If your business has survived over the past few years of economic turmoil, all I can say is congratulations!  But now what? How do you move forward in this so called “New or reset economy?”

Now is the time to rethink your whole business model.  Not only do you have to review all aspects of your business, but you have to shift your mindset from a “survival” mode to a “growth” mode.  The best way to do this is via a strategic plan.

Below are a number of key points that touch upon the strategic planning process:

What are your competitive advantages and what is the perceived value from your current or potential customers?

Have you developed a critical success path for this year?

Do you understand your current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to your business (SWOT analysis)?

Have there been any major shifts in your industry and how do these changes impact you?

Do you need to change your product or service mix?

Is this the time to exit old markets and enter new ones?

Do you need to change your pricing, credit and payment policies?

The above items are just a few key areas that you should think about and develop new strategies to enhance you business in this new economy.  It is time to take advantage of the upturn in the economy and a well thought out strategic plan will help you move from a “survival” mode to a “growth” mode!

Roberto Escalante is the Founder and President of Pueblo Consulting, Inc.  His firm focuses in on strategic, financial and operational management assistance to high growth, small and middle market businesses and organizations (with revenues ranging between $1,000,000 to $25,000,000) in all industries.

For more information on how to improve your business performance, please visit our website at www.puebloconsulting.com or call us at 708-802-1498.