October 7, 2008
Featured Article

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!

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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.

When should we change an opportunity to a market segment?

We have been using the Strategic Planning process for several years. Are there special things to do to keep the process fresh after this amount of time?

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Simplified Strategic Planning Book

Simplified Strategic Planning Book

Now available, the Simplified Strategic Planning manual with complete and clear instructions, exhibits, illustrated example worksheets plus all worksheet templates on a compact disk - for $247 for first copy and $47 for additional copies now or later. Thousands of leaders are reaping the benefits of Simplified Strategic Planning, a proven process for charting your course and direction that focuses resources for superior performance in any business environment. Click here for Strategic Planning Manual Information.

Article Archives

Did You Miss These Recent Articles?

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.

Your Strategic Tool Kit
by J. Glenn Ebersole
Ten commitments you can make to adapt your business and your personal career to the rapidly changing global workplace.

Fixing Your Balanced Scorecard
by Robert W. Bradford
Are you dissatisfied with your Balanced Scorecard program? Balanced Scorecard is just one part of the Strategic Planning process. Here are several reasons why you might not be getting the results you desire and what you can change.

Strategy Resources

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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

Chicago, IL
Summit Executive Center
September 25 - 26, 2008

Charlotte, NC
September 25 - 26, 2008

San Francisco, CA
October 16 - 17, 2008

Lansing, MI
James B. Henry
October 16 - 17, 2008

Atlanta, GA
October 23 - 24, 2008

Troy, MI
Michigan State Education Center
October 23 - 24, 2008

Phoenix, AZ
November 13 - 14, 2008

Orlando, FL
Lake Buena Vista
November 13 - 14, 2008

Las Vegas, NV
December 11 - 12, 2008

San Juan, PR
January 22 - 23, 2008

Anaheim, CA
January 22 - 23, 2008

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.

Click here for more information

Full Day Acquisition Strategy Workshop

October 22, 2008
Troy, Michigan
with Robert Bradford

Thinking about making an acquisition or acquisitions? Do it right, or don't do it at all. A properly conceived and well-managed acquisition can propel you into a position of leadership in your industry, while an ill-conceived or poorly-executed acquisition can leave you in serious difficultly. The fact is, most acquisitions end badly.

If you are considering a strategy of growth by acquisition, you owe it to yourself and your company to learn the strategic facts of life the "experts" won't teach you about how to avoid being an acquisition statistic.

Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed. No catch -- if you are not totally satisfied we will refund your entire fee.

Click here for more Acquisition Planning Workshop information.

Speaking Engagements

Corporate Executive Board
Presenter: Denise Harrison
Topic: Business Strategy for Turbulent Times
October 31, 2008

National Speakers Association Fall Conference
Presenter: Robert Bradford
Topic: Sell Your Speaking When You Stink at Sales: How to Stand Out in the Speaking Marketplace
Location: Phoenix, AZ
November 22, 2008
Contact: NSA Fall Conference