Social Market Strategies

Planning Services

Our planning services are based upon the needs of each individual customer. We help customers look at the big questions as well as the important details. Our work products usually include formal written recommendations, a summary of our analysis, and detailed backup information.

Strategy Planning: Whether an organization needs to revisit its fundamental mission and vision, or develop a sound strategy to guide it through the short-term, we can help. We believe that complex questions rarely have simple answers and we provide analysis that goes beyond the obvious. We are skilled at helping clients identify the pivotal questions facing the organization, hone the information and decisions needed to move forward, and turn that insight into concrete action plans. We provide long-term strategic planning as well as shorter-term, tactical planning.

Business Plans: A business plan is appropriate when a potential service or revenue-generating venture needs to be vetted and planned in detail. Our business plans are comprehensive and include a thorough analysis of the opportunities facing our client, a scan of the wider environment, a list of measurable goals that will move our customer toward their stated vision, and an action plan with associated budgets. Each of our consultants has experience designing and running earned income ventures within a nonprofit.

Program Design: Whether designing a new service or grantmaking program, or retooling an existing one, program design is similar to a business plan, but with a more limited focus. We start by helping an organization clearly define the vision and mission of the program, and identify measurable goals. We then conduct an analysis of the wider environment and finish with projected budgets and, where possible, a Social Return on Investment.

Marketing and Communications Plans: We see communications and marketing not as glossy brochures or slick Web sites, but simply the outward-facing activities and partnerships that help an organization bring value to its end user. A good marketing plan helps an organization define and articulate what they offer, the key service elements (the where, when, how), and key messages for promoting their good work. A good communications plan identifies stakeholders of the organizations, and the best vehicles and messages to reach them. Both require a comprehensive strategy, with a scan of competitors and collaborators, and pricing. We also provide an analysis of the organization’s particular advantage in serving the market; and the strategy for reaching and serving each segment.