Business Management

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Strategic planning is an investment in the business. 

Let’s review a few key factors on Strategic Planning that can help business owners determine the value of this process.


1. WHAT IS STRATEGIC PLANNING?

- A planning tool for management to formulate high-level business strategy.
- the foundation for the development of a more detailed Business Plan.
- Strategic Planning is top down: Strategic – Tactical – Operational.


2. WHY DO STRATEGIC PLANNING?

- To define the precise mission of the firm.
- To measure the competitive environment.
- To prioritize external opportunities and assess potential threats.
- To help manage growth.
- To focus on key objectives.
- To satisfy succession planning needs.
- To focus on internal strengths and overcome weaknesses.
- To formulate strategy to maintain a competitive position.


3. WHEN TO DO STRATEGIC PLANNING

- When the business needs to establish guidelines for a new or updating of a Business Plan.
- When a review is needed to maximize resource utilization.
- When the business needs to prioritize growth options.

4. WHAT ARE THE GOALS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING?

- Quantify objectives for the business.
- Establish indicators of achievement.
- Develop an implementation plan.
- Assign responsibilities and accountability.
- Identify resource requirement for plan achievement – financial, personnel, equipment, facility, products.


Creating, articulating and sticking to your vision is the single most important job you have as a leader. Strategic planning isn’t a one-time event. Once you’ve laid out your strategy, it’s crucial to stay focused over the long-term.

I hope you are able to plan for success.