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No Bullsh*t Strategy: A Founder’s Guide to Gaining Competitive Advantage with a Strategy That Actually Works
Most strategy is, let’s face it, bullsh*t.
A bunch of fancy words which mean nothing at all. At best harmless and easy to ignore. At worst confusing and destructive.
What if strategy could instead be clear, simple, bold, and even actually useful? That’s what No Bullsh*t Strategy is all about. It sweeps away all the garbled corporate nonsense and dry academic theorising to leave you with pure strategic sauce, which can be actioned right away.
It’ll make you see your business in a totally new light, and effortlessly unlock insights you didn’t know you had in you. Even better, it makes strategy fun.
Ideal for the young entrepreneur and accessible to anyone, if you're wanting to demystify strategy and apply it instantly, No Bullsh*t Strategy is the book for you.
A bunch of fancy words which mean nothing at all. At best harmless and easy to ignore. At worst confusing and destructive.
What if strategy could instead be clear, simple, bold, and even actually useful? That’s what No Bullsh*t Strategy is all about. It sweeps away all the garbled corporate nonsense and dry academic theorising to leave you with pure strategic sauce, which can be actioned right away.
It’ll make you see your business in a totally new light, and effortlessly unlock insights you didn’t know you had in you. Even better, it makes strategy fun.
Ideal for the young entrepreneur and accessible to anyone, if you're wanting to demystify strategy and apply it instantly, No Bullsh*t Strategy is the book for you.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2023
130 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 14, 2023
Нічого не очикував від книги з такою претенційною назвою, але вона виявилась практичнішою ніж десятки більш відомих книг з розробки стратегії. Наче з них прибрали весь bullshit й залишили найголовніше. Must read для всіх, хто починає знайомство зі стратегічним мисленням у бізнесі.
February 8, 2024
Excellent little book.
There's a few things I take some small issue with, but as a reader of the author's LinkedIn posts and such, it was nice to see the whole package in one place. He really does try to cut through the BS and simplify the strategy thing. Here's a few places where I think he maybe either misses just a little bit or doesn't cover the whole picture:
* Some examples may not be truly pertinent. That is, for example, he talks about Patgonia and a few others in terms of their strategy. But this book is about - at least largely - how to craft strategy for your company. In some cases, like Patagonia, I don't think anyone sat down and thought it out in terms of a market so much as it's just WHAT THEY REALLY WERE. What they did simply aligned with this vision and mission. So if you're a start up, yeah, you can do this. But if you're LargeCorp sitting with decades of baggage, examples of those who started out with core values may not apply. Better examples would be those that turned the ship.
* Strategy exists on many levels and I'm not sure this is clear enough. Towards the very end of the book, he does chart out the macro to micro from Strategy through Marketing, but I'm not sure this really covers the idea I'm talking about. That is, a business may have a vision/mission, (or not), and some high level strategy. But if strategy is really about the "how" then at a very high level it's probably not overly actionable. And he does talk about that. The thing is you can just have strategy at a lower level in an org, (department or product or whatever), and it's still strategy. It doesn't get 'demoted' to just marketing comms or something. You still need to be thinking of it as "strategy," or maybe a "sub-strategy."
In any case, this is a more no-nonsense simplified view of getting certain things done. I'll see how it goes the next time I have a chance to present some new ideas if crafting things in some of the ways he suggests works out.
There's a few things I take some small issue with, but as a reader of the author's LinkedIn posts and such, it was nice to see the whole package in one place. He really does try to cut through the BS and simplify the strategy thing. Here's a few places where I think he maybe either misses just a little bit or doesn't cover the whole picture:
* Some examples may not be truly pertinent. That is, for example, he talks about Patgonia and a few others in terms of their strategy. But this book is about - at least largely - how to craft strategy for your company. In some cases, like Patagonia, I don't think anyone sat down and thought it out in terms of a market so much as it's just WHAT THEY REALLY WERE. What they did simply aligned with this vision and mission. So if you're a start up, yeah, you can do this. But if you're LargeCorp sitting with decades of baggage, examples of those who started out with core values may not apply. Better examples would be those that turned the ship.
