A simple definition of "strategy" (and how to actually follow one)

Demystifying Strategy: A Simple Guide to Making Better Business Decisions

Ever notice how the word "strategy" gets thrown around so much it starts to lose meaning? Let's break it down into something practical that you can actually use every day, not just another document collecting digital dust.

What Strategy Really Is

At its core, strategy is simply:

• A collection of tactics to reach specific goals
• A roadmap for daily decision-making
• A guide for what to say "yes" and "no" to

The Common Strategy Trap

Many businesses fall into this pattern:

• Spend thousands on strategic development
• Invest months in planning
• Create elaborate documents
• Only review quarterly or annually
• Never implement daily

What Makes a Strategy Useful

A good strategy should help you:

1. Define clear financial goals
2. Set impact-based objectives
3. Outline specific daily actions
4. Guide consistent decision-making
5. Align team efforts

The Power of Saying "No"

A Real-World Example: The Co.Creative Story

• Previous positioning: "Anti-marketing marketing agency"
• People loved it
• Generated attention
• Created memorability

BUT...

• Didn't align with new vision
• Had to be let go for strategic clarity
• Demonstrated the power of strategic focus

Strategic Alignment Check

Review your current:

• Partnerships
• Products/Services
• Customer base
• Team members
• Marketing messages

Ask yourself:

1. Does each element align with your strategy?
2. What needs to stay?
3. What needs to go?
4. What needs to change?

Making Strategy Work Daily

To keep your strategy active:

1. Reference it in daily decisions
2. Use it to evaluate opportunities
3. Apply it to team communications
4. Let it guide resource allocation
5. Use it for priority setting

The Bottom Line

Remember: Strategy isn't about creating complex documents – it's about having a clear framework for making decisions that move you toward your goals.

Your Action Steps

1. Define your core goals (financial and impact)
2. List your current tactics
3. Evaluate alignment
4. Identify what to keep
5. Be brave about what to let go
6. Create daily implementation habits

Are you ready to turn your strategy from a document collecting digital dust into a daily decision-making tool?