Social Market Strategies

Planning Services

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 (e.g. existing providers, salient environmental conditions and risks), 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 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 Plans: We see marketing not as glossy brochures or slick Web sites, but simply the outward-facing activities that help an organization bring value to its customers. 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. This requires a comprehensive strategy, with a scan of competitors, 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 customer segment.