What is strategy?

‘To stand still is to go backwards’

A business has a life cycle: a dormant phase and a development phase. As strategic issues are not considered through periodic review, many organisations spend most of their time in a relatively dormant but trading phase. When a company has a product in demand that is worth developing then there is justification for investment in the company’s future. However there is likely to be a need for a fundamental reappraisal of where the business is going if the Company is to set a course towards sustainable and improved profitability.

Most large firms employ whole departments to monitor the strategic management of their businesses. Small and medium sized businesses or owners cannot afford this; neither can they afford the time necessary to carry out these functions themselves due to daily pressures and administration. In any case, if Strategic Planning and Management is done internally owners often find it difficult to be fully objective. This is where a part time outside Consultant can be of real benefit.

Strategic Planning & Implementation

‘Where am I now and where do I wish to be?

Strategy health checks can cover the whole business or, in more depth, a critical function such as marketing, business development, exporting, market research, funding, acquisition and merger, purchasing, communications, management or HR.

Strategy Health Check Stages include:-

• Corporate Mission
• Corporate Objectives
• Tactics, timescales, responsibilities
• Monitoring and Control procedures
• Internal Strengths & Weaknesses, External Opportunities and Threats
• Strategic Options

Marketing Strategy

‘I’ve been meaning to work on marketing but I can’t find time to get round to it’

In order to convert ideas into strategies and strategies into action, it is recommended that a structured Marketing Plan be prepared. This would include a full evaluation of client and competitor analysis, product and pricing strategies, market segmentation and positioning strategies as well as clearly targeted promotional, exhibition and PR activity. Marketing can be cost effective providing it is focused and evaluated properly and the Strategic Marketing Plan provides that focus.

I have excellent contacts in the Marketing and Business Promotion world and would look to bring together a full value for money programme set to take your business to the next level utilising internal and external resources.