.

Growth isn’t about rushing—it’s about being precise and taking smaller risks in the beginning to build a stronger foundation.

Pro Tip: Expansion happens step by step. That’s how you reduce risks and make informed decisions. Don’t jump all in from day one. Build your base first, test your ideas, and grow steadily.

Task: Create a realistic timeline for your launches, marketing efforts, and growth milestones. Plan each step ahead and follow the rhythm of your audience and market conditions. Ask yourself: How long will you give yourself to test the waters before expanding?

WALLET – Managing Your Finances

You know the love-hate relationship with credit cards? Yeah, me too. They’ve started so many businesses for me, yet I dread those debts like a bad dream. Silly me. Maybe it's time to actually start feeling grateful for what they've done 😉. Okay, side notes aside—let's make friends with the numbers that really matter, especially when we’re all trying to be thrifty and avoid unnecessary risks. After all, no one wants to sell their house without proof of concept.

But let’s get real for a second and talk about your WALLET—because without knowing your numbers, you’re just guessing.

A lot of entrepreneurs avoid this part because, let’s be honest, finances can feel like a total headache. But here’s the deal: understanding your numbers is non-negotiable. You don’t need to be a math genius to start—just keep things simple with spreadsheets. It’s not quantum physics, I promise. Track your revenue, expenses, and savings. It might not be glamorous, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

PROFITS are your business’s heartbeat. If your business isn’t making money, guess what? It’s not sustainable. I’ve been there. I’ve sat down with my spreadsheets and realized which products weren’t making me a profit but were bringing in traffic, and which ones were boosting my bank account. Think of McDonald’s—burgers don’t bring profits; they bring traffic. Profits come from fries and drinks. You don’t need to run a food business to use this strategy.

I am data-obsessed and I practically drool when I get to analyze numbers with my clients. Knowing your numbers means you’re not flying blind. It’s how you know when to invest in new equipment, hire staff, or even pay yourself. It’s the backbone of a healthy, thriving business.

Pro Tip: Track everything. Set up a simple financial system and stick to it. This will keep your business growing and keep you sane.

Task: Open Excel or your preferred accounting software and track income, expenses, and savings. Set clear financial goals for the next 6-12 months. Ask yourself: How will you reinvest in your business?

The WOW Card: What Makes You Stand Out?

You know that song "This is the best part, this is the best part, oh” by Gardenstate & Bien? That's exactly how I feel when it comes to elevating ideas and giving business concepts a bold, creative twist.

Sometimes I turn everything upside down just to put it back together, but trust me—it’s always worth it.

With every business I start or co-start, I focus on being different. I’m obsessed with finding a fresh approach, merging worlds that seem unrelated, or adding an unexpected twist. That’s how innovation happens. And it’s what makes people stop and take notice. Being different is not just a strategy—it’s the key to standing out in a crowded market.

If you really want to make your business pop, you need to surprise and delight your clients (and that's where W3 comes in handy).

In one of my businesses, I introduced incognito ordering for high-profile clients to protect their privacy, and it created a huge buzz, especially among politicians and celebrities. People want to feel understood, valued, and wowed.

What makes you different? This is your WOW factor. Whether it’s personalized customer service, a unique product, or an unforgettable experience, make sure your clients feel special.

Pro Tip: Create WOW moments that keep your clients coming back for more.

Task: Think about how you can create a WOW factor in your business. What’s one unexpected detail or experience you can introduce to make your clients feel special and valued? Write down one bold move you can make to stand out from your competition.

W7 in Action: Turning Chaos Into Clarity

W7 isn’t just a strategy—it’s a powerful system that takes the guesswork out of building a business. From nailing down your WHY to managing your finances like a pro, W7 transforms chaos into clarity. Take Mayka, for example: she came to me with scattered ideas and left with a structured plan for her makeup business. Now? She's running it with confidence and focus.

The magic of W7 is that it evolves with you. Your strategy will grow and shift just like your business does. The deeper you dive into each step, the more refined and unstoppable your process becomes, setting you up for long-term success.

Ready to turn your scattered ideas into a solid, actionable business plan? W7 is the system that will get you there. Stop spinning in circles and start building with confidence!

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