The truth about strategy: It’s simpler than you think
When it comes to strategy, it’s common to think it must be complicated - all buzzwords, frameworks, and 100-page slide decks. The truth couldn’t be further from this. For a strategy to be great, it must be simple. Strategy should provide the ultimate clarity and direction forward. If you or your colleagues don’t understand the strategy, it isn’t good enough. And in today’s competitive environment where brands are fighting for growth and the attention of the customer, that really isn’t good enough.
In a world where customer expectations are shifting fast, economic uncertainty looms, and competition is fierce, it’s no wonder that strategy sometimes feels like a puzzle better left untouched. But strategy should be straightforward. It’s about understanding both the business and the customer goal, the business or customer problem that’s standing in your way, the revelatory insight that changes the perspective on the problem, and then the solution – what must you do next? Most commonly, businesses aren’t aligned on their goal or can successfully diagnose the problem standing in their way. They jump straight to solution mode. And that is where the problems start.
We get that in the day-to-day, strategy can drift out of sight - tucked away in a document, revisited only once a year. But, you can’t just keep running off a strategy from 5+ years ago and expect it to still be working for you. Ask yourself: is your strategy still fit for purpose? Is every decision you make bringing you closer to your goals? Probably not. But don’t let the fear of a complex strategy put you off. Here at Ideas + Outcomes, we aim to make strategy simple. Here’s how.
What makes a great strategy?
At its heart, strategy should be simple. It’s about:
Diagnosing the problem you’re solving
Understanding the macro and microenvironment you’re operating in
Setting long-term goals
A solid strategy should be:
Built on strong foundations: Lasting 3-5 years, with a steady ambition that doesn’t change every time a challenge pops up.
Evidence-based: Rooted in research and insight, not just gut feel.
Ambitious: If it doesn’t aim high, why bother?
Clear and concise: Easy to communicate and memorable enough to stick.
Firm but flexible: Goals stay firm but can flex.
Measurable: With clear KPIs to track progress.
Invested in: Both financially and emotionally - from leadership buy-in to every team member understanding their role in delivering the strategy.
Our approach: strategy, simplified
At Ideas + Outcomes, we keep strategy simple, practical, and focused on results. Our process brings together your business vision and the customer-facing brand, ensuring we always do what’s right for both your bottom line and your audience.
Here’s how we do it:
Immersion workshop:
We gather cross-functional stakeholders to understand your journey so far, your goals, and the key challenges to solve.
Research & discovery:
We identify knowledge gaps, overlay your business challenges with market insights, and audit your brand’s current state. We bring the customer into focus, understanding their attitudes, motivations, and needs - and how your brand fits into their world.
Strategy development:
We translate our insights into an actionable strategy - from brand values and positioning. We test different directions with your team and your customers to get the right fit.
Proposition development:
We define a clear reason for customers to choose your brand - your brand’s promise to them - that sets you apart in the market.
If your strategy feels stuck, outdated, or misaligned - or even if you’re just not sure - we’re here to help. We make strategy simple, clear, and effective so you can focus on growing your business.
Get in touch for a fresh pair of eyes or help developing your strategy.