The Questions
What is strategy? What is your strategy? What is the next step in implementing your strategy? These three questions are the basis for the Strategy Guidemap training process.
The questions may seem simple enough but, after talking with hundreds of small businesses, I have found that the answer to the first question is incredibly elusive. Most business owners I have asked this question answer by describing what they are doing to make the next sale or to stay ahead of the competition. They give examples of business skills and business activities. These activities are movement but in what direction? Business activities are tactical. Strategy is directional.
I have found, as have many business owners, that even without the right direction this “movement” will often enable you to make the sale or outcompete the competitors. But to what end? Is the business expanding? Is the business advancing significantly or just playing a tug of war with competition?
The second and third questions can scarcely be addressed by a business owner who isn't able to answer the first question. So, what is strategy? The answer lies in knowing where your business is and where you want to take it. And then, understanding the rules that govern success in that specific scenario. Strategy is not the same for every business situation.
Progress
After you define where you are and where you wish to be you have addressed the issue of placement and direction - the most foundational aspects of strategy.
Placement and direction are the most foundational aspects of strategy
Only after those questions are answered can a business move on to examine the rules that will govern success. When you get crystal clear on this it will make all the difference! This understanding will naturally lead us to examine our tactics. Suddenly the mystery of why some things worked and others did not comes into focus. When they understand the rules, small business owners and managers can adjust those tactical activities accordingly.
The Bad News
The bad news is many small businesses will continue to do what they have always done and will continue to achieve small gains here and there along the way at a great expense in terms of time and money. With this approach some will survive and and others will not.
The Good News
Fortunately, it's not all bad news. For example it is very good news that a small business owner who applies themself can indeed learn growth strategy. Strategy Guidemap training is based upon several complex theories, but when considered in plain English they are actually relatively easy to understand and adopt. Strategy Guidemap participants, leave the training with a customized Strategy Guidemap in hand.
Another piece of good news is that most businesses already do well with tactics and may need very few changes. Understanding strategy enhances outcomes of the time, effort, and money a business is already spending in applying business skills tactically.
Still more good news is the fact that when dealing with strategy, small adjustments make a big difference. So, most small businesses don't have to change drastically, just a few minor adjustments to strategy can establish a direction and lead to a strategic insights that will pay huge dividends.
Real Growth is Possible!
Even for a business that has struggled and done their very best with tactical activities for a decade but experienced only relatively small growth, real growth is possible. It can be exhausting and discouraging, causing some to think there really isn't any other way but to continue wearing themselves ragged in the fight. Not so! We can help you fix a broken strategy! We can help your business reach the peak.