STRATEGIC PLANNING

Thinking strategically can be painful. Brain painful, yes, but more often, painful to the organization. A small to mid size business is just that - fewer people wearing many hats often focused on the day-to-day needs of the company and their customers. Those tasked with what happens 6 months from now or a year from today are more likely dealing with issues surrounding the last 72 hours or the next few days.

So, why should business of any size take their time and money to think and act strategically?  The answer is in the painful scrapheap of failed business or the hundreds of thousands of businesses that aren't growing and continue to fight for every penny.  Thinking strategically helps you better understand the landscape of your industry and where you fit in.  What products or services to offer at what price and to whom?  It helps you avoid making mistakes that cost you time, money and competitive momentum.

Will it replace bad products or uninspired management?  Never.  Will it help you focus?  You bet!  Handled properly, strategic planning will make everyone in your organization better at what they do and keep them all pulling in the same direction.  The proper direction?  Hopefully, but that depends on the plan and how well you execute it.  It will highlight flaws in the organization and prioritize their repair. The plan can help you improve margins and provide a map for growth. 

For Small to Mid Size Business

• For-profit
• Not-for-profit

More importantly, it will keep you out in front of your competition.  Let them play catch up for a change!