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Building blocks of a business strategy

EVERYONE  who has been in business for some time has a recipe for the formulation of a business strategy.

In this article I share the primary building blocks of the business strategy framework I use when I assist small to medium-sized businesses with planning.

1.  It all starts with a target market and target client


To achieve success in business, you need an in-depth knowledge of the target market for your product or service. You should be able to at least answer the following questions:
  • Do I have a written definition of the target market and target client?
  • Do I understand the unique needs of my target market and client for which I will be offering solutions?
  • Do I know who my competitors are and what their value proposition is?
  • Do I understand the market trends that will have an impact on my industry?
  • Am I following a niche market strategy?

2.  How competitive are you really?

Knowing who your competitors are and what their value proposition is won't be enough. Also note the following elements:
  • Price strategy (special offers, discounts offered);
  • Packaging;
  • Marketing elements;
  • Distribution (method of distribution and place/locality).

When you are armed with this information, you will be able to make meaningful comparisons and adjustments where necessary.

3.  Find your team of experts

In a small business, the owner usually has to take responsibility for the entire value chain. However, it is possible to involve certain skills from outside your business when deciding what your strategy will be.

People like your accountant, lawyer, a very good friend who is successful in business and even your financial planner could provide valuable input and insight.

4.  Elements that need further analysis


Analyse the business output for the past 12 months.

Your best learning experiences result from previous successes and disappointments in business.

Know the nature of your business.

The value system adhered to by you and your staff will make or break the trust between your clients and the business.

Do a proper role assessment.

Sometimes we fulfil roles in and through our business that we should rather leave alone or outsource. Other roles are not up to standard and should be addressed and improved.

Identify and formulate the strategic objectives of the business.

Formulating and recording objectives are extremely important. There are simple techniques that can be applied to create clearly defined objectives.

Longer-term (>12 months), medium-term (>6 to <12 months) and short-term (<6 months) objectives can be formulated.

Plan for success.

There are certain mechanisms to ensure the best chance of a successful outcome, i e  achieving an objective. Dedicated action, meaning that all resources are used optimally, supports success.

5.  In-flight adjustments

A business strategy is not a static, once-off process, but rather a dynamic one in which regular adjustments are made as we learn from practice.

6.  Tools you can use immediately

Sanlam offers you two free tools that can be downloaded from our website to assist you with the planning process.

The Business Plan Book in English and Zulu.

The Business Turnaround Book in English.

 - Fin24

*Jannie Rossouw is a personal and business coach and head of Sanlam Business Market.




 
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