Informal Thoughts on Strategy

A few minutes where I share some thoughts on strategy that occur to me as I've been working on a strategy-related video.
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[@bushveldkid7640]

I love listening to you speak, on any topic. You are a good teacher and have a knack at simplifying a topic but at the same time going deeper which makes me want to learn more.

[@MikeGastin]

Aw. Thank you. You’ve always believed in me. Even when I was a silly young guy with more hope than substance. 😘

[@nathangreen4158]

Thanks Mike. Not sure if you're already considering this for your formal video, but I would be interested in hearing a practical real-world example of how strategy is "done right" in your opinion. Maybe its a personal anecdote of something you've observed in the past, or maybe a famous case of it in bigger business, or maybe a hypothetical. You touch on AWS/Bazos there that he did strategy right, but I guess I'm talking more about the step-by-step process and how exactly you divergently analyse the internal and external factors of a business and land on the right strategic outcome.

[@MikeGastin]

Hi Nathan. Thanks for the comment. First, no, I am not considering this my formal vid. I'm still working on that and plan to publish that in a couple weeks (I've got a ton of travel between now and then). Second, in the upcoming vid I do have a couple examples of strategy. Third, as to divergent thinking, I don't go in depth about that much in the planned vid, however, I could certainly do other videos on that topic-that's a great suggestion, tbh. Thank you. I should point out, I don't "divergently analyze" as much as I do a great deal of analysis where I try to break down the aspects of the client organization, their market, their competition, etc. into their most basic parts (e.g., pricing, consumer demo, supply chains) and then engage a more divergent mindset when looking for ways to make connections between parts that are not obvious or typical. Like maybe there's some hidden connection between pricing and consumer age that the market seems to have missed. Not sure that helps, but I will definitely consider doing some content around divergent thinking. Thanks again!

[@brandconceptmaps]

Great stuff Mike! Strategy is really about informed bets, having a vision, being able to set priorities and execute.

[@MikeGastin]

Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@NatWallen-Realtor-Charleston]

Great discussion!

[@MikeGastin]

I'm glad we had this talk. ;)

[@almullaonline]

I didn't get the use of the word: Strategery What do you mean by using the word: Strategery?

[@brandconceptmaps]

Can we expect a follow up video on Cybertruck any time soon?

[@MikeGastin]

I have been thinking about that. I've yet to see one in the wild, although I know they're shipping and lots of people have reported seeing them. I suspect I'll do one but I know it won't be until I have something to say about them, rather than just reporting/updating. TBH, I'm not even sure how I feel about EVs at this stage. So much has changed since 2019 ... I miss yesterday. :)

[@robc5704]

Hi Mike, The issue is when you think real strategy you are like the prophet alone in the wilderness. Attempting to bring others with you who in the main just don't get it has been the bain of my existence. Are people who do join dots, who do think outside the square, who see a better world if you will, know how hard it is to be in the larger business world and yet, a dreamer (for so most who think this way are), to go it alone is way too painful to think too long about...

[@MikeGastin]

It can be hard, that's for sure. A lot of people, especially people in management, often don't get it and will oppose you. A prophet's main duty is not to the people but rather is to the Truth. You have to stay committed to the truth. Also, in business, you have to be willing to move on. If people won't receive your gift then you need to find people who will. This can mean changing jobs, new clients, etc. Also, I have found that I matters what level you're at. For instance, when I was young and in a junior position, no one cared what I thought. And, maybe rightfully so. Even though I may have had a gift for "seeing" things better, I was too young to do so in a way that was useful. Over time as I gained more experience and perspective I found that my insights were more on target and more well received.

[@whall2962]

ITM

[@MikeGastin]

TYFYC

[@joefilter2923]

Listening to your other videos, it’s actually impossible to recommend your channel.

[@MikeGastin]

Then don’t. Thanks for sharing.