Strategic Planning by Dan Clark Associates

Talent ... is most likely to be found among
non-conformists, dissenters, and rebels.
-David Ogilvy

You can't depend on your eyes
when your imagination is out of focus.
-Mark Twain

Results come from actions. Actions require priorities because no one has unlimited resources for taking action. Therefore, planning is one of the most important tasks any organization performs to continue its success. We assist in all levels of planning as defined below.

A major study by the Filene Research Institute confirmed what our experience was telling us. Planning and evaluating progress against the plan is the priority activity for a board of directors.

Our Planning Process Adequacy Questionnaire

Does your current planning process measure up? Answer six questions and find out in two minutes; click here.

Our Planning Model

Our approach to planning is to include every one in the organization. The process starts with broad ideas at the top leading down to personal to-do lists. We divide the process into four “tiers” for different groups working at different periods. A plan is a balanced combination of who you are already and who you want to be, where you are and where you want to be, how you are and how you want to be.

A Strategic Plan is represented by Tiers I and II. True strategic planning results are guiding statements based on unpredictable futures, emerge from what may be, and reflect how the organization wants to influence future scenarios. Strategic planning attempts to preempt the future, to position the organization against potential challenges, and find opportunities before others do.

A Business Plan is represented by Tiers 3 and 4. The business plan uses identifiable trends and available data to project what to achieve in measurable ways.

Tier I comprises strategic ideas that change very little once properly set. They are Values, Mission and Vision.

Tier II results from the difficult work of defining an organization's uniqueness. Examples include the "Hedgehog Concept" described by James C. Collins in his book, "Good to Great.” Here a credit union also may address its “Blue Ocean Strategy,” core competencies, and value propositions … major statements that can and should be influenced by changing market conditions.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon
my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
~ Albert Einstein

Tier III , the first part of the Business Plan, sets targets, ends to achieve in 2 to 10 years. The objectives or key result areas ground the organization and take shape according to directions afforded by the Strategic Plan. Numerical measurements may be from 2 to 5 years, while "ideals" take these plans to the decade horizon.

Tier IV, the second part of the Business Plan is the Operational Plan. It is the nitty-gritty, focused on measurable ends for a fiscal year. This tier involves the staff because it involves their day-to-day work in achieving a year's goals.

Since we recognize the value of volunteers' and employees' experience and input, that planning model involves everybody at appropriate levels for maximum commitment and buy-in. Call on us to participate with you in taking your planning to the next level of horizon and depth.

Call now 850-559-7094 to discuss dates.

Organization is a planning process that must be part of
any of management. Formal organizational planning can help
inspire purposeful, productive decisions and actions
throughout a corporation.
~ Marvin Bower, The Will to Manage, (1966)

Scroll down for typical programs and fees.

Here's how we approach facilitation:

• We arrive with no preconceived ideas about your unique direction.
• We maximum opportunities for participants to be heard.
• Participants possess information about market trends and competitive pressures before the retreat.
• We establish an atmosphere of candid communication and cooperation.
• We adjust the planning process as the retreat unfolds.
• Participants remain engaged because we make the process challenging and fun.
• You will leave the session knowing that the clarity and direction you established will make a difference.

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Our clients run the gamut from a few employees to hundreds, simple in nature to complex, and from Maine to Hawaii ... Miami to Spokane.

To read a sample of client comments, click here.

Check out our list of clients.

A short list of recent clients and contacts will be included in your proposal.

Call now 850-559-7094 or click here to request a free proposal.

There's one more reason Dan Clark Associates ensures your planning success. We understand that no two organizations are alike. We celebrate and respect your uniqueness: we help you develop plans that fit the way you like to do things; although we have a planning model (outlined above), we do not push a "cookie-cutter" approach or give “we-know-best” lectures.

We’re so confident about our value we list our fees here for you to consider. All programs include appropriate documentation of the plans:

Visioning Retreat, Tier I -- One to one and a half day event focused on a new (clean slate) vivid and engaging statement of ideal outcomes for two or more decades ahead, for clients who are ready for it; we can start with a five-year vision and work up. Explore what your communities should be like; we facilitate a dynamic statement, more than a sentence or slogan. Take your planning to a whole new level. Join in a pre-retreat private webinar to set the stage, and a webinar that follows to explore the draft vision statement. Consultant will follow up several times after the visioning retreat to support the efforts the organization makes the following twelve months. $5,800.

Strategic Planning Retreat, Tier II -- One to one and a half day event to take your strategic ideas to a new level. Develop or reevaluate several strategic plan elements including key strategies, organizational survival skills and abilities, compelling selling point, and the central focal point. Explore possibilities for rendering the competition irrelevant and creating a solid brand identity. Join in a pre-retreat private teleseminar to set the stage; facilitator will follow up over the next six months for support. $5,100.

Business Planning, Tier III -- One to one and a half day Long-range Planning Retreat. The retreat includes facilitation of long-range ends in four major operational categories, and (if appropriate) a training and coaching session to prepare mid-managers to facilitate Tier IV operational/budget-period planning with staff. $4,700.

Combine the Visioning with Strategic, Tiers I & II, at separate times over several months -- two retreats up to a day-and-a half each. $9,800, save $1,100.

Combine the Strategic with Business Planning, Tiers II & III, at separate times over several months -- two retreats up to a day-and-a half each. $8,700, save $1,100.

Combine all three, Tiers I, II, & III at separate times over a year -- three retreats up to a day-and-a half each. $12,900 save $2,700.

Implement our Planning Model -- In several retreats over one or two years, reinvent your planning process from top to bottom making all four tiers a part of your business model. We'll gradually take the vision from near-time to decades over several years, steps at a time. Involve every person from the Chair, through the CEO, to the line staff, in their proper tiers, at the proper time. Call to discuss your ideas; we'll develop a customized program for you.

Travel expenses are in addition to stated fees; we have earned a reputation for being frugal. We can take the unknowns out of it for you by setting travel costs as a fixed number.

If you don't see a program that matches your needs, let us design one that does.

Call now, 850-559-7094, or click here to let us know more so we can tell you more.

Planning Plus!

Include Training -- For increased value, include training for volunteers and/or employees on the same planning trip, half-day or full-day workshops, at 40% off our usual rates. It's a smart idea. See Training for topics and fees.

Include Board Packet Weight Loss Analysis -- Save 20% off our usual rates by including board packet consultation with any planning event. Click here for program choices and fees.

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