MOps Matrix / Foundation / Strategy
Level 1 · Foundation

1. Strategy

The Essence The company has a clearly defined business strategy that gives direction to all activity — including marketing. Marketing derives its purpose from that strategy, not the other way around.
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Strategy
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Organization
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Processes
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Resources
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Tools
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Training
Foundation · Levels 1–6
Level 1

What is the Strategy level?

The Strategy level is about ensuring your company has a clear, documented business strategy that guides all marketing activities.

Marketing's role is not to create its own separate strategy — it's to understand, support, and translate the company's overarching goals into actionable plans and campaigns.

Common problems

Typical gaps and pitfalls.

  • The business strategy is unclear, outdated, or not communicated to the marketing team
  • Marketing activities are planned in isolation, without reference to company goals
  • The team is unsure how their work contributes to business success
  • There is no process for aligning marketing plans with changing business priorities
  • Marketing is seen as a silo — not as a strategic partner to the business
Why it matters

Marketing without strategy is just noise.

When marketing is closely aligned with company strategy, every activity and campaign has a clear purpose and measurable impact.

This alignment ensures resources are used effectively, supports better decision-making, and helps marketing earn a seat at the leadership table.

Without this foundation, marketing risks becoming disconnected from what matters most to the business.

The target

What does good Strategy look like?

  • The company's business strategy is clearly defined, documented, and shared with the marketing team
  • The marketing team understands the business strategy and can explain how their work supports it
  • All major marketing activities and campaigns are planned with direct reference to strategic priorities
  • There is a process for reviewing and updating marketing plans as business priorities evolve
  • The team is involved in discussions about how marketing can best support the company's direction
Self-assessment

Are you at level 1 ?

Checklist

Check off what rings true.

All five checked? The Strategy level is in place.

Ready for next?

All five in place? Move on to Organization.

The Strategy level is built. The next step is making sure the marketing function is properly positioned within the organization.

Level 2: Organization →
Not all checked yet? Start here — this is the essential foundation for everything that follows.
Where to start

If you're not there yet.

  1. 1
    Ensure the business strategy is documented and shared with the marketing team
  2. 2
    Hold a workshop to review the strategy and discuss how marketing can support key business objectives
  3. 3
    Map current marketing activities to strategic priorities and identify any gaps
  4. 4
    Set up regular check-ins to review alignment as business priorities evolve
  5. 5
    Create a simple reference guide showing how marketing supports each business goal
Next step

Wondering where you stand ? Let's talk.

30 minutes, no cost. We'll map out where you are — and what makes the most sense to do next.

Book an intro call ↗

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