Strategy Is Not a Tactic
We hear a lot about “strategies” in business. But often, what people call a strategy is really just a tactic a quick action or a single move. True strategy isn’t about taking one specific action rather it’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding how all the pieces work together. Real strategy is a thoughtful, layered approach that takes into account four essential things systems, time, empathy, and games.
If you’re ready to think beyond individual tactics and take on a long term approach, I will walk you through the elements of real strategy and how you can start applying them to your restaurant or small business today.
Systems – Recognizing the Invisible Forces
Think of strategy as something that’s influenced by forces you can’t always see. Just like gravity keeps the earth in orbit, there are invisible forces at play in any business environment. These could be customer behavior patterns, market trends, or economic conditions factors that shape your business without you even realizing it.
Actionable Steps:
Observe the Patterns – What do you notice about your customers' habits? Are there certain days they visit more often or times they prefer? Are there trends in the kinds of meals they choose? By recognizing these patterns, you can work with these forces rather than against them.
Identify Your Key Influencers – Look for the systems at play in your industry. What’s driving change? It might be the local economy, seasonality, or even social trends. Once you identify these, you can better predict how they might impact your business.
Work with What’s Already There – Instead of trying to change everything, think about how to align your actions with existing systems. For example, if you notice a local trend toward healthier eating, incorporate popular healthy options into your menu.
Example in Action:
If you notice that foot traffic increases around certain times of the day, use that as a system to work with. Instead of trying to bring people in at other times, focus on making the peak hours even better with specials or events.
Time – Planting Seeds for the Future
Strategy also means thinking long term. Time isn’t just about what’s happening now, it’s about the actions you take today that make things easier tomorrow. It’s about planting seeds for future growth, not just taking immediate steps for short-term gain.
Actionable Steps:
Start Small, Think Big – Plant small “seeds” today that could have big results in the future. This might mean collecting customer emails for a loyalty program or starting to track customer feedback.
Consistency Over Urgency – Strategy isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about making consistent progress. Take small, steady steps rather than rushing through big changes.
Evaluate Growth Regularly – Make a habit of looking at the seeds you’ve planted. What’s working? What’s growing? This will help you adjust along the way and make smarter choices for future actions.
Example in Action:
Building an email list might feel slow at first, but over time, it becomes a powerful tool for communicating with your customers. By starting today, you’re planting the seeds for a future where you have a dedicated audience to reach out to with special offers, events, or updates.
Empathy – Understanding What Your Customers Really Care About
At the heart of any strategy is empathy. It’s easy to get caught up in what you want for your business, but the truth is, customers don’t always care about what you care about. They’re looking for a place that meets their needs, where they feel valued and understood. Empathy is about stepping into their shoes and understanding their experience.
Actionable Steps:
Listen Actively – Make it a habit to listen to what customers are saying, both in person and through feedback. What do they appreciate? What could improve? This information is the backbone of any empathetic strategy.
Focus on Their Needs, Not Yours – Think about what you can do for your customers that will make their experience better. This could be a loyalty program, faster service, or a more welcoming atmosphere.
Make Your Actions Customer-Centric – Every action you take should be about solving a customer problem or enhancing their experience, not just boosting sales.
Example in Action:
If customers frequently comment on how busy your restaurant is during lunch, consider offering pre-order options to make their experience faster and easier. This small empathetic step shows customers that you value their time and are willing to go the extra mile.
Games – Making the Most of Your Resources
Every business has resources: time, money, staff, tools. But how you use these resources matters. Strategy isn’t about having the most resources; it’s about using them in the best way possible. Think of it like playing a game where each move matters, and knowing your strengths and limitations helps you make smart choices.
Actionable Steps:
Know What You Have – Take stock of your resources. How much time, budget, and manpower do you have? Understanding this will help you make realistic plans.
Focus on What Works – Don’t try to tackle everything. Focus on the areas where you already have an advantage or can make the biggest impact.
Play Smart, Not Big – Instead of trying to compete with bigger players, focus on what makes your restaurant unique and maximize that. Use resources where they have the most effect.
Example in Action:
If you have a small budget but a loyal customer base, focus on loyalty building tactics like special offers for regulars instead of spending on broad advertising. This approach uses what you have to maximize the return on your investment.
Strategy is a Journey, Not a Tactic
True strategy goes beyond quick actions or isolated tactics. It’s about seeing the big picture and understanding the forces at play, planning for the long term, putting yourself in your customers’ shoes, and using your resources wisely. By taking the time to look at strategy through these four element systems, time, empathy, and games you’re setting your business up for lasting success.
If you’re ready to think bigger and need a partner to guide you, Itito Strategies is here to help. With Engage, we provide the system and insights to make real strategy a part of your business, so you’re always moving toward your goals in a way that works for you.
