What Should Your Executable Strategic Plan Cost in Terms of Money, Time and Results?

Creating an executable strategic plan does not come without a price tag. Learn some of the key issues of this necessary tool from an investment perspective.

Strategic Planning Must Include a Strategic Action Plan Filled with WAY SMART Goals

Strategic planning is a given for many organizations. Yet, executing or implementing a strategic business plan continues to be a challenge for many small business owners to corporate 1000 CEO's. Possibly the answer is about creating a strategic action plan

The Tornado in Your Business

The recent tragic news from Florida points out the vulnerability to the unexpected that we all face in life and in business. In the disaster field office we have learned that the only safeguard against uncertainly is preparedness. But when do you prepare?

Making A Shareholders' Agreement-Checklist

If you are thinking of drawing up a Shareholders' Agreement for your company then you will find this checklist invaluable-

How Clear Is Your Vision For Your Business? Is It Time For A Business Vision Examination?

When was the last time you really examined your vision for your business? As the calendar year or the fiscal year draws to a close, this could present perfect timing for an examination of your vision for your business. A vision is dynamic and it requires periodic examination in order to retain your strategic focus in business. Here are ten (10) questions from your strategic thinking business coach to use to perform an annual examination of your business vision.

Seven Reasons Why You Need A Strategic Planning Facilitator

A professional facilitator brings an independent and open-minded perspective to your strategic planning process. He or she will keep the discussion focused, keep the process on track, and will encourage team members to act as equals in the process. Some organizations choose to “go it alone” and attempt to conduct the strategic planning process entirely “in house.” In my own personal and professional experiences over more than 35 years, I have always witnessed better outcomes of the strategic planning process when an outside professional facilitator is brought in. Here are seven reasons why it is recommended that you hire an outside facilitator.

Why the Need for Brainstorming?

Brainstorming can be the most abused word when it comes to meetings and group activities. It is often used by students, teachers, successful businessmen and even criminals. A lot of projects and activities have become successful due to creative brainstorming sessions.

The Tea Room Business Plan – Basic Concepts

Business planning and the start of a new tea room venture is more of a process than an event. A new business is a separate entity that is very much like a garden: planning is required to start, certain mandatory steps are required and constant management and pruning must occur to produce a successful venture.

How To Hone Your Strategic Thinking Skills To Plan For The New Business Year

Strategic thinking is always important. The initiation of planning for the new business year is an especially important time for strategic thinking. In businesses where strategic thinking, planning and actions drive the company, the business owners and management team need to hone their strategic thinking skills to begin the planning for the new business year. Here are ten (10) recommended ways to hone your strategic thinking skills.

Planning And Starting An Online Business

This article takes you through the process and planning required in starting your own online business.

How to Measure Trends?

Wouldn't it be great to predict your future? To know exactly what your customers and suppliers think and want? When you check trends in your industry will this help you to put the chess pieces in the right position on the board to win the game? This article will focus on how to deal with trends to sharpen your business focus.

The Customer Isn't Always Right

How often do we see companies who live by the noble creed - the customer is always right? Is it possible that this approach could be self-defeating by ultimately damaging the commitment of the very customer service people who they hope to inspire?

Strategic Planning Transports Business Owners From Sea Level to See Level to See the Bigger Picture

What keeps business owners from achieving their goals? Maybe it is their elevation. One of my key strategies as a business coach in assisting small business owners and executives to build their businesses faster than they ever imagined is to tell stories. Stories allow us to hear the message without defining it.