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Strategy That Actually Works: Alex M H Smith on Unique Value

Burn The Playbook - B2B GTM Strategies with Marc Crosby

Burn The Playbook - B2B GTM Strategies with Marc Crosby
Strategy That Actually Works: Alex M H Smith on Unique Value
Jan 27, 2026
Digital Rebels Consulting - Marc Crosby

Strategy in business is simple: create unique value people can’t get anywhere else. Author and consultant Alex M H Smith breaks down “No Bullshit Strategy” so leaders stop chasing buzzwords and start making real choices.

What you’ll learn

  • What “strategy” means in business and why most teams get it wrong
  • How to define unique value vs. “better” or “best in class”
  • Innovation that counts: new vs. incremental “enhanced”
  • Agile where it belongs: execution, not direction
  • Differentiation in commodity markets that buyers notice
  • Why “customer centric” can mislead strategy, and where customers fit
  • Cascading the story so the whole org pulls in one direction
  • One practical move you can ship today

Chapters
00:00 Intro and setup
00:24 What strategy really is: unique value, not flabby plans
04:45 Value that counts and why it must be unique
09:36 Emotional vs. utilitarian value in B2B
14:40 What makes a company innovative
17:22 Agile vs. strategy: be agile in execution
23:43 Turning strategy into a clear company story
27:57 “Best in class” vs. being the only in class
30:31 Differentiation in commodity markets
36:09 The limits of “customer centric” strategy
41:21 Burn It or Build It: 10 hot topics
53:28 One actionable idea leaders can use now
54:10 Where to find Alex

Who this helps

  • Founders and CEOs who need a clear market position
  • Sales and marketing leaders stuck in feature fights
  • B2B teams in “commodity” categories
  • Operators who want a simple, durable direction

Guest

Host


business strategy, unique value, differentiation, innovation, agile execution, company story, alignment, B2B marketing, commodity markets, best in class myth, customer centric, Peter Drucker create a customer, Marc Crosby, Digital Rebels Consulting, Alex M H Smith, Basic Arts, No Bullshit Strategy


#BurnThePlaybook #Strategy #B2B #Leadership #Marketing #Differentiation


business strategy; unique value; differentiation; innovation vs enhancement; agile execution; alignment; company story; B2B marketing; commodity markets; best in class; customer centric myth; Peter Drucker create a customer; Marc Crosby; Digital Rebels Consulting; Alex M H Smith; Basic Arts; No Bullshit Strategy; Burn The Playbook


  • 1: Strategy = create unique value only you provide. #Strategy
  • 2: Stop “best in class.” Be the only in class buyers need. #B2B
  • 3: Innovation isn’t “better.” It’s new. Full stop. #Leadership
  • 4: Agile belongs in execution, not direction. #Operations
  • 5: Your strategy needs a story people remember. #Marketing


Views expressed are our own and do not represent any organizations

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