The Ten-Step, One-Day Strategic Plan

As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, plan to fail." Strategic planning is an essential part of every business, whether a Fortune 500 company, a 50-person company, or a sole proprietorship. Even if you don't have a large organization, regular strategic planning will help you keep your business on course (and make sure you have a course!) and be prepared when circumstances change, as they inevitably do.

If you are not seeking funding and don't have a large number of employees, you may not need a formal, polished document. For internal purposes, the document itself is not nearly as important as the research, thought and communication that go into it. Fortunately, the basic process of strategic planning is neither particularly long or difficult. You and your team can develop a strategic plan in just one day following this simple ten-step process. Read more...

Related: The Business Plan: Not Just a Blueprint
Related: Interview with Romanus Wolter, "The Kick-Start Guy", on action plans vs. business plans