Strategic Partnership

TOP 3 Forgotten or Neglected Strat Planning Objectives

2008-10-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Top 3 Most
Forgotten or Neglected
Strategic Planning Objectives

#1 -
Nothing Really Concrete Came Out of The Retreat so, the Binder Is Still Sitting on the Shelf
#2 - No One Was Assigned to Any Task
#3 - The Follow-up Process Was Not Clear
For this Newsletter we will tackle
Mistake #1
Nothing Really Concrete Came Out of The Retreat, so, the Binder Is Still Sitting on the Shelf

This is unfortunately, a common complaint and reason why business owners believe that Strategic Planning is not necessary. Any successful business person will tell you that this is just not the case.

Strategic Planning, at any level, is critical to future success. It creates a roadmap that describes what you want to accomplish over the next year, 18 months, 2 years, or beyond. If you think that what you have been doing is good enough, then, you are only fooling yourself.

You started your business to fill a need or a gap in the marketplace. Others came behind you with a little different take on your idea, added something new, or offered an enhanced service that you did not think about.

The reality is that business needs change and what is needed today, is, not necessarily, what will be needed in the future. It is important to plan for changes in the marketplace. To stay one step ahead. But, I should not be telling you anything new.

However, this is what happens time and time again. So, your first mistake is that you don't take time to plan - Strategically Plan. It does not have to be a one or two day retreat. Especially if you are a small business. So, here are some tips that can help you.

1. Get together your most important customers, vendors and clients. Ask them what is important to them, why they come to you, what changes they see in the future, what they would like you to change, enhance or add.

2. Next, identify for yourself what financial changes, vendor changes you want for yourself as a business owner.

3. What percentage increase will you need to maintain or increase your business.

4. Advertising needs

Then, look at your own Public Relations Department. Yes, you have one, but, if you don't know it then you need to develop one because you are your own best advertisement. Think back on how you got your business going in the first place - did every person you know, know what you were doing?

Other considerations:
* How do you keep in touch with your customers?
* Do you have a Newsletter?
* Do you advertise?
* Do you offer specials

Within each of these suggestions I have mentioned today lie great opportunities to expand and keep your business growing and at the top of your customers minds.

For more in-depth assistance please contact me to set a personal appointment and check out my blog at http://stratpartner.blogspot.com
or email me at creativecorpsol@aol.com

Next month I will talk about,
Mistake #2 : No One Was Assigned To Any Task: So Now What?

Want to become part of my Combined Strategic Partnership Consortium (CSPC)? Contact me to learn more about how you can connect with other business owners who understand the importance of getting connected in order to achieve their goals - together.
CSPC is a new concept, so, join as a Charter Member and SAVE 25% until December 31, 2008

Don't Forget to DREAM

2008-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

I found this on a recent search for anything new or different on Strategic Planning, Here is the link: Perspective-http://davehess.wordpress.com

I like the way this is structured. So many times we forget to Dream about what is possible and only plan. This is just another way to think about Strategic Planning.

Dream
In this step we dream as big as we can to think as big as we can just dreaming about how we could communicate the message of the gospel in a message series, or what would be a more effective way to reach the unreached in our city.
Design
During the design stage we narrow the options down the different ideas from initial dreaming stage.
Detail
Here we think through more of the specifics of preparation that will need to be organized in order to make the outreach, program etc. a success.
Deadline
With out any specific timeline of what we want to accomplish the plans might not actually get off the ground so we calendar key deadlines leading up to the event or sermon series that need to be hit.
Dollars
After the deadlines and the plans are in action money needs to be spent towards the project. This can vary greatly from one thing to another depending on the dream.
Execute
This importance of this step is huge. No matter how great the plan everything if the plan isn’t executed, or followed through on with excellence then it’s a wash.
Evaluate
After the event has taken place the process is still not over. It still needs to be evaluated for effectiveness.
Adjust
Based on the evaluation, adjustments can be made and lessons learned can be educational for future planning projects. There is nothing wrong with making a mistake, but by making adjustments hopefully the same exact mistake won’t be made repeatedly.
Disclaimer
Everything on this blog is my personal opinion. I do my best to say things clearly, kindly and truthfully, but don't always succeed. I don't personally have a a perfect understanding of everything nor do I communicate it perfectly. And my opinion changes from time to time (when I realize I am wrong).

