Posts Tagged ‘Strategic Planning’
Thursday, October 9th, 2014
Every MBA student or undergraduate in an introductory business strategy course has encountered Porter’s Five Forces. The concept, outlined by Harvard economist and professor Michael E. Porter in 1979, has been a foundation of business strategy in both academia and the business world for decades.
Professor Porter revisited the topic in a recent article in Harvard Business Review, appropriately titled “The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy.”
For those unfamiliar with the five forces, they are: (more…)
Tags: Alternative to SWOT, Michael Porter, Porter's 5 Forces, Strategic Planning, Strategy, SWOT analysis
Posted in Strategic Communications | No Comments »
Thursday, July 24th, 2014
I’m a strong proponent of the value of strategic planning but I’m also glad to acknowledge that the vast majority of strategic plans rarely drive real action or measurable results. The reasons why are numerous, but a recent article I read in Harvard Business Review made a great point about strategy.
In The Big Lie of Strategic Planning, Roger L. Martin, makes the point that, inevitably, whenever the word “strategy” is used, it’s often in conjunction with the word “plan” — those two words then become, somehow, inevitably–and inaccurately–intertwined. (more…)
Tags: Complete Idiot's Guide to Strategic Planning, Strategic Planning, Strategy, why plans file
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014
Brainstorming is one of those activities that, on the surface, seems pretty simple. In reality, though, effectively using this technique can be challenging, Why? Because we all have a tendency to want to discuss/debate and comment on the brainstorming comments of others — and even our own!The key for an effective brainstorming session is to ensure that a wide range of “top of mind” inputs can be gathered — not to dissect and discuss each point that comes up.
We work with organizations on strategic planning activities regularly. One of the keys to a successful planning effort is ensuring that all inputs are gathered and that good ideas/inputs are not “shot down” or dismissed as part of the brainstorming process.
A couple of things that we have done to help ensure that the brainstorming process works as it should: (more…)
Tags: brainstorming, effective planning, facilitation, generating ideas, Innovation, Strategic Planning, team meetings
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Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
LinkedIn recently announced the introduction of product pages—the ability for brands to create pages to highlight specific products. The big question for brands is: “worth it,or a waste of time”? Call me crazy, but I’m going with the latter. In fact, as I work with and monitor my own accounts as well as client accounts I’m very cognizant of the potential to dilute brand messages by using too many channels. (more…)
Tags: Brand Management, linkedin, Social Media, Strategic Planning, Strategy
Posted in Marketing and Branding, Strategic Communications | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013
I used to consider SWOT analyses to be “silly exercises,” but after using them on a number of occasions during strategic planning processes with clients and, after conducting research for my book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Strategic Planning, I’ve come to believe that (if done effectively) they can help drive better strategy development.
If done correctly, SWOT analyses should: (more…)
Tags: Strategic Planning, strategies, strategies and tactics, Strategy, strategy development, SWOT analysis
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Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
Both the current situation in Syria and the start of my classes for this semester have me thinking about strategy. In fact, my pondering about the news reports I’ve been hearing regarding our strategy (or lack thereof) for addressing the situation in Syria helped me to frame what I believe are some important point for students in my PR Campaigns class, as well as for some clients I’m currently working with on strategic planning projects. (more…)
Tags: planning, strategic communications, Strategic Planning, Strategy, Syria
Posted in Strategic Communications | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 13th, 2013
- What does it take to be an effective healthcare marketer?
- What does it take to be an effective B2B marketer?
- What does it take to be an effective retail marketers?
Regardless of the audience asking, or the way the question is posed, my #1 recommendation is always a two-part recommendation and it’s one that I convey to clients and students communicating in both internal and external settings. (more…)
Tags: Advertising, Marketing, marketing strategy, Strategic Planning
Posted in Marketing Communication | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 1st, 2013
I love a new year. Although I realize that, technically, every day is the beginning of a new year, there’s something about the New Year that makes me both reflective and optimistic about what lies ahead. As a pretty goal-oriented person, I enjoy the process of looking back, learning, and looking forward. It’s the basis of strategic planning, after all, a personal passion of mine. Each year I spend time to commit my goals to writing and I track my progress throughout the year. I don’t achieve every goal, but I do belief that I’m more effective than I would be if I didn’t take the time to plan. I had some great successes in 2012 and a lot of very rewarding experiences–both personally and professionally. But there’s always room for improvement and, regardless of what I achieve, I always want to achieve more. So, in 2013, there are a number of things I’d like to do better: (more…)
Tags: Business development, client development, Customer Service, Innovation, Marketing, marketing strategy, personal development, planning, professional development, resolutions, Sales, Strategic Planning, Strategy
Posted in Business Development, Client Relations, Strategic Communications | No Comments »
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
As the New Year approaches it’s time to begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions, which might also be referred to as “strategic planning” — although those words tend to strike fear into the hearts of even the most focused of business professionals. I don’t know why, but I’m coming to accept it as a given. One of my resolutions for the New Year is to come up with a way of making planning less intimidating. “Good luck” say my business colleagues. But, I digress…
As you look forward to 2013, what are the fundamental issues that most impact your organization? What are the opportunities you hope to take advantage of? What are the challenges you hope to overcome? Here are a few tips to get you started: (more…)
Tags: goal setting, goals, New Year's resolutions, planning, strategic plan, Strategic Planning, Strategy
Posted in Business Development, Marketing and Branding | No Comments »
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