How Versus Why - Comparing Strategies to Focus Areas Last month I introduced our concept of a 3 dimensional strategy pyramid. To be a complete graphical representation of the complex world of strategic execution, the pyramid requires depth as there are multiple variables needed to measure the quality of execution performance (what we call “strategic [...]
Everyone Needs a Strategy Pyramid When you Google image search “strategy pyramid” not surprisingly you get a vast amount of results; your browser will be chocka with an array of multicolored representations depicting the best way to illustrate a business strategy. So what do they have in common? Apart from the rampant use of [...]
Strategic Waffle Anyone? The anatomy of a strategic plan is an interesting thing, for the most part they follow a standard approach and framework. At the highest level we have an extremely broad, all encompassing statement. It must be so broad that it encapsulates everything that the organization strives to be and stands for. It [...]
We’ve Agreed on our Strategic Vision, Now What? I have a problem with key performance indicators (KPI’s). Matt Groening and Homer Simpson once famously said “Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true!”. I can’t accept an organization can be purely driven by numbers only. There are any number [...]
A Strategic Plan or a Plan for Growth? The classic strategic plan, resulting from a rigid strategic planning process, is so often viewed with skepticism, if not complete distrust by those individuals tasked with execution. It receives its fair share of jibes from staff around the water cooler and generally for good reason. Sadly as [...]
Marketing lessons from Seth Godin “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is a failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible” - Seth Godin Seth Godin is a best-selling author and entrepreneur and is one of the most prominent and influential names in marketing today. Godin has worked in [...]
New Year, New Strategic Plan As 2017 comes to a close, people and businesses alike start to think about New Year’s resolutions. The end of the year is a time to look at your business’ progress and plan how you want it to develop. A strategic plan is a valuable tool that can help any [...]
Bah! Humbug! Tis the Season to Strategize Before the Holidays Feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge at this time of the year? Is it because the annual marketing plan is looming over you? Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. As I recently discussed on M&M Global, pulling together your plan now is easier as your [...]
The Strategy Behind the Busiest Shopping Days of the Year While Thanksgiving is only a few days away, most businesses have their eyes set on Black Friday and Cyber Monday - not the turkey, mashed potatoes and pie. They are prepping for the busiest shopping season of the year, and strategizing how to become victorious [...]
Your Strategy for Small Business Saturday It seems like the world is made for the big dogs. They’re the ones who can get things done; they have the money, the clout, and the man power. In such a competitive world, it might feel that way, but we certainly don’t agree. Small businesses remain the backbone [...]
