What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic planning is like a blueprint for your business. Strategic planning really isn’t rocket science: rather it is common sense and a willingness to ask some challenging questions. The result of the strategic planning process is a road map for your business. This map lays out clear goals and objectives based on your company's vision and mission statement. This road map will help  keep you on track and avoid costly misdirection.

Bain & Company, a global strategy consulting firm,  profiled the usage and effectiveness of management tools among 631 global companies. The study, based on an analysis of 25 management tools, found that strategic planning, the management tool classic, remains the most popular tool with 92 % of executives utilizing it with the highest level of satisfaction.

K.I.S.S-P Strategic Planning For Small Business is designed to quickly identify three to five key strategies that will have the most immediate and positive impact on your small business. By doing this we will maximize critical time and resources and realize the "biggest bang for the buck."

Basically the process will follow these steps:

1. Articulate the company's mission and vision.
2. Assess the company's strengths, weakness, external opportunities and threats.
3. Agree on priorities.
4. Write a plan.
5. Implement the plan.
6. Monitor the plan - Measure progress. 

The strategic planning process will involve the following:

1. Two all day workshops ( Or four 1/2 day sessions). Sessions will be spaced 2-3 weeks apart.
2. Before the start of the workshops and between sessions data will be gather by the participants to aid in the success of the sessions.
3. After the sessions all participants will meet with the Facilitator at3 months, 6 months and 12 month intervals. These sessions will be devoted to reporting on the progress on the strategic plan and making adjustments as necessary. Additionally, there will be "coaching" either by phone or email as needed

Several components must be agreed upon for this program to work.

1. A willingness on everyone's part to fully participate in the process.
2. Everyone must be motivated and excited about implementing the plan.
3. All key members of the company must be willing to accept responsibility for the success of the program.
4. All employees must be informed and educated about their role and motivated about the plan and it's success.
5. Ideally meetings are held away from the place of business, so everyone can focus fully on the task at hand.

Unlike many consulting/coaching programs that get filed away in some desk drawer, K.I.S.S - P is designed to be constantly review, evaluated and if need be revised. The follow up sessions are most important in order to maintain momentum and ensure that everyone is on the right track.

It is vital that all key members involved in the company participates in all sessions. It is also necessary for the success of this process that the principles/owners/partners are fully committed to the strategic planning process. For more detailed information and fees contact Coach Pete @ 1coachpete@comcast.net