This one-day Fundamentals of Strategic Planning workshop is designed to give you knowledge, tools and techniques to start a strategic planning process. Focussing on how to conduct the strategic analysis phase of a strategic plan, this workshop is aimed at those who have little to no strategic planning experience but are currently embarking upon (or will soon begin) a strategic planning initiative.  

Why you should attend?

This workshop is geared towards professionals in nonprofit industries who have little or no knowledge or experience in strategic planning. It is also a great refresher for those who have conducted a strategic plan in the past but need a reminder of the key principles. 

• If you and your Board of Directors are thinking about beginning the process of strategic planning or feeling daunted by the experience, then this workshop is for you. 
• If you are having problems convincing your team of the importance of strategic planning, then this workshop is for you.
• If you are responsible for coordinating your organization’s strategic planning initiative, then this workshop is for you.
• If you are applying for funding from foundations, then this workshop is definitely for you
• And, if you need to write a strategic plan, then, without a doubt, this workshop is for you

What will you learn?

By the end of this workshop you will understand:

• What the strategic planning process is and what the common components of a strategic plan are
• The role that strategic planning plays in the long-term success of your organization
• How to develop a strategic plan easily and cost-effectively 
• How to form steering committees, involve the board, identify and involve key stakeholders, analyze the internal and external environments, create a SWOT analysis, do a PESTLE analysis and more...!!
• How to overcome some of the common obstacles to strategic planning

Whose it for?

This workshop is perfect for you if:

• You have little or no knowledge of the strategic planning process
• You are just about to embark upon a strategic planning process 
• You are directly involved in the strategic planning process for your organization
• You are a
  • Board member 
  • Executive Director
  • Development officer
  • Staff member involved in the strategic planning process
  • Program director
  • A stakeholder involved in the strategic planning of a nonprofit organization

Each participant will receive a detailed course workbook and will be sent some short pre-workshop assignments approximately 10-days before the workshop. In addition, a complimentary breakfast buffet is provided as well as tea and coffee throughout the day.

What others are saying about the workshop

"I just wanted to thank you again for the great workshop last week, it was incredibly engaging and informative, and has rejuvenated my passion for the business development of my organization."

"Thanks very much for the great workshop yesterday. We enjoyed it- informative, interesting, and fun. We are looking forward to using the information and materials to get to work!"

"The overview was extremely helpful as were the more specific nuts and bolts conversations. Honestly, I thought your presentation was easy to follow and very well explained.  You were right on the mark.  Thanks so much for making the concept of strategic planning much less hair-raising."

“Liam - Thank you! I really enjoyed the class...It broke down a really complicated process into digestible and actionable steps”

“Finally, answers re what happens after SWOT analysis! I loved all the information about objective data, different tools, strategic implementation.  This workshop far surpassed my expectations. I feel energized and eager to take my new knowledge back to my board.”

The workshop is presented by Liam Abramson, founder and CEO of HighgateGlobal (www.highgateglobal.com), a consultancy specializing in helping nonprofit organizations develop for the future specifically through strategic planning and fundraising campaign development. Liam Abramson studied music (cello) at the Royal College of Music and business at the University of Buckingham.  After 10 years as a lecturer in Business for the Performing Arts at the Royal Academy of Music, London and following a hectic life as a corporate consultant, Liam established HighgateGlobal in 2005 to use his experience and passion in the arts and business worlds to help nonprofit organizations develop for the future.  Liam is very much in demand as a speaker having presented workshops at Oberlin University, University of Colorado, Boulder and Harvard University.  He has also presented workshops at many conferences including Chamber Music America, NETMCDO, the Center for Nonprofit Success and the Working Musician Conference in London, UK. Liam has published (in print) over 100 articles on the performing arts business and is currently completing a book on strategic planning for nonprofit organizations. 

What’s it cost?

Your investment in this content-packed one-day workshop is just $199 (for the first person from your organization) and $149 for every additional person from the same organization. 

In association with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston