When it comes to making progress in your career, business, or personal goals here in the UK, understanding the difference between strategy and tactics can be the game-changer.
Whether you’re trying to scale your side hustle, grow your small business, land a visa-sponsored job, or build a better life for your family, knowing when to be strategic and when to be tactical is crucial.
Let’s break it down in plain terms—with examples that relate to your daily hustle.
What’s the Difference Between Strategy and Tactics?
Strategy is your overall game plan. It’s what you aim to achieve and why it matters.
Tactics are the specific actions you take to make that strategy happen.
Think of it this way:
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Strategy = Vision (your “why”)
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Tactics = Action (your “how”)
Example: You want to earn more money in the UK.
Your Strategy:
Increase your income through multiple streams: employment, freelancing, or launching a small business.
Your Tactics:
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Apply for jobs with visa sponsorship using curated platforms like Naija UK Connect.
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Offer CV writing or food delivery services on weekends.
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Attend local networking events to connect with potential clients or employers.
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Run social media ads for your food, beauty, or fashion side hustle.
Your tactics should always serve your strategy. No point spending money on ads if you don’t know what you’re selling or who it’s for.
Why Both Strategy and Tactics Matter
Many Nigerians in the UK are busy executing tactics—posting on Instagram, applying for jobs, running promotions—without a clear strategy. That leads to burnout and little to show for it.
On the flip side, if all you do is dream and plan without real action, you’ll stay stuck in “analysis paralysis.”
The sweet spot? Be strategic enough to know where you’re going, and tactical enough to take real steps to get there.
Who Should Focus on Strategy?
If you’re:
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A business owner trying to expand your client base,
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A career professional thinking about a switch,
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Or a parent planning for your family’s future in the UK,
You need to spend some time thinking strategically. What are your long-term goals? What trends or changes are affecting your field or your customers?
Who Should Focus on Tactics?
If you’re:
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Executing a plan,
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Working within a team,
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Or just trying to get something off the ground,
Then you need clear, actionable steps you can take today. No fluff—just focused work that moves the needle.
UK Examples You Can Relate To
Goal: Secure a sponsored job in healthcare
Strategy: Target shortage occupations with high demand (e.g. care roles, nursing, social work)
Tactics:
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Get relevant UK-recognised training or certification
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Use platforms like Naija UK Connect’s job board
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Tailor your CV and LinkedIn to UK standards
Goal: Grow your food business
Strategy: Increase online orders and build a loyal customer base
Tactics:
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Post customer reviews and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram
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Offer limited-time discounts
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Partner with Afro-Caribbean events for visibility
How to Know If You’re On Track
Track your tactics. Use tools like:
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Google Sheets to track weekly sales or job applications
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WhatsApp broadcasts to measure responses to promotions
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Surveys to ask customers what they really want
Check your strategy every few months. Is your vision still clear? Are your tactics aligned?
Final Thought: It’s Not Either/Or — It’s Both
Don’t just move. Move with purpose.
Don’t just plan. Back it up with real effort.
Whether you’re navigating life as a student, worker, parent, or entrepreneur in the UK, knowing when to zoom out (strategy) and when to zoom in (tactics) will help you build the life you want.
It’s time to be both strategic and tactical—Naija-style.
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