Strategic Planning Made Easy and Powerful: A Three-Part Series. PART 1

Strategic planning is a critical process that guides associations toward achieving their goals and fulfilling their missions. To make this journey impactful, we’re breaking it down into a three-part series, covering what to do before the session, how to manage the session effectively, and how to operationalize the plan for success.

Part 1: Preparing for the Strategic Planning Session

Preparation sets the foundation for a successful strategic planning session. Here are key steps to take before gathering your team:

1. Conduct a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) helps you understand your association’s current position and identify areas for growth.

Example:

• Strengths: Strong membership base, established industry reputation.

• Weaknesses: Limited technological capabilities, declining event attendance.

• Opportunities: Expanding digital programming, forming new partnerships.

• Threats: Economic uncertainty, competition from other associations.

2. Engage Stakeholders for Input

Consult with members, staff, and other stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives and ensure your plan reflects the community’s needs.

Example:

• Use surveys to understand member priorities.

• Host focus groups to explore emerging challenges in your industry.

3. Analyze the Competitive Landscape

Understanding what other associations or organizations in your field are doing can help you identify opportunities to differentiate your services.

Example: Review competitors’ membership offerings, event strategies, or digital resources to identify gaps you can fill.

4. Define Relevant KPIs

Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) ensures you can measure success and track progress.

Example:

• Membership growth rate.

• Event attendance numbers.

• Member satisfaction survey scores.

Why This Matters: Taking the time to prepare ensures your strategic planning session starts on the right foot. By analyzing opportunities, gathering input, and setting KPIs, you create a strong foundation for actionable discussions. In Part 2, we’ll explore how to share insights and manage the planning session to facilitate effective decision-making. Grow to Impact can assist you in gathering and analyzing data to streamline your preparation process.