January 7, 2009
Featured Article

Competing with the Herd

Robert Bradford
By Robert W. Bradford

Learn why being different can be strategically important.

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Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

Questions & AnswersThis column is intended to answer common questions related to strategic planning and strategy in general. In each issue we will answer questions posed by seminar attendees, our clients and our readers. Please send your questions to Elizabeth Tidd, E-mail: simplifiedstrategicplanning@cssp.com ~ Mail: CSSP, Inc. P.O. Box 851 Ann Arbor, Michigan 06890-0851 ~ Fax: 203-255-9191.

We have heard that a company should start the planning process by developing a Mission Statement. Why doesn't the Simplified Strategic Planning process do this?

How do we get alignment between our budget process and the Strategic Planning process?

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Simplified Strategic Planning Book

Simplified Strategic Planning Book

Simplified Strategic Planning Robert W. Bradford
and
J. Peter Duncan
with Brian Tarcy

"Robert Bradford and Peter Duncan have written a breakthrough book on strategy."
- Noel Tichy, Professor - University of Michigan

Drawing on their wide-ranging experience and proven methodology, they have guided hundreds of companies to success. Both have taught the highly acclaimed Simplified Strategic Planning seminar in major cities across the U.S.

Click here for forward, testimonials and ordering information.

Article Archives

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Screening Acquisition Targets--Part II
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Screening Acquisition Targets
by Robert W. Bradford
The following article provides a six step plan for screening potential acquisition targets.

Three Recession Strategies for a Strong Business
by CSSP, Inc.
Even during slow business cycles the world does not come to a screeching halt. Three things you should do to keep your business strong!

Follow-through -- the Key to Strategic Planning Success
by M. Dana Baldwin
Dana Baldwin describes how important follow-through is to the success of your strategic planning efforts.

Strategic Evaluation of Acquisition Targets
by Robert W. Bradford
Robert Bradford takes a quick look at four strategic factors that may dramatically change your assessment of the value of an acquisition target.

Strategic Thinking: 11 Critical Skills Needed
by J. Glenn Ebersole
Decision-making can be enhanced when you apply strategic thinking to the process. Following are 11 critical skills you need to develop in order to improve your strategic thinking.

Acquisitions: 8 Steps to Success
by Denise A. Harrison
When evaluating an acquisition, thoughtful consideration of these 8 steps can lead your company to success!

How Can I use Simplified Strategic Planning at the Corporate Level?
by Robet W. Bradford
The principles of Simplified Strategic Planning can be applied on a corporate level, however, attention to certain aspects and details will result in greater success.

Can HP teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
by CSSP, Inc.
There are lessons to be learned for small to mid-sized companies, by watching how Fortune 500 companies handle their mergers and acquisitions.

Acquisition Candidate Selection
by Denise A. Harrison
Once it is determined that an acquisition is part of the solution to achieving a company's strategy, potential candidates must be evaluated. In this article, two of the criteria will be evaluated: fit with strategy and examining the excess baggage that will come with the acquisition.

Is Your Marketing Working for You?
by M. Dana Baldwin
Good marketing helps pave the way for good sales. Effective marketing can be one of the leading factors in successful innovations and product or service enhancements. Marketing can also be one of the first expenditures cut when times get tough. Here is a strategic approach to evaluating your marketing efforts.

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About Center for
Simplified Strategic Planning, Inc.

Strategic Thinking

Success in today's business environment requires that a company's leaders have the ability to create a vision of the organization's future direction as well as the course it needs to get there.

While various business improvement techniques such as Total Quality Management and Re-engineering are often extremely beneficial to the ongoing progress of a business, correct Strategic Focus remains the single most important element in a company's success.

Since 1981, the Center for Simplified Strategic Planning (through its Strategic Focus on strategy and strategic management services) has provided client companies strategic planning tools and leadership required to obtain superior strategic results.

We understand the challenges typically faced by our clients in installing systems and practices necessary to support growth, while maintaining day to day operations.

Call today for more information! 734-995-3465

Simplified Strategic Planning for Small to Mid-Sized Companies

A Two-Day Interactive Seminar Specifically for Executives of Independent Companies and Subsidiaries of Larger Companies Who Want to Achieve Better Results Faster

Orlando, FL
April 23 - 24, 2009

San Francisco, CA
May 7 - 8, 2009

Chicago, IL
May 7 - 8, 2009

Troy, MI
May 21 - 22, 2009

Company Presidents and CEOs attend free of charge when accompanied by one or more additional paid attendees.

Poor strategic planning is worse than no strategic planning. It can be a big waste of time and money. Even worse, it can lead to disaster. Avoid all this with Simplified Strategic Planning - a proven process to focus for superior performance without straining your resources.

Michigan State University

Whether you've been doing strategic planning for years or starting from scratch, you can acquire a streamlined process for developing and implementing your strategy. In just two days, you will have learned this time-tested methodology, which has produced outstanding results for thousands of companies from a wide variety of business types.

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Results-oriented presentations on strategy topics by entertaining executives who have real world experience in addressing the business challenges of your audience.

A sure hit for your company or association meeting.

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