Strategic Planning – The Roadmap to Success

The most memorable and fondest of my memories from childhood, was the summer my family spent exploring the United States.  In June of 1975, the day school let out, my parents loaded their three kids into their brand-new Ford Country Squire, with the fake wood paneling, towing a little pop-up camper. The adventure began and it lasted until Labor Day. That summer, we visited 38 states.

Forty-five years later, it is still the main topic of discussion at our family gatherings. The success of the trip, creating a lifetime of memories, was no accident. Before the trip began, my parents developed a plan.  

In 1975, not many Americans heard of the term “Strategic Plan” especially my parents, but they had one.

First: They surveyed their consumers, (their three children) it was a 70’s style focus group.   

• What do we want to see?
• Where do we want to go?
• What is most important to us during the trip?

Second: They answered the question, “What do we want to achieve?”  Their Vision.

• To visit as many states as possible, exposing their children to our great nation.

Third:  They asked these questions to create a Mission:

1. Who do we serve?
2. What will we provide?
3. At what quality level?
4. What will make our trip unique?

This was their Mission: “We will provide a memory filled summer for our children.  Camping across the United States. Visiting and experiencing, National Parks, exciting locations, all at the highest level possible while staying within our means.”

Finally, they set their goals:

1. To provide an exciting and fun trip which meets the desires of our family.
2. To create a “road map” which allows the most travel in an efficient manner.
3. To be fiscally responsible.
4. To reevaluate our plan periodically & adjust as needed.

Thanks to my parents, AAA and “Trip Tik” we literally had a “roadmap” which guided us every day. It, along with my parents preplanning, created a memory filled experience which has lasted a lifetime.

Although perhaps an over simplified description of the development of a Strategic Plan, the same concept applies to you and your club. Before you set out on a journey which has the potential to either be a great success or a disastrous failure, develop a plan.  Follow the four steps described and you will create memories which will last a lifetime for your members.

If you are thinking of taking the journey of facility planning, reach out to the McMahon Group to help develop your plan and guide you to success.