If you missed our November NetStorming event, then you missed a terrific panel.  We don’t want you to be left out so here are some of the top points from our experts on planning and strategy.

Brad Closson of Connective Management

·         The keystones to a strong planning process are the strategy, the plan and the accountability.  You must have all three of these areas covered for solid results.  Most folks drop the ball with their accountability.  Without accountability, a plan is a piece of paper.

·         There are many ways to build in accountability.  You can create accountability points for yourself, you can use a consultant, you can use your mastermind groups or a combination of these.  The key is to always have accountability in mind when planning.

·         Most folks don’t have a plan.  Without a plan, your goals are just hopes and wishes.  Do you have a plan?

·         It’s a wise decision to use a consultant for your planning.  They have years of experience in planning, they are objective, and they can provide a vast amount of knowledge around best practices, accountability, and other key facets of your business planning process.

·         Planning should an active part of your business.  You should review the plan weekly and have a strategy session at least once a month.  Your plan is a living thing.  It’s fine if it changes often.  The key is to make decisions based on your plan.  Be intentional with your focus.

·         Use groups like NetworkinAustin to help you think about your business and your planning.  Ask the group questions about your strategy, your plan, your goals or your roadblocks.  Groups such as these can be of great value.

·         Always have an outside person help you plan.  Objectivity is a key ingredient in good planning.

·         Areas that you can address in your plan include strategic networking, your on-going education plan, business development, marketing and sales, and strategic partnerships.

Penny Crow of Operational Strategies

·         Strategic thinking is what gives a company a competitive edge. Strategic thinking allows a company to be objective. 

·         Many companies don't take the time to strategically think before reacting but they always seem to have time to do things over when they fail the first time.

·         Investing the time into strategy IS an investment into their business. A company becomes reactive when they stop being creative.  Strategic thinking results in creativity.

·         Companies choose to be intentional and deliberate or they choose to be a victim. 

·         Leadership determines the path taken by the company.

·         Don't use families and friends as the objective party. Use an outside facilitator.

·         Anyone can learn to strategically think.  It comes down to a choice.

·         Strategic thinking can be done by standing on the PILLAR looking into their company. 
P = Plan
I = Intentional and Deliberate
L = Leadership
L = Language
A = Action
R = Resources

Stan Tyler of Champion’s Edge Consulting

·         How we have designed our business and our beliefs is the gateway and the limit of what is possible.

·         I focus on improving the game we are playing, the skills needed to play the game, the inner game of the players and the environment in which the game is played.

·         Create an advisory board of people who you respect who have specific skills, experience. Working with them create a workable game around your goals. You are, we all are, too close to ourselves to be objective.

·         Use your advisory board, an accountability partner, consultant or coach who won’t put up with weasel words.

·         The more you invest in this process the better your results.

·         An area that is under used and underappreciated is designing daily/weekly/monthly habits. If done well and consistently they will virtually guarantee reaching your goals. The “virtually” duck and dodge word points out the need to put your whole planning process inside the context of an experiment where failure is expected and used to improve your plan and the actions/habits used to get to the goals.

·         Make the game you are playing in your business, career and your life, fun or no one will want to play with you.