Business Strategy Services
".........the nicest thing about not planning is that business failure comes as a complete surprise, and is not preceded by a period of worry and depression" John Preston - Boston College
DAT Performance Consulting LTD
WHAT IS A STRATEGIC PLAN?
Business leaders often become so tied up with the immediate and routine issues that they frequently lose sight of their business objectives. This leads to business drift and sometimes business failure resulting from a failure to plan. The preparation of a strategic plan (not to be confused with a business plan) is vital in terms of directing a business down it's chosen path. Properly formed strategic plans unlike the detailed business plan are usually short documents. They act as a solid foundation and reference for the detailed business plan. The strategic plan should act like a road map providing the following:
- Stimulation for change and a platform for improved involvement and motivation.
- A SWOT analysis covering strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
- An explanation of current and planned business positioning.
- Provide the basis for detailed business planning
- Serve as a framework for action plans and decision making.
BASIC APPROACH TO STRATEGIC PLANNING
Doing different things, not the same things differently!
The basic approach requires a critical review of past business performance by the business leaders. The following essential points need to be covered during the review:
- Relate to the medium term say the next two to four years
- Be completely seperate from day to day work.
- Provide focus on matters of strategic importance.
- Development of the SWOT analysis.
- Be realistic, detached and critical.
- Provide a clear distinction between cause and effect.
- Be written down
- Reviewed at set periods.
We provide a practical and cost effective approach towards helping you develop an effective business strategy. Please follow the 'contact us' link if you wish to know more about this service offer.
".........if you want to make a difference as a leader you've got to make time for strategy" Michael Porter - Harvard Business School