5 Techniques To Master this 6-Figure Skill

This skill commands premium pricing - but it's also pretty crucial for clients that you serve.

I have been in the communication strategy industry for almost 15 years.

During that time, I have worked with a wide range of clients spanning from solopreneurs to Top 1000 corporations, from personal brands to entire cities. I have also helped my personal brand clients get over 1 million followers on social, 7 figure viewerships and produced over $500 Million in results combined.

In fact, I have invested so many hours into this craft that I have been sought out by multinational brands, international organizations, celebrities, creators, and even politicians - that some of my students from my learning programs have been in the same room learning from my industry veteran, million dollar clients.

This skill is called Strategic Thinking.

But do you want to know a secret?

Strategy work isn't something that you can do in one day, one week, even one month. It's not something that you just do from the comforts of your home.

Yes, it is a 6-7 figure skill.

It's how we are able to build an 8-figure business working with 3 clients a year, at most.

Because strategy work is long-term. It's not a title you place on yourself just so you can close a 6 figure invoice.

It's REAL work - and it's challenging work. Because remember, if you do this wrong, you can cause a client to lose their entire business.

This isn’t to scare you - but I’ve worked with way too many personal brands who have approached me with desperate tears, because their last “strategist” cost them 6 figures and not a single cent in return on investment.

You have to understand that this is what’s on the line.

Now strategy skills isn’t something that you learn overnight, but getting started with strategic thinking is actually pretty simple. You build from these core principles.

I use the same 5 Strategic Techniques every time.

Technique #1: Understanding Human Behavior

Here’s how it works:

1. Dive deep into your client's target market's behavior patterns. What motivates them to buy into a belief, or a product, or a service, or a message?

2. Interpret behavior beyond what is explicitly stated. Social influence will tell us that some people will say one thing and their actions will say another. Why? What’s the gap?

3. Tailor your strategies to align with audience motivations and actions.

This simple template allows you to achieve unparalleled understanding of your target market's needs.

Technique #2: Empathetic Approach

Here’s how it works:

1. Put yourself in your client's shoes and use an empathy map.

2. Understand their pain points and aspirations. Describe these in detail, focus on their emotions.

3. Craft strategies that genuinely address their concerns and desires.

Quick note: Don't overlook empathy. It's the cornerstone of effective strategy.

Technique #3: Data-Driven Decision Making

Here’s how it works:

1. Collect and analyze relevant data.

2. Identify trends and patterns.

3. Use insights to inform your strategic decisions. Remember, don’t look at the data and interpret it just by what numbers tell you straightforwardly.

Example: If 40% prefer brand X, don’t just base your insighting on the 40% that prefer brand X. Ask: why does 60% prefer another brand? What influenced their preference?

Avoid making decisions based solely on the data and numbers - add intuition and the human factors to guide your strategy.

Technique #4: Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Here’s how it works:

1. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices but don’t just rely on these at face value. Dive deep - ask why these are trending. What human behavior drives these trends?

2. Experiment with new strategies and tactics based on your insights.

3. Adapt your approach based on feedback and results.

Do these three things, and you'll remain ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving landscape and arrive at strategies which are more future-proof.

Technique #5: Collaboration and Communication

Here’s how it works:

1. Collaborate with your team and clients. Dive into their thoughts, leave an open feedback loop.

2. Communicate openly and transparently.

3. Ensure alignment and buy-in throughout the strategic process.

That’s it! By mastering these five strategic techniques, you'll not only elevate your own skills but also deliver exceptional results for your clients.

To your bravery,

Kia

PS.

There are 3 ways for me to help you on your journey to become creative strategists.

1. I teach the business side of creativity and the very foundation of strategic business thinking via our self-paced course, Creative Entrepreneurship Fundamentals. It’s on a 75% off deal right now - normally $149, it’s now $35. 

2. Join 346 students of The Business Launchpad, our 12-week mini-MBA for starting or restarting creative entrepreneurs who want to start working with high-value clients in 2024 by learning the basics of strategic thinking for business. Once you join, you can always go back and have access to all the resources and even join the calls for the lifetime of the program.

3. I’m opening my membership this April called The Communication Lab. We’re looking to help creatives like you elevate your communication skills, strategic thinking and creative confidence. If you want a special deal, join the waitlist here. If you’re signed up to our high ticket program The Brave Creators Lab, you already get a 1 year membership as the program is going to be fully integrated.