Strategic Planning Fundamentals

This course will teach you a step-by-step process to make robust strategic decisions and create “the bones” of a strategic plan in a simple one-page format that will provide direction and focus for your team.

This advanced course is designed for members of senior leadership teams (and staff who want to actively participate in the strategic planning process). It will teach you a proven, best-practice process to think strategically, ask the right questions, debate the options, make decisions, and create your strategic plan.

Topics covered include:

BHAG – Create a compelling future vision (BHAG) for your company
CORE VALUES – Create clear rules that define your culture, and guide behaviors
CORE PURPOSE – Why you do what you do (beyond simply making money)
TARGET CUSTOMER – Identify and focus on the needs of your “bullseye” target customer
VALUE DISCIPLINE – Know what “game” you are playing, and play to win
CORE, CONTEXT, & NON-CORE – What to start doing, develop, acquire, stop doing, outsource, or not start at all
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS – Understand industry forces and confront the brutal facts
LONG-TERM STRATEGIC MOVES – Choose a long-term strategy to create a competitive advantage
SWOT ANALYSIS – Perform a robust analysis on your company, the way an outside investor would
KEY INITIATIVES & STRATEGIC PROJECTS – Choose key initiatives and short-term projects that drive immediate progress
STRATEGIC POSITIONING – What your brand is. Carve out and “own” a niche category in your industry
KEY BENEFITS – Define the functional, economic, and emotional benefits you offer
BRAND PROMISE – The blunt, overt promise that compels your target customers to take action

This course contains excerpts from the book by Stephen Lynch: “Business Execution for RESULTS: A practical guide for leaders of small to mid-sized firms” (winner in the ‘Management’ category of the 2014 Small Business Book Awards in the USA).

I look forward to supporting your learning journey.

Kind regards,
Stephen Lynch