Mastering Strategic Planning - Why I Created This 5-Step Framework, and What I Hope it Becomes
Nonprofit work is hard. It seems like you’re constantly juggling 18 balls in the air at once. The daily pressures to answer every call, to attend every event, to raise every dollar, to show up every day are real. In a world of constant demands and pressure, how in the world is anyone supposed to create and follow a long-term plan?
Because I know nonprofit work is hard. Because I know nonprofits have limited budgets. Because I know strategic planning is confusing and often doesn’t seem worth the effort, I created Mastering Strategic Planning: A 5 Step Framework.
What is this Framework?
One of my core beliefs that shapes everything I do with my business, Mustful Strategic Consulting, is that strategic planning doesn’t have to be hard. This framework I created illustrates an easy-to-follow, 5 step process for nonprofit and church leaders to follow. Through clear video lessons, coupled with downloadable templates, it takes you through the process from making a plan to plan, to implementing a plan of action, and finally to realizing the impact your organization is having on your community.
My 5-Step Framework includes:
The Initial Agreement - every good strategic planning process begins with building a team that is committed, excited, and eager to make a difference.
Environmental Scanning - you can’t make a quality plan without first understanding the context in which you operate.
Understanding your Identity - this is all about mission, vision, and values. You have to know who you are to know where you’re going.
Causal Mapping - a fun, engaging way to identify issues, develop strategies, and determine relevant goals for your organization.
Action Planning - going from making a plan to implementing it.
Who is The Framework For?
A traditional nonprofit or church strategic planning consulting engagement can easily cost $10K, $15K, or even $30,000! While the return on investment for these engagements might be well worth it, many smaller organizations simply don’t have those funds in the budget, nor can they convince leadership to take that step.
My self-guided process costs only $499! It is intended for leaders who want to move beyond the day-to-day grind. It is for leaders who know that something greater is in store for their organization and community, but need a little help getting there. It is for those who may have never done strategic planning before, and want to learn.
While the process can easily be followed on your own, I mention several times throughout the course that I am only a phone call or email away. I am eager to answer any questions you may have as you go through the process. I don’t want anyone to feel like their efforts weren’t worth it. I want you to get the most out of your strategic planning engagement.
What’s Unique About It?
As I mention throughout the course, many of the processes and concepts I reference are borrowed from others who have taught me everything I know about strategic planning. I would not stray far from their expert advice. However, I have also learned a lot about strategic planning from my own experience, and have incorporated that into the course.
The key piece of this course that may make all the difference between success and failure for you comes at the very end. I call it the Vision to Execution Framework. This final act comes after creating your strategic and action plans. It ties your long-term vision with your day-to-day operations. It provides a method to keep your team engaged and on-track to achieving your goals.
The Vision to Execution Framework ensures that your strategic plan is not just a document that sits on a shelf. It helps you and your team determine what to focus on in the near-term, while understanding how that helps you make progress toward your long-term goals.
What Will You Achieve?
My dream for you is that this strategic planning course will:
Take away your anxiety around strategic planning
Bring your team closer together
Encourage new conversations and bold ideas
Engage your team and supporters in new ways
Impact your organization and community in ways you never thought possible
I believe with the investment of a little money, time, and energy, you will create something special. I believe that over time this process will make your organization stronger than ever before, and help you fulfill your mission in amazing ways.
Try it Out!
While the full set costs $499, you can go through the first step - The Initial Agreement, completely free. Just head to my website HERE, and click the “Preview Course” button.
This will allow you to view the first course video and download the initial agreement template. If you do, I would love to hear feedback from you if you don’t decide to buy the course. This is my first course offering, and I want to ensure that my product is something you find useful.
What’s Next?
My mission is to partner with community leaders so they can grow and enhance their positive impact in the communities they serve.
My vision is communities where leaders are empowered, organizations flourish, and the needs of every member are met.
I hope and pray that this online, self-guided course helps fulfill that mission and achieve that vision. I hope that it will reach that leader who has been desiring to conduct strategic planning, but just hasn’t gotten buy-in due to the cost. I hope that this course encourages leaders to take that next step with confidence.
Please contact me directly if you would like to learn more about my 5-Step Framework or my other consulting services. I am here to serve you!