Four-Step Guide on How to Develop a Strategic Plan
A strategic plan is essential to every business, no matter how small or big it is. The main reason is to lead their company in the right direction. Not only the organizations but also all the people included in the pan. Yet, a strategic plan will work well if it’s written properly. So your whole team will be able to understand and follow it. Fortunately, you are in this post. Here, get to know the steps on how to write strategic planning. Plus, find out how to craft a chart to present it visually.
- Part 1. How to Write a Strategic Plan
- Part 2. How to Make a Chart for a Strategic Plan
- Part 3. Tips for Creating a Strategic Plan
- Part 4. FAQs About How to Write a Strategic Plan
Part 1. How to Write a Strategic Plan
1. Arrange a Strategic Planning Gathering
In writing a strategic plan, it is important to have your team involved. To do it, you need to arrange a strategic planning meeting. Begin by creating the list of people you want to attend. Then, provide calendar invites to inform them about the schedule. Also, ensure to include people from various departments, stakeholders, and executives. That way, everyone can collaborate and share their ideas.
2. Identify Your Position
Understanding your company or organization's current position is also vital in the process. Before looking where you want to be, where you are now to help you make better plans. It also means examining internal company characteristics. Then, perform a market and competitor analysis to grasp your external environment. One of the popular ways to do it is through SWOT analysis.
3. Determine Your Goals and Objectives
After identifying where you are, proceed to what you are going to do next. Here, list down where you want your organization or company to go. It is also where you state what you want to achieve in the future. So, start developing your strategic goals and objectives.
4. Decide How to Archive Your Goals and Objectives
Now, you know what you want to be and where you want to go. Let’s now move on to what are the things you need to do to get there. It’s time to get your pen and paper to start creating your strategic plans. It also means making an action plan to achieve your goals. Decide what and when to do these plans. Also, note that your team must be aware of their roles in carrying out the whole strategic plan.
Part 2. How to Make a Chart for a Strategic Plan
Making a strategic plan chart will allow you and your team to view all the plans more easily. If you have no idea what tool to use to create it, we recommend MindOnMap. You can check out the visual presentation of the strategic plan made on this platform.
Get a complete strategic plan chart.
MindOnMap is an outstanding online diagram-maker platform. It lets you create various charts online and for free. Plus, it is accessible on modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and more. Also, if you prefer to create charts offline, you can download its app version on your computer. MindOnMap offers several templates, like a fishbone diagram, treemap, and so on. Choosing shapes, lines, color fills, etc., is also available to better personalize your chart. Further, you can add links and insert photos. All in all, MindOnMap is a perfect tool for creating a presentable strategic plan chart. At the same time, you have the freedom to edit it to fit your needs and preferences. Now, without further ado, learn how to make a strategic plan chart.
Navigate to the main page of MindOnMap. Once there, select your preferred method to create a chart. Click the Free Download to install it on your computer or Create Online to do it on your browser.
Secure Download
Secure Download
In the following interface, select a layout template that you want to use. After that, start creating your strategic planning diagram. Customize it by choosing shapes and themes or using annotations.
After creating your chart, you can save it as a file. Do it by clicking the Export button. Then, select your desired output format. Wait until the exporting process is finished.
Alternatively, you can share your chart with your team before exporting it. That way, you can make changes before storing it. Click the Share button. Then, select Copy Link and send it so your team can view the chart. Also, you can set the Valid Period and Password to ensure only your team can access it.
Part 3. Tips for Creating a Strategic Plan
Clear Goals and Objectives
When doing a strategic plan, start by thinking about what you want to achieve. These are your goals. Make them clear and specific so everyone understands what you're aiming for. For example, if you run a small business, a goal might be to increase sales by 20% in the next year.
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
It's vital to understand what your business or project is good at and where it needs improvement. This helps you use your strengths to your advantage and work on your weaknesses. For instance, your business is great at customer service but not so good at marketing. Thus, you can focus on improving your marketing strategies.
Regular Check-Ins and Adjustments
A strategic plan isn't set in stone. You need to check how things are going regularly. If you're not on track to reach your goals, be ready to make changes. This way, your plan stays relevant and helps you adapt to new situations and challenges.
Use the Right Tools
If you’re planning to create a chart for the strategic plan, you also need a dependable tool. An online and offline tool like MindOnMap is what you need. It is one of the best solutions to create mind maps, diagrams, and boards.
Part 4. FAQs About How to Write a Strategic Plan
What does a good strategy look like?
A good strategy is clear and helps you reach your goals. It focuses on what's important and gives you a plan to get there.
What are the 3 ideas of strategic planning?
Three key ideas in strategic planning are formulation, implementation, and evaluation. So, you need to set clear goals, know your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your plan when needed.
How to write a strategic plan for a business?
To build a strategic plan for a business, first, gather a team you want to be involved with. Then, establish clear goals and objectives. Next, analyze what your business is good at and where it needs improvement. Finally, regularly review and adjust your plan as things change.
Conclusion
To sum up, you now have the tips and steps on how to write a strategic plan. Besides, we’ve shared the best tool to create charts for your strategic planning. And that is MindOnMap. It will help you organize your ideas and goals in a way that everybody can understand. Finally, it’s a straightforward tool that both professionals and beginners can use.
