What Makes a Good Business Strategy?

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Five Steps to a Strategic Plan (https://www.forbes.com/sites/aileron/2011/10/25/five-steps-to-a-strategic-plan/?sh=6332fb3d5464), and The Single Strategy You Need to Fuel Business Growth Right Now (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/12/06/the-single-strategy-you-need-to-fuel-business-growth-right-now/?sh=47626a562c59). In 150 words or more, what are three or four components of a well-thought-out, achievable, and reasonable business strategy? What mistakes do companies make when developing their strategies? These thoughts should be qualitative and generic – not discussing/ providing specific applications of how you may have gleaned competitive advantage (e.g., describing your business strategy).

Please respond to a peer post in at least 100 words-

Peer response below:

Developing a business strategy requires focus on the core elements of the business.  In order to develop a successful strategy, one most understand what the business does well and the goals of the business.  A thorough SWOT analysis must be performed prior to crafting a business strategy.  This will allow the organization to better determine where they are and what opportunities can be exploited to grow the business (Aileron, 2011).

After the position of the organization has been determined, the goals of the corporation should be examined.  These goals should always align the vision of the company.  Deviating from the set objectives of the company is a recipe for disaster. A well thought-out business strategy will be specific, aligned with the vision of the organization, and customer focused.  These three components will work together to help grow the business. The most important element of a well thought out business strategy is to make sure these three components are aligned with one another (Paunovic, 2017).

The biggest mistakes that companies make with regards to business strategy are trying to do too much or diversifying in ways that do align with the core vision of the organization.  Companies may expand through many different avenues such as brand expansions, brand acquisitions, and brand alliances.  However, companies should not pursue all of these ways to expand concurrently.  Each organization must decide which avenue is best suited for the business at the time and best aligns with the core values.  This will help determine which expansion method is best for the organization (Uggla, 2015).