Dhruvi Infinity Inspiration
Foundations of Strategy

What is Strategy? — Learn

Explanation, how to use, what to output, and common mistakes.

What is Strategy?

Strategy is a set of choices about where to play and how to win.


A practical definition

Strategy is not just “working hard” or “having goals.” It is the logic that connects your ambition to your actions through clear choices and trade-offs. A real strategy answers:

  • Where will we compete? (market, customer segment, geography, category)
  • How will we win there? (positioning, differentiation, cost advantage, focus)
  • What will we NOT do? (trade-offs that protect focus)
  • What capabilities must we build? (people, tech, processes, partnerships)

Strategy vs goals vs tactics

Concept Meaning Example
Goal What you want to achieve. “Reach £20k MRR in 12 months.”
Strategy Where to play + how to win (choices + trade-offs). “Focus on UK clinics, win via automation + compliance workflows.”
Tactics Specific actions used to execute the strategy. “Run LinkedIn outreach to clinic owners.”
Operations Doing the day-to-day efficiently. “Improve onboarding speed by 30%.”

The trade-off test (quick check)

If your “strategy” doesn’t force trade-offs, it’s probably just a wish list. Use this checklist:

  • Can you name your primary customer in one sentence?
  • Can you describe your positioning in one sentence?
  • Can you list 2–3 things you will not do this year?
  • Can you name the 2–3 capabilities that matter most?

What is Strategy?

Strategy is a set of choices about where to play and how to win.


A practical definition

Strategy is not just “working hard” or “having goals.” It is the logic that connects your ambition to your actions through clear choices and trade-offs. A real strategy answers:

  • Where will we compete? (market, customer segment, geography, category)
  • How will we win there? (positioning, differentiation, cost advantage, focus)
  • What will we NOT do? (trade-offs that protect focus)
  • What capabilities must we build? (people, tech, processes, partnerships)

Strategy vs goals vs tactics

Concept Meaning Example
Goal What you want to achieve. “Reach £20k MRR in 12 months.”
Strategy Where to play + how to win (choices + trade-offs). “Focus on UK clinics, win via automation + compliance workflows.”
Tactics Specific actions used to execute the strategy. “Run LinkedIn outreach to clinic owners.”
Operations Doing the day-to-day efficiently. “Improve onboarding speed by 30%.”

The trade-off test (quick check)

If your “strategy” doesn’t force trade-offs, it’s probably just a wish list. Use this checklist:

  • Can you name your primary customer in one sentence?
  • Can you describe your positioning in one sentence?
  • Can you list 2–3 things you will not do this year?
  • Can you name the 2–3 capabilities that matter most?
What this tool does

PESTEL helps you understand the macro forces around your business idea in a country context. You’ll get risks, opportunities, actions and a severity score.

  • 6 dimensions: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal
  • Prioritize with severity (1–5)
  • Use Raw JSON to chain into other frameworks
Guidance only — validate with sources and interviews.
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