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Strategy Development Package

Scope of Service: A facilitated off-site session with management and other key contributors that results in a clearly defined business strategy and key action items. This service uses either of two proven methodologies for helping businesses to develop and clarify mission and strategy, as well as some critical tactics. Depending on the client's needs, the Strategic Planning session(s) may be facilitated in conjunction with Frontier Associates. The service can be delivered in a single day, over two days, and over two days plus quarterly follow up meetings.

Duration: 1-2 business days, plus follow-up (elective option)

Objective/Possible Outcomes: A documented, agreed-to business strategy supported by key methodological steps, and 'owned' by the client, as well as a specific work plan.

Process/Methods: Two Ironwood Senior Consultants lead the off-site session. The chosen methodology encourages active participation by all members of the management team, as well as other key contributors in the client organization. Interactions, discoveries, and results are documented on large flip charts, and are hung on walls for continual reference, then are provided as a follow-on detailed document. The management team is guided to develop a strategy and some tactics for which they claim ownership.

Deliverable: A candid Report that covers Ironwood's observations during the two day session, including observations of interpersonal dynamics. The agreed upon business strategy is articulated. The report will be delivered during a subsequent half-day session with the management team. Depending on the methodology selected, there may also be follow-on quarterly meetings with the Ironwood Senior Consultants to ensure the strategy 'sticks' or to provide assistance in modifying it.

Methodology:
Ironwood employs two methodologies, depending on the client needs. One methodology uses a one-day intensive session (can be extended to two days) that minimizes interruption of the day-to-day business execution, but guides the management team to a going forward strategy and a tactical work plan that can be implemented immediately - and carry the company forward. This is an intensive, cost effective way to get a business on track quickly. Follow up sessions with management are optional.

The second methodology uses a two-day session plus quarterly half-day follow-up sessions, based on Frontier Associates' unique Future from the FutureT strategic planning process, a proven set of facilitated activities that leads people very quickly from independent thinking to shared vision to collaborative action, and includes targeted coaching support for continued success throughout the year; this enables the client to develop a three-to-five year strategy and test/modify/reinforce the strategy in quarterly sessions over the first year of active implementation. This methodology is co-delivered with Frontier Associates.

Strategy Development Successes

Client: A mid-sized entertainment producer was struggling with future direction and dealing with new technologies in the music and film industry Major Initiatives: Planned and facilitated a customized two-day Strategic Planning retreat Led client to clarify its strategic direction as well as settling in on some new leading edge hardware and software technologies Outcome: Was able to attract the needed investment capital to execute on its new plan. Client: A custom sign manufacturer needed to define its strategy and tactics to deal with increasing competition that was stifling sales. Major Initiatives: Planned and led a methodology-focused one day strategy session Led the management team to refocus its goals and how money is spent Identified specific projects to work on and assigned individual respomsibilites for project implementation Assisted client in sourcing new equity investment Outcome: Client achieved a sales growth of over 40% over three years. Client: A large environmental controls company needed to prepare a five-year strategic plan for cleanup and regulatory closure of over 25 contaminated properties Major Initiatives: Planned and led a strategy planning session and facilitated many tactical planning sessions over a five month period Helped the client develop a new strategic direction for the program Assisted in the development of a financial plan to support this program Led the management team to refocus its goals and how money is spent Identified specific projects to work on and assigned individual respomsibilites for project implementation Assisted client in sourcing new equity investment Outcome: Senior management expressed a new understanding of the mission and the underlying financial drivers. The engineering team is now united and inspired towards achieving a common objective. The 5-year plan is now in its 2nd full year. Client: A not-for-profit agency with confusion on how to evolve its pubic services. Major Initiatives: Delivered a two-day strategic development workshop plus quarterly follow-up sessions Led the client to develop a comprehensive plan for delivering new services Outcome: Aligned diverse stakeholders on a common plan for the organization's future. The client has a strategic plan that we use consistently to guide our decision-making, as well as finding it easier to set new goals because the plan provides a strong foundation to build on. Client: A middle-market, $40M manufacturer and importer was falling significantly behind its competition due to a diluted market and out of date plan. Major Initiatives: Delivered a two-day strategic development workshop plus quarterly follow-up sessions Led the client to create essentially a new company with a new brand not vested in particular market or product segment. Outcome: After a decade of barely breakeven performance, doubled sales and eliminated turnover in 6 months.

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