What are tactics in business?

While strategy defines the overall plan or direction, tactics focus on how to execute the strategy on a practical level.

Tactics in business are usually actionable, concrete and measurable. Examples include:

• Launching a targeted marketing campaign;
• Negotiating supplier contracts;
• Implementing a customer loyalty program; and
• Hiring specific skill sets to support a new product line.

Tactics are essential because a well-crafted strategy without actionable tactics is unlikely to succeed:

• Effective tactics are flexible and can be adjusted as situations evolve; and
• Tactics provide the "boots on the ground" needed to deliver results and progress toward strategic objectives.