Stra·te·gic   carefully devised to achieve a goal
Plan’   a method of achievement that is worked out in detail before implementation

Do you find yourself running around constantly treading water?  It this is the case, you do not have an effective strategic plan. The goal of any good strategic plan is to be PROACTIVE. If you are ‘putting out fires’, this goal has not been obtained.  Below are some steps to strategic planning. Strategic Plans should be developed in conjunction with your advisory board and/or the Board of Directors. We can assist in the development of your strategic plan and suggest that your organization set aside at least one day to conduct a retreat and focus on this task. If time and finances allow, we recommend a 3 day retreat for Board members, Staff, and Major supporters, we typically conduct these retreats on the shore of Georgia’s beautiful Coast at St. Simons’ Island or outside Atlanta at our Lookout Mountain Retreat.  Whether you decide to spend one day or 3 days formulating your plan, the following are the minimum components that need to be addressed:

1. Evaluate your competitive field
2. Develop a clear and precise mission statement
3. Evaluate the short-term environmental influences upon your goal
4. Evaluate the long-term environmental influences upon your goal
5. Evaluate your strength’s and weaknesses in relation to your expectations
6. Evaluate your strength’s and weaknesses in relation to the client and competition
7. Evaluate your target client
8. Define your Goals and Objectives for the next 5 years
9. Develop a plan that utilizes all of your current assets and contacts
10. Plan for follow up sessions to update and maintain your strategic plan.