Hey everyone! If you’re reading this, that means we all survived Midterms! Last week was PACKED with studying, but this week I’m back with a new topic: Strategy 101: What the Big Players DON’T Want You To Know.
One of my favorite topics EVER is strategy. It’s key in business management, resumé-building, and even planning future goals. You could emphasize so many aspects of it – the theories, the analysis, the creativity involved. I’m even taking a class this semester called “Strategic Management,” and, so far, it’s one of my favorite classes of my college career. As you can imagine, the topic of “strategy” is on the forefront of my mind right now.
Recently, however, the realization hit me: It’s easy to pass off strategy as a gift that some lucky people are born with. And to an extent, that’s true; some people are naturally prone to think more critically and strategize. The most influential leaders throughout history (both good and bad) were critical thinkers who could plan ahead. However, does that mean that strategy can’t be learned or honed in?
No. Strategy CAN be taught, if people have a mentality to learn & think critically on it.
“Now, this topic isn’t really for me,” you might be thinking; “I’m not a manager or even planning to enter the business field.” If that’s you, I have a quick point for you to consider:
If you have a device on which you’re reading this article, then you are a consumer. That means that you purchase goods/services from the economic market, creating profit for the industry players. In turn, this means that producers design advertisements, commercials, and other marketing strategies to appeal to YOU. Finally, this means – you guessed it! – the big players are strategizing based on your responses as a consumer!
Kinda crazy to think about, right? Strategy is such a cool topic because strategy applies to all of us, either as managers or consumers.
So, with that realization in mind, let’s dive into my first edition of Strategy 101: What the Big Players Don’t Want You to Know.
1. Strategists know that smart marketing appeals to your emotions.
As a young business professional, you’ll learn various marketing strategies and probably identify some in action. Many of these strategies include personal testimonials or appeals to emotions. Why do you think so many personal stories are shared in relation to modern issues/products? Because they know you’ll pay attention – it tugs at your heartstrings.
Don’t misunderstand – sensitivity is not a weakness! A life of heartlessness and mistrust is no way to live. However, it’s healthy to be aware of how large marketing strategies may appeal to you as a consumer. Watch for appeals to the emotions. If true facts, statistics, or legitimacy back them up, then by all means, pay attention! But if you can’t list another reason besides the emotionality for why you should support a cause/purchase a product, then maybe reconsider your investments.
2. Loyalty is expensive.
Think of brand loyalty. When you really like a coffee shop or clothing brand – e.g. they’ve always treated you well & left you satisfied with the products – you’re probably more likely to think highly of them. You’ll brag on them, defend them to non-enthusiasts, spend money there, and maybe even deny more cost-effective options. That’s a crazy amount of power – to be able to affect your whole routine and financial efficiency.
Employer-employee loyalty works kinda the same way (part of what the big players don’t want you to know). A loyal employee wants to see the company succeed; so, they often go above and beyond the requirements (and their pay grade) – which can be either rewarded or taken for granted. On the other hand, an employer who’s loyal to an employee has stakes in seeing them succeed – this may result in exceptions (time, additional aid, guidance) and the exchange of positive/negative feedback. In the long run, this type of investment in employees’ success actually benefits the company – but it always comes with risk.
Loyalty is expensive in both cases. It takes time, effort, and often some kind of pay-work imbalance.
Employers know this. Many are fair and decent. Just be aware, however, that there are those who will exploit loyalty and show none to you. Learn the tell-tale signs (an article for another time), and know where your professional boundaries are.
3. Know when you are the consumer, and know when you are the product.
You’ll be surprised when you realize how often you’re the latter.
It was actually the Fight Hustle, End Hurry podcast (10/10 recommend btw!) that brought up this point.
Specifically in the context of social media, we often think we’re consumers; yet, the big players don’t want you to know that you’re really the product – they’re selling your preferences & data to other big industry players. They can then use this info for their marketing strategies. Kinda weird, right?
Rather than let this freak you out, just be aware that technology plays a major role in business, and many tech-related things you engage in emerge from a profit-centered agenda. Think critically about what you invest your time in – is it truly benefitting you as a consumer, or are you going along with their marketing mechanisms? And if you are, are you okay with investing your time into that end goal? The answer may be yes; just something to stay aware of.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says that we were “bought with a price;” that means that we have intrinsic value.
The producers want you to think that your worth is tied up in what you own, the latest trends, your monetary value… In fact, they’re counting on it. That mentality of your worth is how they profit. If you think your worth is what you own or how you look, they can sell you products.
Note: buying nice clothes/fun products is not a bad thing!! I’m totally here for promoting a positive self-image and doing/wearing things that make you feel more confident. The issue is when your worth is tied up in those tangible, man-made things (which are especially not worth that much priority when you realize they exist for company profit).
The Bible offers an alternative source of worth. While it may not promote economic prosperity for superficial products, it does offer peace among the countless sales pitches we encounter.
Your worth is unrelated to what you own or even who you are in society. Your worth comes from who you are in God’s eyes – priceless & unconditionally loved (no strings attached).
What did you think of this article? Would you like to see future editions of Strategy 101: What the Big Players DON’T Want You To Know? I feel like there’s so much more we could dive into on this topic. Reach out with an email or on BWB social media to let me know!
Have a great week!