Strategic planning enables managers to reach consensus about the initiatives that will have an immediate and positive impact. An explicit action plan provides managers with a tool to keep their teams nimble and efficient. Our method consists of three essential steps:
RESEARCH
- In-depth research regarding the sector, competitors, new technologies and prospective markets;
- Meaningful surveys of investors, vendors, and consumers;
- Literature reviews and interviews with subject area experts to inform direction and capital investments.
PLANNING
- Collaborating with the chief executive officer to articulate a compelling value proposition and subsequent goals for product and pricing, finance, marketing and communications, sales, customer service, management, human resources, information technology and capital improvements;
- Engaging managers in the creation of an Operating Plan to guarantee transparency and accountability;
- Facilitating a Planning Retreat to take a team approach to problem solving, prioritizing investments and clarifying internal reporting.
EVALUATING OUTCOMES
- Defining the metrics of success so that managers can evaluate and reward individual and team performance fairly;
- Assessing whether strategic goals are leading to increased brand awareness, customer conversion and retention, and revenue growth.