Consulting and Advising
Often the feedback, tools to utilize, perceptions, etc. come from a third party who has worked with several companies doing similar strategic work. In addition, having the experience of building and growing companies can be an important factor in helping to guide the overall planning and implementation process. A consultant who keeps abreast of thought leader content and is active in maintaining and disseminating that kind of critical knowledge, is invaluable to the strategic planning process. It is also essential to have access to someone who is constantly networking to help find and sort out valuable resources to help when and where needed.
Consulting & Advising is an essential ingredient in establishing a strategic plan that has the best chance of being very successful. This includes having a definitive and proven process and access to those business tools that will help facilitate the development and implementation of the strategic plan. The process also helps to identify all of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) that the company has to work with or somehow must change.
It is the combination of skills and experience that make consulting and advising such a powerful combination in establishing a realistic and achievable route to business development and growth. When utilized with coaching, facilitation, sales force development, targeted training and the right tools, the combination provides a formidable recipe for successful growth. Chet Holmes, Author, points out that 95% of all businesses never get beyond $1 million in revenue. Only .08% get beyond $5 million and .015%will get beyond $10 million. Very, very few get to $100 million, let alone 1 billion! The difference is that different skills are needed to achieve the increased revenue levels. The odds are great that the skills that got you to your current level will be inadequate to take you to the next level without embracing some sort of consulting and advising as an integral part of the strategic plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: (Tools, analysis, recommendations, consulting, coaching, facilitation and training are all available and provided by The Balzer Companies as an integral part of Strategic Business Development)
1st : Complete the overall strategic planning first. Then move to the tactical planning.
2nd : Determine what the outsourced needs will be for any consulting or advising.
3rd : Select the best resources to do the job needed. (Balzer has extensive and trusted referral sources if needed to supplement the consulting and advising effort.)