https://embed.notionlytics.com/wt/ZXlKd1lXZGxTV1FpT2lJNVpHSXpNVEExTTJKaU9HRTBaV05tT1dFNU5XWXpaREUzWWpFelltRTNNaUlzSW5kdmNtdHpjR0ZqWlZSeVlXTnJaWEpKWkNJNklqbHpjVk52YW1nMU4zbDZXV1p3UjJ4QlZVSm1JbjA9

<aside> 💡 Decks are the language we use to communicate. And like any language, there are rules, things to avoid, and some words, as always, that are better than others.

Here you’ll find the challenge to defaulting to decks – alongside the criteria you need to decide which deliverable format is right for you and your clients.

</aside>

❌ The Problem

“Decks are where strategy goes to die.”

We’ve all heard it before—from clients, bosses, and our own brains. While it’s hyperbole and often inaccurate, sometimes it feels (& is) true.

We do the challenging thought work, obsess over the perfect narrative, and ensure our thoughtful recommendations are rolled up in a beautiful deck to present. Clients love it and you think, “Awesome, can’t wait to see it executed.”

And then? “🦗🦗🦗.” Suddenly all your hard work (& your client’s investment) starts collecting dust on the digital shelves that are inboxes, drives, and clouds.

Sometimes decks are the answer. Sometimes they’re not. Here’s a guide to deciding how to deliver strategy more effectively.

🎯 Our Objective

Every strategy deliverable should be designed to drive action or progress—by clients, partners, or ourselves. Sometimes that comes in the form of specific recommendations to be executed on. Other times its discussions that lead to decisions that push us forward.

To design for this, let’s consider…

• When does strategy “die”?

• When does strategy lead to action or progress?

💡P+S Strategy Deliverable Principles

<aside> 🤝 Make strategy less formal and more collaborative whenever we can.

</aside>

<aside> ☕ Build client trust outside of key deliverables.

</aside>

✅ Evaluation Criteria

Every client, company, and strategic ask is slightly different, so there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all deliverable format. However, there are certain signals to look for when determining your approach. When deciding how to package strategy, use the following criteria to help determine the most effective format.

1. Time

• When does the strategy need to be in-market?
• How long will the strategy impact the business?
  1. Short Term
  2. Medium Term
  3. Long Term

2. Complexity

• How complex is the ask?
• How complex is our strategy recommendation?
• How complex will strategy execution be?
  1. Low
  2. Medium
  3. High

3. Culture of Organization

• How does the client work best?
• How does the client’s organization work best?
  1. Company Size
  2. Communication Style
  3. Client Pace

Scenario #1

"How do we evaluate the success of our current influencer program?” — Growth retainer small business owner

Time

Short Term

Client already has an influencer program running, and needs guidance now.

Complexity

Low

The question is straight forward, with plenty of existing industry standards to share.

Culture of Org

Company Size: Small

Comms Style: 1-on-1

Client Pace: Fast