Throughout this past decade, we have seen the emergence of various applications on our smartphones that we cannot live without. One of them in particular is Instagram, which is one of the most popular apps used in the world right now. Simply known as IG or sometimes The ‘Gram, this visual communications platform is recognized for its ability to tell stories. This has now become a destination for businesses to build brand awareness and identity in selling products and ideas. The following two images selected below I will deconstruct the meaning behind them and the message they attempt to convey.
This image instantly triggers an emotional reaction. Samsung has provided a snapshot of what almost every single person does when they wake up…Get some coffee and check their phone. It’s a highly likely universal practice among students and working class. The color describes the feel that this could be at home, at the cottage, a workplace table or even a coffee shop environment. The coffee design in the cup paired with two phones in the image denotes maybe this is something a couple would do, browsing their phones in the AM. Samsung connects the audience with a relatable practice and introduces their latest smartphone model for consumption.
I believe adidas got it right with this ad. Their purpose is to sell shoes and the imagery shows the product in motion, in branded uniform for that matter. The gloomy color in the photo paints a picture that their products are what you need, regardless of the weather conditions of any given day. The caption in the post also adds as a narrative using the word “steps”, as the actual image has multiple stairs as the backdrop. The image also creates the idea of team unity as well. They sell an overall theme of fitness and travelling on a path to success integrated into this post.
Do you ever wonder how some of the biggest companies in the world maintain a high level of business with their customers? What did they do differently that separates them from their competitors? Which business strategy did they use to achieve this? What specific tactics were implemented to get the results they wanted? It is imperative to dive in and look at what actually separates a strategy from a tactic and vice versa. While they may both sound similar and are used usually within the same sentence, let’s dig deeper to break down why both terms differ from one another.
What Do They Mean By Strategy?
The term strategy is often referred to as “a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem.” It is commonly used when a business sets out an agenda and looks for ways to execute it in a long term capacity. Some of our favorite brands that we have grown to love and adore have been made possible because of the tactics they have implemented. Tactics are essentially various processes done in real time that are measured quantitatively and qualitatively. There is a combination involved of multiple skill sets and tools that are the foundation of a tactic. While strategy involves diligent planning with an end goal, tactics works with given resources that attempts to achieve the objective of a given strategy.
The only way to stand out from your competition, is to literally be different from your peers. It is about gaining a competitive edge and getting that dominant market share in the financial landscape. Walmart for example has perfected this. They evolved from a discount store concept to the largest retailer in the world by using a cost strategy of keeping their operating costs low and at the same time reaping the profits over their nearest competitors. Apple continues to sell high end tech gadgets and people consume them at record paces. They have established an identity of selling unique, simplified products which come at a high price point – this cost strategy is known as an Overall Differentiation. Furniture giant Ikea has also managed to master their market by doing things differently as well, with everything from their design process, to packaging and manufacturing being completely different from their competitors. Ultimately companies that can address who they compete with, how they can stand out from them, how they will achieve this and what overall value they can bring to the table is what matters most. The above three mentioned companies incorporate all elements of what is known as the S.M.A.R.T philosophy, which looks at completing such goals by addressing every letter in the acronym with proper validation.
While the terms strategy and tactics may be executed in the boardroom, who’s not to say the same methods cannot be applied on the hardwood floor? Take for instance the 6-time NBA World Champion Chicago Bulls, who gained a competitive advantage over their opponents by outsmarting them at both ends of the floor. In particular, their 1996 squad went on hold a then NBA best 72-10 regular season record that was capped off by the franchise’s fourth title win. Their team strategy was to be the best team in the league. How they got there was attributed through their main playbook tactic, highlighted by head coach guru Phil Jackson’s use of the triangle offense. And while some say tactics are often done below the shoulders, the Bulls were so dominant mainly because they had a weapon in a guy who simply played above the rim…his name was Michael Jordan. In this example, the coach delivers the given strategies and it is the player(s) who are the tactics who must make the plan come to fruition.
It’s important to understand that strategy and tactics do not mean the same thing. You always with a strategy of ideas that you set out, but you will need to have a process of tactics to get the job done. In comparison, the two terms are synonymous with one another. While they are interchangeable, they also definitely rely on one another. It is unfavorable to have a set of tactics in place without any leadership of ideas. The end result will be chaotic and pointless. When you are able to ensure that you have a solid foundation of tactics which are outlined by an effective business strategy, you will see the desired end result of success.
Ray, Sanjana. “The IPhone 7 Plus and Jet-black IPhone 7 Are All Sold out – and Here’s Why.” Your Story, 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 19 Sept. 2016. <https://yourstory.com/2016/09/iphone7-soldout/>.
