A2X Consulting

A company’s strategy defines the steps a company will go through to reach a desired goal. Well defined strategies explain how a company will get from where it is today to where it wants to be in the future.

Classic strategic analysis starts with an analysis of the company’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). This analysis can be done over a few days and is often done away from the office. It requires deep thinking and debate over the company’s place in the market.

One of the toughest parts of SWOT analysis is determining the truth. How do customers perceive the company? What is the company capable of? Are executives realistic in performing the SWOT? To limit subjectivity, it is essential that management teams work with objective data as often as possible.

Once the SWOT is done, companies draft high-level strategies that take advantage of a company’s strengths and opportunities and that limit the weaknesses and threats. Through a series of meetings, these high-level strategies get refined and translated to key staff.

Process

1. Figure out where you are today

a. Situational analysis based on internal and external surveys and focus groups

b. Competitive analysis

c. What is the company real good at? (Core competencies)

2. Figure out where you want to go

a. Define mission, vision and values

b. Scenario planning

c. Financial modeling

3. Figure out how you are going to get there

a. Strategies and objectives for departments and staff

b. Tactics