Words from Ron Hollis

We begin the strategic planning season each year around September. This begins with an offsite of the strategy team to challenge the business from an external perspective. From there, we methodically dive deeper and deeper into all aspects of the business. We are seeking strategic opportunities from the Corporate perspective to continuous improvement in the staff functions.

Today, we are nearing the end of the 2010 planning season. We have our last 4 hour meeting to put the final review on the Functional Operating Plans, review the financial projections for 2010, assess company communication and rhythm strategies for the new year, and finalize on the company theme to drive our celebration.

While it takes much discipline and effort by all involved, we feel it forces a “refreshening” of all areas of the business to make us better and prepare us for the near future. It is amazing how so many businesses continue for years without ever assessing or challenging why they do the things they do. This can be as simple as the agenda for a management meeting.

Of course, as the CEO, the first element of success is to have a complete and cohesive team that can all lift their share and help the entire organization grow to the next level.

As for 2010 outlook, we are quite optimistic. The impact of 2009 was not a normal experience for Quickparts and really pissed us off. We are determined to recover and grow in 2010….we have the team, technology and competitive advantages to do it, we just need a market that is ready to start developing products again….let 2010 be the year!

I would love to hear how your organization develops their strategic plans…send me an email anytime at rhollis@quickparts.com