Strategic planning models can help you identify the best methods for achieving your company's goals and create a foundation for growth. A strategic business model is appropriate both for creating a new company's initial growth strategy, and for re-evaluating and adapting this strategic plan along the way.
A strategic planning model is more than just a "to-do" list; it's a comprehensive plan that takes into account where your company is now, where it wants to be, and the most efficient ways to make that journey.
For example, businesses new to strategic planning might choose a basic model, in which it identifies its mission, and the goals it needs to achieve to fulfill that mission. As they grow, they may then move to a more comprehensive "goal-based" model, which analyzes a company's strengths and weaknesses, identifies major goals, and establish strategies and action plans to achieve these goals.
Business models for strategic planning can be used to:
- Help a small organization grow during its first year
- Evaluate possible outcomes of multiple scenarios
- Identify a company's strengths and weaknesses and create a business plan model around these
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Select strategic business models by assessing your organization
Choosing the right strategic planning model is largely dependent on your company's needs and goals. Once you have a strong sense of your business direction, you can determine which strategic business model is right for your business at this stage in its growth.
I recommend: Assess your company through online evaluation tools like the
SWOT analysis at Mindtools, or hire a coach, such as
Jim Harris, who does phone coaching, to help you set the goals that will determine what strategic business model you should choose.
Use a strategic plan template to develop your strategic business plan
Training materials can provide you with a model that you can adapt to your organization by simply filling in the blanks, or by adapting it to your organization's specific needs.
I recommend: Software from
Instant Strategist takes you through the strategic planning process, and the
Center for Simplified Strategic Planning offers a strategic planning manual and templates.
Learn about strategic business development from strategic business planning experts.
Especially if you're new to strategic planning, you may benefit from the hands-on instruction of a workshop. Experienced teachers can guide you step-by-step through the process of identifying your company's goals and needs, and identifying the model that most closely matches those.
I recommend: The Haines Centre for Strategic Management offers
webinars in strategic planning and management; also consider signing up for their
free newsletter.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't feel that you have to stick to one strategic business model for the life your company; in fact, business development models are more effective if they're continually re-evaluated and adapted to changing conditions in your organization and in the marketplace.
The official source of Business Models for Strategic Planning is
the Business Models for Strategic Planning page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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