Strategic planning
Strategic planning is the process of defining an organisation's strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. It involves setting goals, analysing the competitive landscape, assessing internal resources, and developing action plans to achieve desired outcomes. For businesses, it provides a roadmap for growth and success, helping them navigate complex markets and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
What to look for in a freelance strategic planner
When hiring a freelance strategic planner, look for individuals who demonstrate strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of business principles, and excellent communication abilities. They should be able to think critically, identify opportunities and threats, and develop actionable plans. Experience within your specific industry or a closely related field is a significant advantage.
Key qualities to consider:
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to think strategically and creatively
- Experience in conducting market research and competitive analysis
- Familiarity with various strategic planning methodologies
Main expertise areas
Strategic planning encompasses several key areas of expertise. When hiring, consider your specific needs and ensure the freelancer possesses relevant experience in areas such as:
- Business strategy development: Defining the overall direction and goals of the business.
- Market analysis and competitive intelligence: Understanding the market landscape and identifying opportunities and threats.
- Financial planning and forecasting: Developing financial projections and resource allocation strategies.
- Operational planning: Defining the processes and resources required to execute the strategy.
- Change management: Managing the transition and implementation of new strategies.
- Growth strategies: Developing plans for business expansion and market penetration.
Relevant interview questions
Prepare insightful questions to assess the freelancer’s capabilities:
- Describe your approach to developing a strategic plan.
- Tell me about a successful strategic planning project you've worked on.
- How do you handle conflicting priorities and stakeholders?
- How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices?
- Share an example of a time you had to adapt a strategy due to unforeseen circumstances.
- What tools and techniques do you use for strategic analysis?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios and testimonials carefully.
- Look for evidence of successful projects, positive client feedback, and a clear understanding of strategic planning principles.
- Shortlist candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with your company culture and project requirements.
Potential red flags
Be wary of freelancers who:
- Lack a clear process for strategic planning.
- Overpromise or make unrealistic guarantees.
- Cannot provide relevant examples of their work.
- Fail to communicate effectively or respond promptly.
Typical complementary skills
Strategic planning often works in conjunction with other skills, such as:
- Project management
- Business analysis
- Market research
- Data analysis
- Financial modelling
Benefits of hiring a freelance strategic planner
A freelance strategic planner can bring numerous benefits to your business, including:
- Fresh perspective: An external viewpoint can help identify new opportunities and challenge existing assumptions.
- Cost-effectiveness: Hiring a freelancer allows you to access specialist expertise without the commitment of a full-time employee.
- Flexibility: Freelancers can adapt to your specific needs and timelines.
- Focus on core business: Outsourcing strategic planning frees up your internal team to focus on day-to-day operations.
- Improved decision-making: A well-defined strategic plan provides a framework for making informed business decisions.
Real-world examples
Here are some examples of how strategic planning can be applied:
- Developing a market entry strategy for a new product launch: A strategic planner can analyse the target market, identify competitors, and develop a comprehensive plan to launch a new product successfully.
- Creating a growth strategy for a small business: A strategic planner can help a small business identify opportunities for expansion, develop marketing and sales strategies, and secure funding.
- Developing a turnaround strategy for a struggling business: A strategic planner can assess the current situation, identify the root causes of the problems, and develop a plan to restore profitability.
