Strategy for SMEs is often misunderstood—and in this clip, Alex Smith, author of No Bullsht Strategy*, breaks down why most strategy for SMEs is either meaningless, misused, or completely non-existent.

Alex explains that most businesses don't actually have a real strategy for SMEs. Instead, they rely on reactive optimisation, vague goals, or statements like "be number one," which sound like strategy but don't explain how growth actually happens.

In this discussion, he reveals the three most common types of fake strategy for SMEs: no strategy at all, goals mistaken for strategy, and vague motivational statements with no execution path. Each one gives the illusion of direction but fails to define how value is actually created in the market.

The result? Most leaders believe they have a strategy for SMEs, but when asked to explain it clearly, they can't. This exposes a deeper issue: businesses often confuse activity, ambition, and language with real strategic thinking.

Alex reframes strategy for SMEs as something simple but demanding—clarity on how a business creates unique value that cannot be easily copied.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most businesses do NOT have a real strategy for SMEs

• "Be number one" or "pursue excellence" is not strategy—it's a goal

• Reactive optimisation is not a growth strategy

• Real strategy for SMEs must explain HOW value is created, not just what is desired

• Many leaders mistake language and ambition for actual strategy

• Without clarity on execution, strategy becomes meaningless

CORE MESSAGE

True strategy for SMEs is not a slogan or aspiration—it is a clear, actionable system for creating unique market value and sustainable growth.

If this changed how you think about strategy for SMEs, make sure to: 👍 Like the video 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on scaling SMEs 💬 Comment: Do you think your business has a real strategy—or just goals?

GUEST

Alex Smith Author of No Bullsht Strategy* Strategist helping CEOs and founders build clear, practical business strategy for growth and competitive advantage.

Book: Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x Your Business

ScaleX Elevate (under £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/scalexelevate-scale-up-coaching/

ScaleX Accelerator (over £3M revenue): https://simplescaling.com/solutions/accelerator-programme/

Website: https://simplescaling.com

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54151508/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simple_scaling/