The Battle Between Strategy and Tactics: Why VAs Need to Think Bigger

You’re building a house. You’ve got all the bricks, the tools, and the materials laid out in front of you. You’re working hard, laying brick after brick, but something’s missing. There’s no blueprint. No plan. You’re just hoping the pieces come together into something that works.

That’s what it’s like to run your VA business without a strategy. You’re busy, you’re working hard, but are you building something sustainable?

This is the difference between being tactical and being strategic. And if you want to stop spinning your wheels and start thriving as a VA, you need to understand the distinction.

What’s the WOW Factor?

Before we dive into strategy vs. tactics, let’s talk about your WOW Factor—your Way of Work.

Your WOW is your personal framework for how you approach your business, your clients, and your day-to-day tasks. It’s how you move from chaos to clarity, from being reactive to being intentional.

I created the WOW Factor to help VAs like you build systems that work, set unshakable standards, and create businesses that thrive. If you’re new here and want to learn more about the WOW Factor, check out my blog on creating your WOW factor or sign up for my newsletter for actionable tips and FREE training.

Now, let’s break down the battle between strategy and tactics and why it’s essential to your WOW.

What’s the Difference Between Strategy and Tactics?

Think of strategy as the blueprint and tactics as the bricks.

• Strategy: This is the big-picture plan. It’s your vision, your goals, and the roadmap for how you’ll achieve them. Strategy answers the question: Why am I doing this?

• Tactics: These are the specific actions you take to execute your strategy. Tactics answer the question: How will I do this?

Both are important, but here’s the catch: If you’re focused only on tactics without a strategy, you’re just laying bricks without a plan. You’re busy, but you’re not building anything meaningful.

Why VAs Get Stuck in Tactics

It’s easy to fall into the tactical trap as a VA. You’re juggling client requests, managing deadlines, and checking tasks off your to-do list. You’re busy, but are you being effective?

Here’s why many VAs get stuck in tactics:

1. Client-Driven Work: You’re so focused on delivering for your clients that you forget to work on your own business.

2. Lack of Clarity: Without a clear strategy, it’s hard to prioritize. Everything feels urgent, so you end up reacting instead of planning.

3. Fear of Slowing Down: Taking time to think strategically can feel like a luxury when you’re drowning in tasks.

But here’s the truth: If you don’t make time for strategy, you’ll never break out of the cycle of busywork.

Why Strategy Matters

Being tactical might keep you busy, but being strategic is what helps you grow. Here’s why strategy is essential to your WOW:

1. It Gives You Direction: Without a strategy, you’re just reacting to whatever comes your way. A clear strategy helps you stay focused on your goals and make intentional decisions.

2. It Helps You Prioritize: When you know your strategy, you can identify which tasks align with your goals and which ones don’t. This makes it easier to say no to low-value work.

3. It Positions You as a Partner: Clients don’t just want someone who can follow instructions—they want someone who can think strategically and add value to their business.

How to Shift from Tactical to Strategic

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start thinking bigger, here’s how you can make the shift:

1. Define Your Goals

What do you want to achieve in your VA business? Do you want to attract high-ticket clients? Raise your rates? Work fewer hours? Your goals are the foundation of your strategy.

Take time to write them down and get clear on what success looks like for you.

2. Create a Plan

Once you know your goals, map out the steps to achieve them. For example:

• If your goal is to attract high-ticket clients, your strategy might include refining your services, updating your portfolio, and networking with premium clients.

• If your goal is to work fewer hours, your strategy might include creating more efficient workflows and setting boundaries with clients.

3. Prioritize High-Impact Tasks

Not all tasks are created equal. Focus on the tasks that move the needle in your business. For example:

• High-impact: Creating a pitch for a premium client, developing a new service offering.

• Low-impact: Spending hours tweaking your Canva templates.

Ask yourself: Is this task helping me achieve my goals, or is it just busywork?

4. Schedule Time for Strategy

Strategic thinking doesn’t happen by accident, you have to make time for it. Block off time in your calendar each week to review your goals, track your progress, and adjust your plan.

5. Communicate Your Value

When you think strategically, you’re not just a task-doer—you’re a partner. Make sure your clients see this. Share your insights, suggest improvements, and position yourself as someone who adds value beyond the checklist.

Are You Building with a Blueprint?

Here’s the question I want you to ask yourself: Are you building your business with a blueprint, or are you just laying bricks and hoping for the best?

If you’re ready to stop reacting and start planning, it’s time to embrace your WOW and think strategically.

Final Reflection

Tactics will keep you busy, but strategy will help you grow. When you combine the two, you’re unstoppable.

If this concept resonates with you, check out my blog [insert link] or sign up for my newsletter for weekly tips, free trainings, and exclusive insights on mastering your WOW Factor.

Remember: The learning never stops, and neither does your potential.

—

Monica ✌🏽❤️