Summary:

A strategic and sales plan puts your marketing plan into action and is the implementation work horse of a business plan. This article on the strategic and sales planning process is divided into ten sections, which are presented in a particular, building-block order. First, identify and rank your potential problems in your company operations and develop company objectives to minimize and manage these problem areas.

Other sections in this article include: Risk Analysis; Company Strategy, Strategic Tactics and Programs; Sales Strategy; Sales Program; Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures; Rolling Basis Operating Budget; Sales Forecast; Milestone Table; and Control Mechanisms. For a description of these sections, please follow the link below.

Article Quote:

“Strategy is focus and consists of key factors that distinguish your company and are most expected to contribute to your success. It is important that your company strategies complement each other so you are not sending your business in separate directions.”

Link: http://alcorp.net/?p=26433

Strategic planning is only half the battle; the other half is successfully executing the plan. First, break down the goals/objectives into manageable, realistic steps that can be measured. Measuring progress gives management greater visibility so they can respond quickly to change and course correct parts of the plan if necessary. For instance, if an objective is not completed by the predetermined time, it allows management an opportunity to investigate the reasons why. Perhaps the timeline was unrealistic to begin with, or someone simply didn’t get it done. By monitoring results often, accountability increases and the plan is allowed to remain flexible.

For more on strategic planning, see http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/category/strategicplanning/