You have managed to survive the recession - now what? In this article I discuss how to prepare your company for better times.Sincerely,
Steven A. Rutan
Senior Consultant, the Center for Simplified Strategic Planning
Getting Ready for the Recovery
The recovery will come. Regardless of whatever pain and turmoil you may have been through during the last year, you have managed to survive. It's time to begin thinking about what you need to do in order to be ready for better times ahead. While you cannot be sure of the timing, you can prudently prepare yourself for the upswing. Here are three important actions that you should be taking right now:
- Sustain your Marketing Message
- Align your Supply Chain
- Assess your Human Capital
Questions & Answers
What is the primary source of Strategic Issues?... Click here for answers...
In the Market Segment analysis, what is the difference between a need and a preference?... Click here for answers...
This column is intended to answer common questions related to strategic planning and strategy in general. In each issue we will answer questions posed by seminar attendees, our clients and our readers. Please send your questions to - simplifiedstrategicplanning@cssp.com Mail: CSSP, Inc. 2219 Packard Road, Suite 13, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Article Archives
Did you miss these recent articles?
Is Your Company Taking Advantage of the Slow Economy?
In this economy, doing things right is only good if you are doing the right things! What are some of the right things to do?
- Make your company valuable to your key customers
- Get rid of those things that are no longer necessary to the mission of your company
- Look to the future
Use the Recession to Trigger Rejuvenation: Develop a Strategy to Revitalize Your Company
Rejuvenation linked with recession? During the 17th century Dutch economy collapsed - the tulip bubble burst - this was when a tulip bulb could cost as much as a house. But rather than resulting in Holland's demise, the crash ushered in the Golden Age where this tiny country became the wealthiest nation in Europe. Why do turbulent times generate growth and rebirth?
Building Better Value Signals for Your Customers
Your first-time buyers bring a lot of uncertainty about the value they will receive to a transaction. Clearly, it is the function of your marketing as to how to signal value. Learn how to build better value signals for your customers.
Three Strategic Tips for Your Recession Survival Kit
These tips can help you plan how to survive the economic downturn and emerge a stronger company.
Board Involvement in Strategic Planning
Boards can offer valuable insight to the strategic planning process. Knowing how best to involve them is the key to success!
What is your company doing to keep your customers in these difficult times?
Four Steps to Improving Human Capital
Four Steps to help you upgrade talent and improve corporate culture.
Three Recession Strategies for a Strong Business
Even during slow business cycles the world does not come to a screeching halt. Three things you should do to keep your business strong!
Follow-through -- the Key to Strategic Planning Success
Dana Baldwin describes how important follow-through is to the success of your strategic planning efforts.
Acquisitions: 8 Steps to Success
When evaluating an acquisition, thoughtful consideration of these 8 steps can lead your company to success!
Is Your Marketing Working for You?
Good marketing helps pave the way for good sales. Effective marketing can be one of the leading factors in successful innovations and product or service enhancements. Marketing can also be one of the first expenditures cut when times get tough. Here is a strategic approach to evaluating your marketing efforts.
Fixing Your Balanced Scorecard
Are you dissatisfied with your Balanced Scorecard program? Balanced Scorecard is just one part of the Strategic Planning process. Here are several reasons why you might not be getting the results you desire and what you can change.
The traditional SWOT analysis might not give your company the information it needs to develop a truly distinct competitive advantage.
Strategy Resources
Visit www.CSSP.com for complete resources for all your strategic planning needs.
Use the links below:
Frequently asked questions about strategic planning
Strategies for Turbulent Times
Acquisition Strategy Planning Workshop
Strategic management self-assessment
Our best-selling book, Simplified Strategic Planning - for Busy People Who Want Results Fast!
Simplified Strategic Planning in Action
Dynamic strategy presentations
About Center for Simplified Strategic Planning, Inc.
Strategic Thinking
Success in today's business environment requires that a company's leaders have the ability to create a vision of the organization's future direction as well as the course it needs to get there.
While various business improvement techniques such as Total Quality Management and Re-engineering are often extremely beneficial to the ongoing progress of a business, correct Strategic Focus remains the single most important element in a company's success.
Since 1981, Center for Simplified Strategic Planning has provided client companies with the strategic planning tools and leadership required to obtain superior strategy results.
We understand the challenges typically faced by our clients in installing systems and practices necessary to support growth, while maintaining day to day operations.
Call today for more information! 1-734-995-3465
Robert Bradford, CEO
Center for Simplified Strategic Planning, Inc.
2219 Packard Road, #13
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-665-2971
Center for Simplified Strategic Planning, Inc. respects your privacy. We do not rent, sell or exchange email addresses. Please remember to add Simplifiedstrategicplanning@cssp.com to your address book so future emails from us won't be added to your bulk folder.
Copyright 2009 Center for Simplified Strategic Planning, Inc. All rights reserved.
For permission to reprint any article from Course and Direction, or if you would like to submit an article for inclusion in Course and Direction, please contact the editor, Elizabeth Tidd at
Center for Simplified Strategic Planning | 2219 Packard - Suite 13 | Ann Arbor | MI | 48104