“Strategic planning is creating certainty in an uncertain world.” – Tim Fulton
Strategic planning is essential for success in any business, yet many companies either overlook or struggle with the process. In this episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back Tim Fulton, President of Small Business Matters, to explore the fundamentals of strategic planning and how businesses can chart their course for success.
Tim shares insights on why strategic planning matters, how to involve the right people, and how to create a plan that actually works. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or part of a team, this episode provides valuable takeaways to help you navigate uncertainty, set clear objectives, and execute effectively.
Why Strategic Planning is Critical
Strategic planning helps businesses stay focused in an unpredictable world. By analyzing past performance, assessing the present, and setting future goals, companies can adapt to changing markets, industry trends, and emerging technologies like AI.
Who Should Be Involved in Strategic Planning?
Successful planning requires input from leaders and key employees at different levels. Involving the right people fosters collaboration, avoids blind spots, and ensures that the plan is practical and actionable, rather than created in isolation.
The SWOT Analysis: A Tool for Understanding Your Business
A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) helps businesses understand their position. Identifying strengths and weaknesses within the company, along with external opportunities and threats, provides a clearer strategy for growth and risk management.
Executing the Plan & Measuring Success
A strategic plan is only effective if it’s executed properly. Setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) ensures clarity, while quarterly reviews and color-coded tracking (Green, Yellow, Red) help teams monitor progress. Methods like the 12-Week Year and OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) keep businesses on track and accountable.
Why Having a Third-Party Facilitator Can Make a Difference
An outside facilitator brings an objective perspective, helping businesses stay focused and engaged during planning. Leaders who try to both facilitate and participate often struggle to balance these roles. Involving an expert improves discussions and strengthens team buy-in.
Common Mistakes in Strategic Planning & How to Avoid Them
Many businesses fail in strategic planning due to poor communication, lack of follow-through, and ignoring potential risks. A strong plan must be actively maintained throughout the year to ensure long-term success.
Tim Fulton joined Trace Blackmore to deliver essential insights into strategic planning, emphasizing clarity, involvement, accountability, and the power of facilitation. This episode challenges listeners to create meaningful strategies, fostering organizational resilience and success in any environment.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
3:00 – Trace Blackmore encourages listeners to help spread the word about Scaling UP! H2O Podcast by sharing it with their colleagues and network
07:00 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
09:12 – Water You Know with James McDonald
11:00 – Interview starts: Welcoming back Tim Fulton
13:12 – What is Strategic Planning?
15:44 – Who should be involved in Strategic Planning?
23:22 – Why should companies strategically plan
34:58 – Best time for strategic planning
40:00 – Objective and Key Results (OKRs) explained
Quotes
“No weigh-in equals no buy-in.” – Patrick Lencioni, quoted by Trace
“Fear is the biggest obstacle preventing businesses from strategic planning.” – Tim Fulton
“Not having a plan is a plan for failure.” – Trace Blackmore
“Doing strategic planning without a facilitator is like being quarterback and referee at the same time.” – Tim Fulton
Connect with Tim Fulton
Phone: (678) 427- 9436
Email: timfulton@hotmail.com
Website: smallbusinessmattersonline.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcfulton/
Click HERE to Download Episode’s Discussion Guide
Guest Resources Mentioned
Measure What Matters by John Doerr
Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
280 The One About Retaining Top Talent
289 The One About A SWOT Analysis with A Twist
368 Adapting to the New Workforce: Attracting Top Talent
164 The One With Chris McChesney
What the Heck Is EOS? A Complete Guide for Employees in Companies Running on EOS by Gino Wickman
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Water You Know with James McDonald
Question: What do you call the attraction of water molecules to each other that gives water its unique properties, such as a high surface tension, high boiling point, and ability to dissolve many substances?
2025 Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.
