The downturn spiral - stand your ground

Time to change strategy, focus and tactics, we are in a downturn. Why? Do we really need to make radical changes?

By 'Mal Barnard' on Apr 8, 2009

Time to change strategy, focus and tactics, we are in a downturn. Why? Do we really need to make radical changes? I think organisations that possesed effective plans before the downturn will still be in good shape now. So, what's the problem? Many did not have real plans and downturns seperate the men from the boys

The purpose of a plan is to bringing the future into the presnt so we can influence it. We spend enough time war gaming and scenario planning but the first sign of real change and we panic. I suspect we are heavily into creating plans rather than being heavily into planning

Planning is an ongoing living excercise rather than a yearly ritual. our strategic choices should be based on foundations that will stand the test of time

Real market segmentation not categorisation

proper SWOT alignment that leverages real strengths and negates weaknesses

SLEPT analysis that considers combined implications of the identified factors

Compelling value proposition which means thinking beyond the product needs of our customers

Downturn does not change your strengths, but if you never really knew what they were then panic can set in. If you are paniking mow you probably never fixed the roof when the sun was shinning