5 Simple Steps To Create A Strategy

At Brand by Me, strategy is a must for our work with clients.  In fact, it’s one of our values, because it’s exciting to create the vision and action needed to achieve long-term goals.  As states our favourite saying on the subject:

“Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat”

If you are constantly “doing” without a strategy, you can’t possibly win.

When it came to my own business, it was really hard to find space and time to think outside of the day to day.  Frankly, it felt a bit overwhelming.  

So I thought I’d share 5 steps to build a strategy– whether it’s for your team, your business or simply for yourself.

1. Start small

If you say to yourself, “I’m going to write my 3 year strategy for my business by the end of next week”, you probably won’t do it.  It feels too huge to even approach.  So instead, break it down.  Start by answering a simple question – how would it feel to have this strategy in place? And what do I need to do differently to make it happen?

2. Focus on one problem at a time

Once you know why you need your strategy and have worked out what to do differently, you’ll have a sense of what’s stopping you.  So work out what’s your biggest challenge and address it head-on.

3. Keep it simple

Nothing is worse than a strategy process or document that is so complex that no-one can understand it.  Strategy should be straightforward and designed for immediate implementation.  There are loads of good strategy models out there, so don’t over complicate.  And email us, if you want the one we use.

4. Get help

Not everyone is a strategist.  Sometimes it’s useful to get an outside view to help you kickstart the process, refine your thinking or identify the plan of action.  This doesn’t mean that you outsource your thinking.  Your strategy must come from you.  But it can save you time and headaches if you work with a trusted partner to guide you through the process.  Make sure it’s the right person though – seek recommendations and personal references.  And talk to a few people before making a decision. Don’t just rely on marketing or their website alone.
(We can help. Not a plug.  Just saying.).

5. Take action

I only quoted half of the saying above.  The other part states that “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory”.  If you don’t identify actions to deliver your strategy, it won’t happen.  I love the rule of threes, so why not end by committing to 3 actions to make your strategy happen?  Something within the next week, month and year so that you keep the momentum going.

That’s it – 5 steps to create your strategy.   Hope they help. And if you’re looking for a trusted partner to help with your strategy, do give us a shout!

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