Isabel Alexander delves deeper into the mini-series on strategic planning, providing timeless insights applicable year-round. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, Isabel shares wisdom gained from over 50 years in business.
1. The Importance of Strategic Planning:
- Small to medium-sized businesses and solopreneurs must prioritize strategic planning.
- Isabel emphasizes the need for strategic plans, even more so than larger corporations, sharing her experiences and lessons learned.
2. The Foundation: Core Values, Purpose, and BHAGs:
- Recap from the previous episodes covering core values, purpose, and Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs).
- These elements form the bedrock of a strategic plan, aligning personal values with business objectives.
3. Primary Objectives - Defining the Why:
- Explore the significance of defining the primary objectives or the "why" of your business.
- Breakdown of long-term and short-term objectives, including BHAGs, contributing to the legacy of your business.
4. Quarterly and Annual Focus on Progress:
- Shift from viewing strategic planning as an annual task to a continuous, quarterly, and annual focus.
- Establishing a meaningful cadence for progress evaluation, ensuring adjustments align with core values and mission.
5. Embracing KPIs and Critical Numbers:
- Overcoming the aversion to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and critical numbers.
- Implementing a system that transforms KPIs into valuable tools for measuring progress and making informed decisions.
6. Recap and Looking Ahead:
- A concise recap highlighting the essential elements discussed.
- A teaser for the next episode, where Isabel will share her favorite best practices and tips for effective strategic planning.
Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for the next episode where Isabel unfolds more techniques for strategic planning success. Planning for your business's future has never been more rewarding!
About the Host:
Isabel Alexander
Your Next Business Strategist and Transformation Catalyst
Isabel Alexander's journey from modest beginnings to global recognition epitomizes entrepreneurial resilience and innovation. With over five decades of experience spanning diverse industries, she has become a driving force in shaping economic landscapes worldwide. Noteworthy accomplishments include founding a multimillion-dollar global chemical wholesale business and earning accolades such as Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
As a mentor and advocate, Isabel empowers women entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Lift As You Climb Movement and podcasts, guiding them from startup to maturity. Serving as Chief Encore Officer of The Encore Catalyst, she dedicates herself to coaching and educating emerging entrepreneurs. Her involvement in organizations like RenegadesReinventing.com and Femme on Fire underscores her commitment to leadership and business development.
Additionally, Isabel's advisory roles with government bodies and trade associations, such as Chair of the Canadian Association of Importers & Exporters, highlight her influence in shaping trade policies and fostering international relations.
Driven by her mantra, "Lift As You Climb," Isabel embodies the ethos of mutual growth and empowerment. With dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, she values her extensive family and embraces global connections through travel and professional engagements. Isabel Alexander's narrative serves as a beacon of inspiration, illustrating...