Guide to Creating a Small-Business Strategic Plan

Understand what goes into a strategic plan

Basics that should be included in a strategic plan include an executive summary, organizational description, mission and vision statements, goals and strategies. Additional sections may include action plans (specific responsibilities for meeting goals), a budget for reaching goals and instructions for reviewing and communicating the plan.

I recommend: View a sample strategic plan and get help with the strategic planning process with a free online strategic planner from PlanWare.com.

Spell out your purpose in the strategic plan

One tool to try in the strategic planning process is a grid that asks two questions: Do we have it? Do we really want it? Or, you can also use another tool called SWOT, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

I recommend: Discover the key components and benefits of visioning as well as how to create a mission statement. A 10-step checklist from Improve.org shows how strategic management requires a vision. Find a SWOT analysis exercise and other strategic planning process tools at StrategicAdvantage.com.  Get help with competitive analysis, strategic marketing and marketing strategy from the consultants listed on Business.com.

Create an action plan

Detail the actions to be taken in order to reach your business strategy goals. Always specify who is responsible for doing what and when. Within the first 90 days, hold regular reviews, so that team members know what is expected of them. Designate point-persons who measure the strategic plan every quarter for its success along the way. Also consider putting people in teams of two so that they're accountable to each other.

I recommend: Discover how to draw up an action plan at MindTools.com.

Carry out your strategic plan

Break down the whole strategic plan into small steps. You might use strategies to reach your goal, such as marketing on the Internet. These strategies will likely shift as you progress. Action plans carry out the strategies and are usually expressed in quantifiable objectives, such as a 10 percent increase in sales. Hand out copies of the strategic plan to all team members. Remember to regularly praise them for meeting business strategy goals.

I recommend: Find strategic planning process models, paradigms and sample plans at ManagementHelp.org.

Consider hiring a consultant

If you've never written a strategic management plan, or your first attempt wasn't successful, turn to a professional for help. Remember to work together to set achievable goals that feel realistic.

I recommend: Find consultants who specialize in strategic planning, along with strategic management seminars and other tools, at the Organized Change Consultancy or Accenture.com. Consider technology solutions, such as the software, audio seminars and e-books from InstantStrategist.com or the business strategy software vendors and consultants listed on Business.com.