Context -> Strategy -> Structure -> the strategic equation. But how few managers understand this? How few businesses have a solid strategy built upon a realistic foundation of their context?

And yet, without a strategy, all success is circumstantial. A firm can grow without a strategy, it can even succeed. But without a proper strategic alignment and plan, a firm is vulnerable to any competitor that comes along with a strategy to topple them.

Understanding your firm's strategy starts with understanding your firm. I develop a solid baseline that begins with a real-time, monthly accounting of your venture's income and cash flows. This information is then used to understand the affect of internal actions and external forces.

The next step is an analysis of your industry, your sector and your field to better understand the context in which you operate.

Once completed, I bring your firm back into strategic equilibrium by developing a winning strategy consistent with the context and a structure to best exploit your strategy.

The final step to any strategic realignment is the construction of performance indicators, metrics by which the company, departments, managers and individuals can be assessed, and succession planning, so that your business is never at the mercy of any one employee or provider.

With a carefully crafted strategy and proper performance and promotion systems in place, your business will a clear upper hand against the competition.