A powerful technique to make a business plan fast while achieving key insights into your business. This is a proven method developed by the Center For Simplified Strategic Planning. Two day workshops are available or buy the book.

1. Simplified Strategic Planning
The Fastest, Easiest Planning Process
In Existence Today
Developed by The Center for Simplified Strategic Planning Ann Arbor, Michigan

2. What Can Strategic Planning Do For
Your Organization?
• Align the actions of your people
• Focus your resources on top priorities
• Motivate the entire organization

3. “KISS” Planning Process
See
Be aware of your current situation, with an objective perspective
Think
Identify options, innovate, plan goals and actions
Do
ACT decisively, monitor results and create a feedback loop to adjust

4. Three Central Questions to Answer
• What is our unique role in Our market?
• Who will fund and support our activities?
• How will we differentiate ourselves?

5. Strategic Planning Process
Internal
Financial Condition
Capabilities
Competencies
External
Fund Sources
Competition
Methodology
Effectiveness
Needs & Preferences
Scope and Focus
Competitive Advantage
Portfolio Analysis
Funding sources
Competitive Position
High Level
Expand, Maintain,
Contract, Milk, Exit
Threats & Opportunities
Situation Analysis
Internal/External SWOT
Competition
Future Expectations
Donors and Sponsors, Beneficiaries, Other
similar arts organizations
Strategic Analysis
Assessment of Funding Sources
Assessment of Needs
Strategic Issues
Direction
Strategy Formulation
Goals
Objectives
Implementation
Action Plans
Budgets
Definition
How to?

6. Simplified Strategic Planning Process
• Situation Analysis
– Donor Group or Source Identification
– Competitor Identification (and their approach to Market)
– Identify Strategic Competencies
– Opportunity Identification and Screening
– SWOT
• Strategy Formulation
– Threats
– Strategic Assessments
– Formulate Strategies
– Mission, Goals, and Objectives development
• Implementation Planning
– Action Plans
– Annual Schedules and Budgets

7. What is Your Organizations DNA
• What activities energize employees
• What product or service satisfies donors and clients the most
• What factors give “life” to your organization
• What are you most proud of in your organization
This is the core of your company, and indicates the areas where
you can excel and energize your entire organization. It is why a
7’ tall person is successful basketball instead of being a jockey.
This is the filter use in evaluating the strength of your plans.

8. Example Capabilities Assessment
Strengths
Importance
in Industry
Our
Performance
 Application know-how and ability to translate
process needs into solutions
2 4
 Flexibility and reactivity (business model,
response to needs)
4 3
 Image/reputation 5 5
 Global structure and implementation 5 3
 Innovation (product technology, cost reduction) 6 4

9. Strategic Issues Driving Change
A key issue that impacts us and requires adaptation to reach
our goals. Tension is created by needs versus constraints
ISSUE Arc of Tension Adaptation/Strategy
Example:
Low market share Need to Grow ??Adaptation??
Constraint – Limit to resources available quality and quantity

10. Example Competitive Analysis
Ability to Meet Customer
Valued Attributes
US Company
A
Company
B
Company
C
Company
D
Company
E
1. Performance 4 3 3 4 4 4
2. On time delivery 4 3 3 3 4 4
3. Bottom Line Cost 3 3 2 4 3 3
4. Technical Expertise 3 3 3 3 4 4
5. Price 3 3.5 3 2 3 3
6. Innovation of
technology
2 3 3 3 4 4
7. Global Capability 4 3 3 4 4 4
8. Environmental Safety 4 3 3 4 3 3
Subtotal 3.5 3 3 3.5 3.5 3.5
Reputation/Brand 5 3 4 4 2.5 2.5
Relationships up the
organization
3.5 3 3 2 3 3
Financial Strength 4 2 4 3 4 4
Service Capability 3 3 1 1 3 3
Full Portfolio 4 5 4 2 3 3
OEM Relationships 4 2 2 4.5 2 2
Overall total 4 3 3 3.5 3.5 3.5
M
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T
H
A
V
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T
H
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R
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11. Planning Process Schedule
1. 1 1/2 days to review process and make team assignments for
situation analysis.
2. 1 day 2-4 weeks later to review situation analysis and
discuss future expectations
3. 1 ½ day 2-4 weeks later to set direction and make team
assignments for direction and goals
4. 1 day 2 weeks later to define action items and accountability
The Simplified Process takes a
Total time elapsed of 1 ½ to 2 ½ months
And meeting time of 5 days !

12. Contact Us Now
www.OhioBusinessHelp.com
arthelmstetter@b2bplanner.com
937-985-0481
Art Helmstetter, PE