* Strategy exists on many levels and I'm not sure this is clear enough. Towards the very end of the book, he does chart out the macro to micro from Strategy through Marketing, but I'm not sure this really covers the idea I'm talking about. That is, a business may have a vision/mission, (or not), and some high level strategy. But if strategy is really about the "how" then at a very high level it's probably not overly actionable. And he does talk about that. The thing is you can just have strategy at a lower level in an org, (department or product or whatever), and it's still strategy. It doesn't get 'demoted' to just marketing comms or something. You still need to be thinking of it as "strategy," or maybe a "sub-strategy."
In any case, this is a more no-nonsense simplified view of getting certain things done. I'll see how it goes the next time I have a chance to present some new ideas if crafting things in some of the ways he suggests works out.
December 30, 2023
If you're going to read any book on strategy read this.
It's clear and concise while most books are padded out to meet a page quota.
It's highly actionable whereas most business books talk about business success without any clear path to get there.
It holds you to account by being crystal clear on what a strategy might look like for you.
It's clear and concise while most books are padded out to meet a page quota.
It's highly actionable whereas most business books talk about business success without any clear path to get there.
It holds you to account by being crystal clear on what a strategy might look like for you.
October 12, 2025
Nothing really new same classic examples (Apple, Red Bull). Good for startups, if you already read a lot of books about strategy, nothing new, but if this is your first one, great, you will like it.
Two takeaways:
1. Writing your strategy forces clarity, no room for fluff.
2. Don’t aim to “be the best”; aim to be different. And be specific.
Two takeaways:
1. Writing your strategy forces clarity, no room for fluff.
2. Don’t aim to “be the best”; aim to be different. And be specific.
November 13, 2023
I’ve been a huge fan of Alex’s thought leadership on LinkedIn, but unfortunately his POV just didn’t translate well to a full book for me.
May 21, 2024
A fresh perspective on strategy I loved.
Definitely know I want to research the unique value of brands in my future!
Definitely know I want to research the unique value of brands in my future!
August 29, 2025
This book succeeds in doing exactly what it promises at the beginning: it defines what strategy is, and it makes the concept both clear and accessible. The author frames strategy as a plan to accomplish one goal, which already sets it apart from the common misuse of the term. Many people confuse aspirations or goals for strategies, but without the plan, they fall into what the author calls “bullshit strategies.”
What I appreciated most:
Clarity and Accessibility: The book avoids heavy jargon and explains strategy in a way that newcomers can grasp.
Focus on Being Different, Not Just Better: A strong reminder that true strategy isn’t about competing on the same terms but about creating a distinctive position.
Healthy Skepticism Toward Case Studies of Big Companies: Instead of leaning on examples of giants that have already become the status quo, the author highlights that strategy can be meaningful and effective for small firms and businesses that don’t necessarily need to scale massively.
I found this last point especially valuable. It encourages us to recognize good strategies in smaller, less obvious contexts—where innovation is often clearer and more instructive. For instance, even a small firm that doesn’t want to grow further can still have a sound, successful strategy.
As an introduction to strategy, this book works very well. For readers who want to go deeper into the history and theory of strategy, I’d recommend following it with works like Lawrence Freedman’s Strategy: A History for a broader (and historic) treatment. But as a primer, No Bullshit Strategy is excellent, direct, and genuinely useful for people with a business that want to understand what it is all about.
I recommend it, especially to those beginning their journey into understanding what strategy really means.
What I appreciated most:
Clarity and Accessibility: The book avoids heavy jargon and explains strategy in a way that newcomers can grasp.
Focus on Being Different, Not Just Better: A strong reminder that true strategy isn’t about competing on the same terms but about creating a distinctive position.
Healthy Skepticism Toward Case Studies of Big Companies: Instead of leaning on examples of giants that have already become the status quo, the author highlights that strategy can be meaningful and effective for small firms and businesses that don’t necessarily need to scale massively.
I found this last point especially valuable. It encourages us to recognize good strategies in smaller, less obvious contexts—where innovation is often clearer and more instructive. For instance, even a small firm that doesn’t want to grow further can still have a sound, successful strategy.
