Level up with strategic planning

It's the beginning of the year. It's a perfect time for you and your organization to review your goals, reflect on your accomplishments, and start making adjustments and planning for the future. A strategic plan review is a great way to get everyone on the same page. If you don't have a strategic plan for your organization or if your strategic plan is outdated, I encourage you to invest in a strategic planning process today.

Many people shy away from the strategic planning process because it requires organizations to be reflective and do some heavy lifting. I promise you it's worth it! Strategic plans help organizations track progress and create accountabilty for goals and outcomes. Learn more about the strategic planning process below.

What is it?

Strategic planning is a process organizations use to:

• Plan goals and outcomes

• Set priorities

• Identify current relationships and resources

• Work on marketing and branding

• Strengthen programs and operations

• Ensure that employees and key stakeholders are working toward common goals

• Establish agreement and accountability around intended outcomes/results

• and more

Why do we need one?

A strategic plan is a roadmap that gives staff, board members, and even volunteers guidance and clarity on short and long-term goals an organization sets. It also helps these groups to understand their roles and responsibilities in reaching those goals. Who wouldn't want that?

What makes up a strategic planning process?

Different consultants will take various approaches to strategic plans. Many organizations will choose to create a 1-year and 3-year strategic plan, but some will also create a 5-year strategic plan.

At RBJ Community Consulting, we like to meet with clients to customize a strategic planning process that is intentional and authentic to the needs of an organization.

Strategic plans can include:

• Team and culture-building activities

• A review of the organization's mission, vision, and values

• A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threat)

• Relationship Mapping

• A program review

• A staff member and board member matrix where we review the strengths, skills sets, and gaps that exist with the team

• Setting strategic goals, action steps, and objectives

Strategic planning is necessary for growth and development for nonprofits and community organizations.

If you want to learn more about strategic planning, reach out to us today at rbjcommunity@gmail.com.