Business Strategies Goals, Homework and Discussions

2008-07-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Business Strategies Reply and Discussion Site

If you found your way here then you are a part of a wonderful opportunity and group who wants to grow their Business with others who have the same goal. From now until the end of Sept. we will work together to focus on business strategies that will create habits of success. We will share our experiences, struggles and bring honesty, openness and authenticity to our site.

Have fun with this - since what you do should first of all be a passion along with some FUN!

Let's get started!

Homework for the week of July31 - Aug 6

1.) Select the HBB you want to focus on and why you chose that business over the others? (If you only have one business then list that here)

2.)Post your Goals by answering the following question: (Be VERY specific)

* What do I want my business to provide?

* Why is this important to me?

What challenges will I have to overcome to begin moving toward my goals?

* Whose help and support do I need to achieve my goals?

* How much do I want to earn per month?

* How soon do I want that income?

* How many hours per week will I commit to my business?

Session 2: August 7

3.) Work in your business this week and find ways to talk to 3 people EVERY DAY about what you do. Next week we will ask you how this activity worked for you. Be ready to share your experiences and share your challenges!

Answering the above questions will create the framework from which you will build the rest of your strategies. Keep your goals in mind as you work through the week. Print them out and post them in front of you at home - post them on the refrigerator - in the bathroom and in the car. Keep them in front of you so that every time you look at them or go anywhere you think about what you can do to move forward. This is not about being aggressive, it is about becoming aware of WHY you got into this in the first place.

NEW Business Opportunity for YOU! + Testimonial

2008-06-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

JOIN my 6x6 Club!
SIGN UP YOUR BUSINESS to be included in every newsletter and communication I write.

I believe in sharing business opportunities with everyone. I also believe that as business owners it is important to support each other. If you want to be included in my communications as a business partner then sign up and join today.

Take advantage of my contacts and spread your business name beyond your own sphere of influence. Heck, you are reading this now - right?

How do you Sign Up?
Send me an email with your link and you will be added to my Business Referral List.

WHAT IS THE COST?
Only $36 for 6 Months - That is $6 for 6 months. Or, 20 cents p/day

What do you get?
Every email I write will include your business link and a brief description of your business. Do you have a special you want to offer - offer it here! (Offer must be for 6 month period)

Nothing could be easier!

Send check to:
Creative Corporate Solutions (CCS) / Johanna Cunningham
753 Strathdon Court
Folsom, CA 95630

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
CCS Testimonial
I know how important Strategic Planning can be for a business. I recently spoke to a business owner with whom I had this conversation,

"If you do not plan for your future business, anticipate or think about what business conditions could change in your business then you will struggle to catch up to where you are today.

Planning for potential shifts in the market, changes in buyer habits, new competition and staying in touch with current customers will offset loss.

Don't ever set yourself up for the - 'I did not see this coming' attitude. Plan for potential issues and for your success."

That was 10 months ago and now, without a solid Strategic Plan, have just closed their business. The owner said to me that she wishes she had listened to me that, maybe, if she had marketed better, or planned for potential problems that she would be in a better position to hang on to her business.

I know that planning is an investment - but I don't want you to end up like she did. Out of a business AND the investment she put into it in the first place.

PLAN NOW! Schedule your Strategic Planning Retreat and plan for success.

Look for my special offer that will save you $750 below.

BUSINESS ACTIONS FOR JUNE 2008:
* SIGN UP FOR 6X6
* SCHEDULE STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT AND SAVE &750

Top 3 Most Forgotten or Neglected SP Tasks

2008-06-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Top 3 Most Forgotten or Neglected Strategic Planning Tasks

The most common complaint I hear time and again is how staff, businesses or board members feel about their strategic planning (SP) retreat. The 3 most common complaints include:
1) Nothing concrete came out of the discussion, or
2) No one was assigned any responsibility, or
3) No follow-up process was established or 'they' just did not follow-up on anything we talked about at the reteat.

