the challenge of strategic planning
Strategic thinking is genuinely difficult; that’s why smart people so often struggle with strategy and strategic planning. A combination of confusion about the nature of strategy, short term thinking and a silo mentality can combine to create a seemingly impenetrable fog.
We can fast-track the process of developing your business strategy by cutting through the fog and confusion. We start by clarifying what strategy is and how to go about it. We will prevent you from getting immersed in detail too soon so that you can unleash innovation, creativity and real strategic thinking. Our methods are engaging, challenging and developmental.
a focus on results and accountability
In addition to providing a set of common goals, your strategic plan will create accountability and a clear focus on results. Your key performance indicators will clearly cascade from organisational level to departmental plans and ultimately to individuals’ personal objectives
At the conclusion of the process, you will be in no doubt where you intend to play and how you intend to win.
diy or Nova Connection?
We have many years experience developing strategic business plans for SMEs. We are experienced, seasoned and qualified in the development of business strategy. Above all, we are acutely aware of the importance of customer focus at all levels of the organisation. By using our service, you will:
- fast track the development of your plan
- develop a strategy with a clear sense of purpose
- identify strategic themes which transcend departments
- align resources for maximum impact
- benefit from our constructive challenge
keeping it joined up by aligning objectives
We will help you to get everyone pulling in the same direction by aligning individual, team, departmental and business objectives. Our approach to strategic planning is to demystify the process by offering jargon-free, practical coaching, facilitation and support. The resulting business plan is tailored to the needs of your business – rather than being an off-the-shelf, tick-the-box template.
gaining real insights from strategic planning
Although there may be an imperative for producing a business plan, such as the need to obtain finance, we want to add value. The strategic planning process should provide real insights into the workings of your business, your customers and your markets.
the business planning journey
Your business plan describes the journey to be taken over the next few years. To plan that journey, you will need to know the starting point and destination – as well as some information about the terrain. It’s likely that there will be a number of possible routes to consider and evaluate.
In the context of business planning, it’s a common mistake to start planning the journey without having properly analysed the starting point and evaluated alternate destinations.
what goes into a strategic plan?
While there is no set format for a business plan, it needs to include:
- business overview
- marketing and sales plans
- people – leadership, training and development
- operations – premises, production, IT etc.
- Financials – cash flow, requirements for finance, planned investments
what does a business plan look like?
We frequently use Strategy Maps when preparing business plans as they are visual and easier to communicate to those who have to implement them. Strategy maps are supported by clearly stated objectives, responsibilities and budgets.
Some organisations are more comfortable with traditional text-based documents. We always adapt to the needs of our clients.