Strategy vs tactics used to frustrate and confuse me until Jay Abraham explained it.

Jay helps business owners shift their mindsets to become more strategic thinkers and use innovation and marketing to grow their businesses.

Most of us struggle to understand the difference!

Often, we use a tactic to improve sales or marketing results and think we are being clever or strategic!

Wrong!

Embracing strategic thinking was a game-changer for me. Let me share a story to make it clearer.



Imagine you’re like Steve, a special forces team leader wanting to get your team to a location.

Your options? Cross the river, traverse the desert, or scale the mountain. Each represents a different strategy, but how you execute each depends on your chosen tactics.

Breaking it down:

Option 1: The River

→ Strategy: Take the river to get there faster.
→ Tactics: Use a boat or swim.

Steve’s logistics expert, Tom, jumps in. “A boat will get us there quicker, saving time and energy. Swimming is an option, but we’ll be exhausted before arriving.”

Lesson:

→ The river strategy is about speed, but the tactic (boat vs. swimming) determines how effective that strategy is. Sometimes, you have the right path but need the right tools.

Option 2: The Desert

→ Strategy: Cross the desert to avoid water-related risks.
→ Tactics: Walk, use a camel, or drive ATVs.

Sandra, the survival expert, warns that the desert is unforgiving. “Walking could drain our energy fast, and we’d need to carry a lot of water. Camels or ATVs would be easier, but we must plan for the heat.”

Lesson:

The desert is safer in terms of avoiding water risks, but it’s a challenge. We avoid one problem and introduce another. Here, tactics (camels or ATVs) could make or break the journey.

Option 3: The Mountain

→ Strategy: Climb the mountain for a direct route and clear view.
→ Tactics: Use climbing gear, find trails, or establish base camps.

The terrain expert, James, has advantages. “We’ll have a better view of what’s ahead, but the climb will be tough. We’ll need rest stops and proper gear.”

Lesson:

This strategy concerns clarity and safety but requires more effort. Base camps could make it easier but take longer.

Steve’s Choice: The River with a Boat

Steve weighs his options and decides on the river strategy. His tactic? Use a boat to save energy and ensure the team is strong enough for the journey.

Takeaways:

Strategy is the direction, but tactics are how you get there. The right combination ensures you get there efficiently and with minimal risk.

The same principles apply in business.

You might have a brilliant strategy, but you’ll either slow down or burn out without the right tactics.

How do you apply strategy and tactics?