Strategy
Let’s start with the endgame. Define the arena, pick your targets, and carve out that unique edge that lets you crush the competition. It’s not just about playing the game – it’s about rewriting the rules so you’re ALWAYS ahead.
Strategy versus Planning: A Plan is Not a Strategy
Winning in business demands understanding your market position: first, best, or cheapest. Long-term success stems from strategic dominance, not just playing the game.
Understanding Strategy in Simple Terms
In this lesson, we’ll discuss a winning strategy. Let’s start by understanding how important it is to solve a problem for customers. If they can solve it themselves, they won’t need you. So, your value comes from solving their unique problems.
Your view of your value doesn’t matter; what matters is how customers see you.
Market Positioning: Your Winning Spot
There are three ways to stand out in the market:
- Being First: You’re the trailblazer, making mistakes but leading the way.
- Being Best: Following the first mover but creating a better solution.
- Being the Cheapest: Offering a cost advantage without all the features.
Remember, there’s no middle ground. You can’t aim for average; it’s a losing game.
Startup Reality Check
For startups, being the cheapest is risky. Your unique product features might not be long-term defenses.
Strategic Planning vs. Strategy
Planning is what you do, but strategy is about dominating a chosen market. Most companies plan to play, not to win.
Defining Your Path
To strategize effectively, figure out where you want to be. Plan in phases, focus on a one-year timeline, and base your strategy on the current reality.
Building a Winning Strategy: Key Questions
- Winning Aspirations: Aim to be the go-to choice for customers.
- Where to Play: Define your market and competition clearly.
- Who Not to Sell to: Be clear about your niche.
- How to Win: Differentiate your solution or market position uniquely.
- Needed Capabilities: Focus on core capabilities essential for success.
Metrics: Tracking Your Progress
Focus on leading indicators of success rather than just financial numbers. These metrics help you foresee problems and take corrective action.
Plus One: Assumptions Matter
Acknowledge the assumptions you’ve made about the market conditions that need to hold true for your strategy to succeed.
Putting It All Together
Condense your strategy onto one page, break metrics into monthly goals, and start working on achieving them. If you use OKRs, align these goals to your objectives.
This process will guide your high-level strategy and keep you on track to success.