In short, nice meeting but a waste of time.

Creative Corporate Solutions and Leadership Strategies will make your Strategic Planning efforts productive and easy to follow up on.

As a professional SP facilitator it is my goal to make sure that when participants leave the planning session that, at least, three things ARE established:
1. Participants clearly understand and support the goals set up during the planning session.
2. Stakeholders and team leaders are identified.
3. 2 to 3 follow-up meetings are on the calendar to assure ongoing communication.

How do you eliminate these top 3 mistakes?

* Assign each of your participants an area of accountability.

* You have spent the time planning, now remain involved and create follow-up dates (at least once a month) to update timeline for completion dates.

* Update and change where needed, and

* Celebrate milestones as they come.

* Compliment staff for completing task and reward when possible (Starbucks cards are always great)

Bottom line, when you or your organization design a plan they should remain involved.

Check back for more tips on Neglected Task #1

Hire Me as Your Part Time Office Manager

2008-04-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

With the economy as it is today I have decided to offer my services online. This is a great way to reduce personnel costs and still retain a 'soul' in the office.

Why this kind of service? Why online? What services do I offer? How often can we chat? What is the cost? Can I contact you anytime? What if I need you to come to the office, will you? Do I need a contract?

Here are all the answers to your questions.

1. Why this kind of service?
It's simple really - As your business grows it is important to stay aware of your business needs. That means your employees as well as your customers. However, you don't need a full time office manager from the start.

Using my service will provide you with an experienced trainer who has more than 20 years of employee, team and executive development experience.

2. Can this really be done online?
Certainly it can. Of course person to person is ideal and I am willing to come into your office to do the work. But why not try to address issues online first.

Over my 20+ years of working with people I have often found that there is a miscommunication or misinterpretation of information and/or feelings about a person/situation/change or process. It usually takes less than 15 hours to resolve basic misunderstandings and create a more supportive environment. Using the following process is far more economical and just as positive.

The process:
* Telephone conversation with each person involved (confidential) - Average 1 hour per person
* Initial report on findings. Report lists primary and secondary issues with recommendations for resolution. Average 3 hours, depending on how extensive issues and resolutions.
* Conference call with all parties in attendance. Average 2-3 hours
* Online support after initial meetings Per hour rate based on agreed upon hours with business.

3. Can I contact you anytime?
Yes, I guarantee responses to your inquiries within 24 hours for general requests. If you need immediate care you will have access to my phone.

4. If I need you to come into the office, will you?
Of course, my services are here to fit your needs. I will do my best to keep the cost down. I also offer referral credits so that you can build up free time by simply referring my services to others. 2 hours of credit for every new business that contracts with me for 15 hours or more per month.

5. What other services do you provide?
Strategic Planning Retreats
Customer Service
Employee and team development
Executive Coaching
Presentation Skills

5. What is the cost?
Call or email me for your FREE quote. Rates, without a contract, begin at $100 per hour. To retain my services you can reduce this cost by 15-25% and purchase 5 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours or more for a 1 month 3 month, 6 month or 1 year and your rate will be considerably lower.

So, why pay a full time employee who needs 3-6 months just to get up to speed when all you need is part time assistance. Save money, leverage your time and spend more time working on your business rather than working in it to resolve issues that take time away from what you 'need' to do.

It is a fact that no matter how great your working relationship is with your employees, they will never tell you the truth about being unhappy, or having issues with a fellow employee. Don't fool yourself that they are always honest with you. They are not! It is uncomfortable. The reality is that even if you are liked by your employees they don't want conflict and they don't want to create waves in the workplace.

I can help reduce and eliminate those waves.

Contact me today for your FREE quote:
Johanna Cunningham
916-798-4297, johanna.mc@sbcglobal.net

Let's get started together

Strategic Planning

2007-11-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Get YOUR PLAN IN PLACE FOR 2008

SCHEDULE YOUR STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT NOW!

