Strategic Planning Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Can You Provide An Example of How A Business Strategy Can Be Developed and Implemented In a Non-Profit / Not For Profit Organization?

Developing and implementing a business strategy in a non-profit or not for profit organizations isn't significantly different in terms of process from implementing a business strategy in a for profit company. The details are different, but best practices are still the same.

Because of the nature of not-for-profits much of their planning and strategy documents are publicly available online, so we won't go into great detail about how, in this case, the Girl Scouts of America, created a new business strategy and deployed through the organization.

You can access their concise "plan for implementing a plan by clicking here. Take special note of the tone of the document and how it seeks to inform readers and reassure readers. Also take note of the sections on open space conversation, strategy cafes, and who is involved in the implementation of the core business strategy. The document itself contains the following:

How and why was the Core Business Strategy developed?
Who is the Core Business Strategy intended for?
Would the Core Business Strategy change the Girl Scout Promise or Law?
Who is involved in the implementation of the Core Business Strategy?
What is the Open Space Conversation and what are Strategy Cafés?
How will the organization change?
How can we change and still keep our tradition alive?
What is the timeline for implementation of the Core Business Strategy?
Where can I learn more about the Core Business Strategy?
How can I help?