As an introduction to strategy, this book works very well. For readers who want to go deeper into the history and theory of strategy, I’d recommend following it with works like Lawrence Freedman’s Strategy: A History for a broader (and historic) treatment. But as a primer, No Bullshit Strategy is excellent, direct, and genuinely useful for people with a business that want to understand what it is all about.
I recommend it, especially to those beginning their journey into understanding what strategy really means.
July 7, 2025
This is a great book overall. I love the length of it (it doesn't waste your time by being overly repetitive in hundreds of pages) and how easy it is to grasp. As someone who is starting a business, I thought it was immensely helpful for me in crafting a strategy. I recently graduated with a Masters in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, and I wish they had taught us this! I think the closest thing we learned about was blue ocean strategy, which is not necessarily the same as what this book teaches.
My only gripe is that some of the teachings could have used either one or two more quick examples, or better explanation of the idea the author is trying to convey. I got annoyed a couple of times when I tried to refer back to a concept sometime after finishing the book, only to have an explanation of the concept only through a single example. It left some questions about how to apply the concept outside of the example.
My only gripe is that some of the teachings could have used either one or two more quick examples, or better explanation of the idea the author is trying to convey. I got annoyed a couple of times when I tried to refer back to a concept sometime after finishing the book, only to have an explanation of the concept only through a single example. It left some questions about how to apply the concept outside of the example.
May 2, 2024
Han pasado ya unos 3 días de que acabe este libro y puedo concluir, es el mejor libro de estrategia de negocios que he leído en mi vida. Sin duda, lo pondré como un parteaguas en los libros de negocios que he leído junto a: Lean Startup de Eric Ries y Playing to win de A.G. Lafley y Rogen Martin.
Libro cortísimo (según yo son menos de 160 páginas), que va al grano, pone claro el concepto de estrategia, que resumiría como "eso que hacemos que nos hace, no mejores, sino diferentes".
Con pocos ejemplos, pero muy contundentes y sobre todo, una guía muy clara para realmente pensar en hacer una estrategia que pueda el desarrollo de un negocio. Y que como el autor pone..."que realmente sea una estrategia".
Definitivamente, si te interesan los negocios y estrategia, este es el libro que debes leer.
Libro cortísimo (según yo son menos de 160 páginas), que va al grano, pone claro el concepto de estrategia, que resumiría como "eso que hacemos que nos hace, no mejores, sino diferentes".
Con pocos ejemplos, pero muy contundentes y sobre todo, una guía muy clara para realmente pensar en hacer una estrategia que pueda el desarrollo de un negocio. Y que como el autor pone..."que realmente sea una estrategia".
Definitivamente, si te interesan los negocios y estrategia, este es el libro que debes leer.
September 8, 2024
This book lived up to its title. It guides how to define a strategy that is tangible and actionable by giving concrete techniques backed up by real-world examples of various brands. What I liked is that there is that the author uses wording that is easy to understand (no business jargon) and advises to do the same when defining a strategy: it should be easy to understand even for people from outside the organisation. The book also gives guidance how to execute a strategy and why going above and beyond is what truly makes certain businesses exceptionally successful. Lastly, it describes why an ambitious "why" (often it is a company's mission) is important to have alongside with the actionable strategy.
January 5, 2024
Good clear book - a few stories but mostly clear directions. Would have been nice to have some more service-led organisation examples (why I left out a star) but guess product companies are more globally recognised. Plus it takes the fun out of doing it yourself…
Main take-aways:
- strategy should elicit action
- stop using subjective or aspirational words like “best”
- value over goal: money is a result of delivering value
- strategy is stable, execution is variable
Main take-aways:
- strategy should elicit action
- stop using subjective or aspirational words like “best”
- value over goal: money is a result of delivering value
- strategy is stable, execution is variable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2024
Another one I read for work. It’s not a “paint-by-numbers” book, obviously, as strategy will look different for every brand. That being said, he lays the groundwork and sets the course to follow for companies looking to find their own unique value propositions and brand strategy. I found it to be a great read and enjoyed his easy writing style.