What does your current business plan tell you about 2008?
What do want to accomplish in 2008?
Who do you want to connect with and how will you get that done?
How are you going to promote your business in 2008?
When do you want your goals to be accomplished?
What tasks and timelines are needed in order to be successful?

What is missing from your business plan?

If you do not have the answers to these questions in place then you need to call me and get going before the beginning of the year.

"If you just sit on the tracks eventually you will get run over" Unknown

Who should use my services?

Board of Directors

Associations

Small Business

Non-Profits

Community Organizations

DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS KNOWING WHAT YOU NEED TO DO, NOT GUESSING OR PLANNING AT THE SPUR OF THE MOMENT.

call me!

Strategic Partners

Johanna

916-984-5627

Special rates through the end of 2007,

call for pricing.

I have more than 20 years experience in Strategic Planning retreats. Trust me to get the job done and walk away with a plan that will take your company to the next level of organization.

NEW! Serious Business Individuals Only

2007-03-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

If 2007 is the year you get SERIOUS about growing your business

then don't wait to to sign up for

"STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE

GROWING BUSINESS"

Presented by

Creative Corporate Solutions

June dates are forthcoming and there are only 40 spots available!

What will be covered?

Strategic Planning
Finance and Budgeting
Marketing/Public Relations
Leadership Skills
Community Involvement
Communication Strategies

Session Goals:

Connect with decision makers
Network with potential clients
Exchange Ideas with other business owners
Leverge your time Effectively
Design a Strategy to expand your business
Develop YOUR Plan and remain connected through the Strategic Partnership Group (SPG).

Subject Matter Experts will provide you with information in each of the above mentioned areas and most will be on hand to speak with you after the session concludes.

!! SPACE IS LIMITED !!

Session includes: Continental Breakfast, lunch and snacks.

For information and reservations, contact Johanna at 916-798-4297.

Here are some answers to questions you might have about :

Who I am, and

What is the Strategic Partnership Group (SPG)?

WHO IS Creative Corporate Solutions (CCS)

CCS was formed in the spring of 2000 and has been conducting Strategic Planning retreats for non-profit agencies and Associations every since. Johanna Cunningham, CEO, has a degree in Organizational Behavior and has been coaching for more than 15 years.

"I have a passion for building solid, positive and productive teams."

One of my favorite quotes is, "What would you do if you knew you could not fail."

I have been a successful business owner who developed my first business from picking out the carpet color to building a sales team to facilitating retreat experiences for Executives and teams who are going through department changes and corporate mergers.

Other accomplishments include:

Published contributor for professional industry magazine.
Renewed Board of Directors mission
Facilitated Strategic Planning retreats
Developed Committee Leadership Course
Created Countywide Leadership Course
Increased Non-Dues Revenue
Improved Member Retention
Facilitated courses include:
Professional Standards,
Leadership Skills
Mediation,
Presentation Skills,
Customer Service
Time Management

What is the Strategic Partnership Group (SPG)?

SPG will be the BEST NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY developed for SERIOUS Business Individuals. This is not your typical networking or leads group.

The Mission is to provide purpose, focus, action and success strategies.

Here is how it works:

Every other month (i.e., April, June, August, October and December) a full afternoon will be devoted to your business development.

The agenda will consist of:

Posting your Strategic Planning successes
Sharing challenges
Requesting assistance
Asking for 'what you need' to continue working your Strategic Plan
Brainstorming 'NEW' Ideas or Resources
Sharing vendor success and challenges
Networking
Speaker (2x p/yr)

The SPG will offer you timely, strong and focused support on what you need in order to move your business forward.

More information is coming on our first meeting - JOIN during our CHARTER MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AND YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES WILL ALSO BE FROZEN FOR 2008.

That is all for now.

I will be checking for questions, postings and will be sending along the session dates for:

* "Strategic Planning for the Growing Business" by March 16

* Strategic Partnership Group by March 25

Please feel free to contact me with questions and I look forward to assisting you with your strategic planning questions.