Being Strategic

A step-by-step guide for developing strategic thoughts and actions that are broadly applicable and thoroughly practical in business and life.

Everybody talks about strategy, but there is a big gap between discussing strategy, defining strategy and actually being strategic—so you can accomplish something.

Being Strategic helps you approach business—and life—strategically, explaining what strategy is, why it's important, and how to do it:

• First, get clear about the problem you're trying to solve

• Then, figure out where you're starting from

• Now, imagine your "castle on the hill," the future you want to create

• Identify the "trolls under the bridge"; the obstacles in your path

• Next, outline the path to the castle: your core strategies and the tactics for implementing them

• Re-evaluate your strategy and your tactics as conditions change

Framed around the story of thirteenth-century Welsh nobles building an actual castle, and weaving in dozens of real-life examples from her practice, which has helped restaurateur Danny Meyer and many others, noted consultant Erika Andersen offers a complete course in turning around a business, or a life.

"[A] clear, practical and powerful approach for navigating through tough times." ―Bonnie Hammer, Vice Chair, NBCUniversal

"Unlike most experts in her field, Erika Andersen has an approach to being strategic that's sensible and accessible. With her, you feel capable of creating the business, career and life you want. She's to strategy what Suze Orman is to personal finance." ―Nancy Tellem, Former President, CBS Paramount Television Network Entertainment Group