We just posted a new webpage covering the three models of strategic planning we offer credit union clients. The webpage is available at http://www.glattconsulting.com/consulting/strategic-planning 

One of the three models, Strategic Positioning, is a relatively new development. I first spoke of it at the 2009 National Directors Convention in Las Vegas, and have since presented the process details at various other conferences. We are very excited about the new model, which will make basic planning sessions much for conversationally engaging. 

In an effort to build an understanding of the scope of Strategic Positioning, we recorded a Service Information audio program that walks through basic positioning concepts and and the major steps we take for engaged clients. The program is available for download at the bottom of this post, or you can listen to the program online by visiting the strategic planning information page and locating the Listen Now widget.

To whet your appetite, here is a segment from the program transcript:

In the 2003 book entitled Kmart's Ten Deadly Sins: How Incompetence Tainted an American Icon, author Marcia Layton Turner delved into the twists and turns of the battle for supremacy between KMart and Walmart. In a review of the book posted on Forbes.com, reviewer Kern Lewis says this: 

"Kmart hit on a successful vision, but came to believe in its own infallibility and lost track of where it really stood in the marketplace. Wal-Mart also hewed relentlessly to its vision, but also carefully adapted to marketplace shifts and opportunities and implemented like crazy to see the vision fulfilled." 

Lewis goes on to say this: Lots of companies fail because they do not adapt to changes in the marketplace. 

The markets on which we depend change. They always have and they always will. This is a fact all businesses have to deal with - and some have done it very well. Consider that Procter and Gamble used to be the nation’s largest provider of candles, or that NuCor steel used to be in the Nuclear business - when nuclear was becoming something to fear rather than a source of renewable energy. 

Identifying and addressing changing markets is a matter for strategic planning sessions. Understanding market changes, twists and turns and the impact on products, services and customers is, perhaps, the greatest activity in which to engage at a planning session. 

A key challenge, however, is that for many credit unions the planning process does not offer much in the way of shifting market discussions. Sure, we spend a bit of time talking about regulatory changes, the changing interest rate environment, and the like. Looking at the migration of member segments and interests is usually only a superficial exercise. 

This is the reason Glatt Consulting, LLC put together an engaging, market-focused planning process we call strategic positioning. Strategic positioning is all about looking at market segments, and debating (in an engaging strategic planning session) the most effective strategic position to take for market relevance and long-term success.

We will continue to fine-tune the message so people are clear on the process, but in the interim contact the office at (888) 217-5988 to discuss any unanswered questions you may have.