Chapter 1

What Is Strategic Planning Really?

In This Chapter

  • Figuring out what a strategic plan is
  • Checking out the key parts of a strategic plan
  • Getting the most out of your strategic planning process
  • Heeding the warnings that you need a strategic plan

What will your business be like in three years? Do you have a road map to get from today to your envisioned tomorrow? Will you be a few steps closer to realizing your vision by next year? No one can predict the future. But if you don't change anything, the future won't be any different than the past.

One sure-fire way to impact your company's future (and profitability) is to dust off a timeless tool — the strategic plan — and intentionally drive your organization forward. No one strategic model fits all organizations, but the planning process includes certain basic elements that all businesses can use to explore their vision, goals, and next steps of an effective strategic plan. A good strategic plan achieves the following:

  • Reflects the values of the organization
  • Inspires action to achieve a big future
  • Explains how you'll win in the market
  • Clearly defines the criteria for achieving success
  • Guides everyone in daily decision making

Effective leaders aren't sitting around waiting for something to happen. They're anticipating what lies ahead. Managers and business owners aren't waiting for their competitors to swoop in and put them out of business. Instead, they're using their strategic plans to get ahead of the game. So the fact ...

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