Playing to win is essential for entrepreneurs, not just large corporations. A solid investment strategy hinges on presenting a coherent playing to win narrative, focusing on the critical elements of where to play and how to win. Many individuals confuse strategy with planning; however, effective strategy goes beyond mere planning of sensible initiatives. Most strategic efforts fail because they resemble planning rather than actual strategic thinking. Entrepreneurs and managers must understand that customer behavior is the dependent variable—they cannot force customers to buy, but they can create compelling offers that attract customers. The true essence of strategy lies in developing a coordinated set of choices that resonate with customers rather than merely compiling a list of sensible initiatives. An integrated approach ensures that every choice made drives towards compelling customer engagement and fulfills the strategic goals of the business.