Give a man a fish everyday, his appetite is sated. Teach him how to fish, you have fulfilled his appetite for an entire life time. This is strategy. To make it work, to make the impossible, possible. There is no drawn out template for success or for that matter strategy. But both of them go together when the right strategy is used at the right time and you can bang on your target. Neither the same strategy fits the bill for everybody. Your smart approach to that particular situation backed up by your knowledge and experience does the magic. It cannot be taught, it comes from within you when the situation warrants for action. It is more like “Survival of the fittest”, if you want to retain your niche in this business world you act fast and think wise.
How many of you are bold enough to think differently to make a difference, to make others feel your presence. See, you should not force yourself into the situation neither by copying or imitating others, nor by criticizing and commenting on your competitors products or services. That will paint a greasy picture on your firm. That is of course strategy but cheap strategy. But always be on the run to know your competitors’ weaknesses and shortcomings which will make you improve your product or a service. That is permissible in the dictionary of business as little spying will even put you in the right track.
Strategies must always be constructive and it assures success in the long run. Tactics or gimmicks will prove to be fruitful only for a short while and that is not your aim also. Will you be satisfied if you are able to sell your product or service as hot cakes only for a season! Is that going to cover your profit margin for the entire accounting year? True, strategies are always associated with making profits, boosting up the sales, for retaining the market share and maximizing the share value. But it should also make your business perennial and viable.
Many of us forget that strategies are applicable in every activity of a firm that forms a compact framework which gives your business a solid foundation upon which you can build your empire of success without looking back. Right from framing your vision, mission, policies, procedures and programmes including recruitment, selection, training, evaluation and empowering your employees strategies play their role in giving clarity and direction to the firm and also distinctive competence and image to your firm.
Although strategies are meant for long term planning, a review and appraisal of the company’s strategies to all the employees concerned is a must to keep them in bay. How many of you do this?Strategies are secrets but not to the employees of your organization. Strategies are born out of compulsion, a compulsion to survive in the market and have an edge over others. So they must be meticulously planned after brain storming sessions and expert consultations. Sometimes even a small idea suggested by one of your employees might turn out to be the most wonderful one and that might click. So keep your eyes and ears open and also be open minded to accept ideas even from the lowest level as they are your pillars of strength and they know the pulse of the market and people better.
Success is not a cake walk, it has to be achieved with great hardships and challenges and the taste of success will be more sweet. Strategies are formulated in every step of your business plan, remember it is an ongoing process, you have to revitalize your strategies every now and to be in the scene, to make your presence felt, to make other people look at you and your success for inspiration. Such strategies serve as a role model for others. Strategy is nothing but an action plan that clicks for you and there is no one best strategy that suits all. You have to find the best strategy that fits your bill and it comes with experience and insight.
