Strategic Planning Services

Strategic planning is a disciplined effort to identify and produce fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide the direction of an organization. Many businesses struggle to achieve long-term success because they lack a concrete business strategy that provides the structure necessary to optimize performance. A good business plan cannot be derived from a standardized template. The proper amount of background research, understanding of competition, products and services and business processes as well as respect for the business culture must be contemplated before successfully implementing a strategic plan. The development of a business plan can best be described as a process that must constantly be updated in order to be responsive to a dynamic and changing business environment.

The strategy process involves identifying the most effective way to respond to the circumstances of the organization's evolving business environment. It encompasses planning and setting goals, including all of the necessary structures and processes to achieve those objectives. The process must be highly disciplined because it calls for a certain order and pattern to keep it focused, productive and measurable. A strategic plan is a living document that must be refined on a regular basis to contemplate both internal and external changes in the business.

Columbia Business Resources works directly with clients to understand the background of the business and industry, as well as to identify a strategic vision for the company. It is the strategic vision and the ability to continuously refine the organization's plan that enables our clients to succeed in getting a new business off the ground, or taking their current business to the next level of performance.

Columbia Business Resources specializes in the development of strategies for businesses intent on maximizing their value, by reviewing every aspect of the business. Our real world experience operating successful businesses ensures that we examine every angle to identify and recommend the most profitable opportunities. Among, the key areas that we focus on:

• Developing an understanding of the history of the business and the industry

• Formulation of a mission that contemplates dynamic external factors

• Creating a vision that defines what success will look like?

• Identification of industry trends and their projected impacts on business

• Framing the business opportunity in the context of a competitive environment

• Development of competitive strategies to achieve a business vision or mission

• Setting short-term and long-term goals and objectives combined with an action plan

• Working with the client to develop a realistic financial plan

• Developing a blueprint for optimal organizational structure

• Identifying risk, assessing potential obstacles and developing mitigation strategies

• Revising or developing marketing strategies to target new or changing markets

• Developing effective methods to measure success

• Building a professional business prospectus to attract outside investment

• Preparing professional strategy presentations for internal and external use