July 18, 2024
Short, simple and powerful
Planning and strategy building are my bread-and-butter. However, I have always struggled with complex theories about strategy, and I firmly believe that good ideas should be concise and straightforward. Alex has successfully revitalised this theme by keeping it short, simple and actionable.
Planning and strategy building are my bread-and-butter. However, I have always struggled with complex theories about strategy, and I firmly believe that good ideas should be concise and straightforward. Alex has successfully revitalised this theme by keeping it short, simple and actionable.
November 16, 2023
a strategy guideline for non-strategists and strategists
It is beautifully simple and easy to read strategy handbook. The concepts are there for you to experiment in your day-to-day.
Extremely useful. Highly recommend it for brand and marketing people.
It is beautifully simple and easy to read strategy handbook. The concepts are there for you to experiment in your day-to-day.
Extremely useful. Highly recommend it for brand and marketing people.
April 4, 2024
I’m so glad that this book existed to call out the non-sense strategy.
Although I wish it was longer, I guess that’s not the point of the book.
So many nuggets of wisdoms to takeaway, that’s easy to understand and action.
Although I wish it was longer, I guess that’s not the point of the book.
So many nuggets of wisdoms to takeaway, that’s easy to understand and action.
April 23, 2024
Excellent book
The book does a really good job of summarizing strategy as a subject and tell you it's essence. Its a worthy read for anyone who wants to startup or work in the field of strategy
The book does a really good job of summarizing strategy as a subject and tell you it's essence. Its a worthy read for anyone who wants to startup or work in the field of strategy
January 16, 2025
Actionable and pragmatic approach to strategy.
Alex Smith has evolved a world view that combines marketing, strategy, and branding into a unique mix that people can read in a day or two and immediately apply to improving their effectiveness.
Alex Smith has evolved a world view that combines marketing, strategy, and branding into a unique mix that people can read in a day or two and immediately apply to improving their effectiveness.
June 2, 2025
Easy listen for sure and cuts through a lot of the heavy weight of other texts to make this really actionable… so much so I will explore getting a printed copy rather than just the audio to refer back!
June 15, 2025
It is 10h audiobook, that could have been 3h, and it is actually 3h. All examples are short and to the point, there are no unnecessary detours. Advices are actually practical, and the tone isn’t as condescending as you’d expect from the title.
February 17, 2024
Short but insightful. Applicable to almost all fields: Entrepreneurship, investing, content creation, etc.
Must read for founders.
Must read for founders.
March 13, 2024
Best marketing book I have ever read. Cannot wait to re-read.
March 27, 2024
Super useful info for the founder and strategist alike. I didn’t love his perspective on what constitutes Brand, but found a lot of other useful bits throughout.
June 1, 2024
¡great !
Short, direct, consistent and effective. Will highly recommend it to redefine the rol of strategy within any business. Loved the graphics, brilliant !
Short, direct, consistent and effective. Will highly recommend it to redefine the rol of strategy within any business. Loved the graphics, brilliant !
June 25, 2024
very informative book
Direct book, easy to follow and very useful.
One of the best business strategy books. It is essential to read to improve your business.
Direct book, easy to follow and very useful.
One of the best business strategy books. It is essential to read to improve your business.
September 22, 2024
Plain talk on strategy. Written in a way all can understand.
October 20, 2024
It's a must read for any business owner.
June 1, 2025
Yes! This book helped to sort my loose thoughts on strategy and string them together into a meaningful (no bullshit) message. Extremely grateful to the author for this!
July 1, 2025
Excellent book. More about brand positioning than strategy - but there’s a lot of overlap there.
July 8, 2025
I wish all business books were this useful
Fantastic read. Don’t be dissuaded by the brevity of this book - it packs a real punch. Every page is packed with practical value.
Fantastic read. Don’t be dissuaded by the brevity of this book - it packs a real punch. Every page is packed with practical value.
February 10, 2024
no bullshit
Very useful refreshers and reframes for how to craft a meaningful strategy. Love conflation insight on goal vs strategy. I see that all of the time.
Very useful refreshers and reframes for how to craft a meaningful strategy. Love conflation insight on goal vs strategy. I see that all of the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews