Blog Articles

Goals, Objectives, KPIs, Targets, Initiatives and Actions

How to use goals, objectives, KPIs, targets and initiatives to ensure your business strategy is crystal-clear, action-oriented, gets done and delivers results?

The Strategy House - everything you need to know (with template)

The "Strategy House" simplifies strategic planning by aligning mission, themes, goals, and values for easy communication and cohesive execution.

Master Porter's 5-Forces analysis: a guide with template and example

Learn the essentials of Porter's 5 Forces Analysis, including tips, examples, and a free template to enhance your strategic planning.

How to do PESTEL Analysis (with examples, template and AI)

Master PESTEL analysis with our in-depth guide. Identify external factors impacting your business and strategise effectively.

Examples of Strategy Canvases

The Strategy Canvas shows how an organisation can carve out a unique position in the market, free of the ravages of competition.

Differentiate your business - the Strategy Canvas (example + template)

Unlock the secrets of competitive differentiation with the Blue Ocean Strategy Canvas guide. Visualize and craft unique strategies that set your business apart.

25 Best Strategic Planning Tools for 2024

With so many strategic planning tools out there, it can seem confusing. We list 25 key tools, and break them down to help you make sense of them.

Using the McKinsey 7S Framework to assess strategic alignment, strengths and weaknesses

How to use the McKinsey 7S framework to assess strategic alignment, strengths and weaknesses. Includes specific questions to ask within each of the 7 Ses.

Our cookie and tracking policy

Learn more about our cookie and tracking policy.

Examples of PESTEL Analyses

Draw inspiration from examples of PESTEL Analyses for well-known organisations like Uber, Apple, Starbucks and Amazon.

How to use StratNavApp.com

Discover how to harness StratNavApp.com for effective strategy development and execution, ensuring your business strategy is dynamic and collaborative.

Setting Strategic Goals

Discover effective goal-setting techniques to drive your business strategy forward, including articulation, the Balanced Scorecard and TOWS.

Add content with the Bookmarklet

Easily link content you find on the web directly to insights and competitors in your StratNavApp.com strategy projects for better analysis, record-keeping and sharing with your teammates.

Create high-quality strategy plans in Microsoft Word

Select which components of your strategy plan to export to a beautifully formatted Microsoft Word document which you can then email, print or archive.

The Business Model Canvas: the definitive article with template

Discover how the Business Model Canvas helps businesses design and improve their strategies by breaking down operations into nine essential building blocks.

Creating a Strategy Scorecard on StratNavApp.com

Master business strategy execution with StratNavApp.com. Learn how to create an effective Strategy Scorecard for better goal and KPI tracking.

Doing strategic analysis with StratNavApp.com

Learn how to use StratNavApp.com to start your strategy from the basis of a sound strategic analysis.

Working with StratML in StratNavApp.com

What is StratML and what are the four ways of working with StratML in StratNavApp.com

The Goal/Initiative Matrix

The Goal/Initiative Matrix shows which of your strategic initiatives support which of your strategic goals. It can be used for prioritising and spotting gaps.

Streamline Your Project Management with Personal Calendar and Actions

Discover how StratNavApp.com's Personal Calendar and Personal Actions can transform your project management efficiency. Simplify your workflow today!

Automate your strategy with StratNavApp.com's APIs

The StratNavApp.com APIs allow you to connect your other systems to read and write data to and from StratNavApp.com

Setting your strategic direction with StratNavApp.com

Learn how to map your strategy out using a vision and mission statement, values, goals, objectives, KPIs and targets. Cross-check these against your analysis and implementation plans, and track progress using a scorecard.

Calendar integration

Whether you use Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, or any other calendar programme, you have options to sync this with StratNavApp.com.

How to do a SWOT analysis? (With example and template)

Discover the enduring power of SWOT analysis for business strategy with StratNavApp.com's comprehensive guide.

Using the File Vault and SharePoint integration

Upload and/or link supporting documents, like research reports, and link them directly to your strategy content.

14 tips and techniques to help you do a better SWOT analysis

The humble SWOT can be notoriously difficult to do well. These practical tips and techniques will help you to rock yours.🎯

Turning your strategy into action

Planning your strategy execution with StratNavApp.com.

Understanding Competitive Factors

Explore the key factors shaping competitive landscapes and learn strategies for gaining an edge. Dive into insights on competitive dynamics for business success.

StratChat 11 November 2020: Metaphors and Business Strategy

Unlock the role of metaphors in business strategy: simplifying concepts, shaping perceptions, and enhancing strategic storytelling.

The Balanced Scorecard (with template and AI)

StratNavApp.com uses the balanced scorecard as a framework for organising goals that highlights their different natures and the relationships between them.

Understanding the 3 Horizons model (with template)

The 3 Horizons model can help you to achieve the right balance between pragmatic and visionary thinking in your strategy.

Formatted text entry

Learn how to format the detailed content in your strategy to enhance its clarity and impact.

How StratNavApp.com's Autosave protects your work

Discover how StratNavApp's Autosave feature safeguards your strategic work, preventing data loss and enhancing collaboration for worry-free productivity.

StratChat 19 November 2020: Storytelling and business strategy

Discover the power of storytelling in business strategy with StratNavApp.com. Learn effective techniques to engage and inspire your team.

CRM integrations

Power your strategic Stakeholder Engagement by integrating StratNavApp.com with your CRM (Hubspot or ActiveCampaign).

StratChat 27 August 2020: Business Model Canvas

Unveil the power of the Business Model Canvas in this #StratChat review. Ideal for strategists and innovators.

Working with scenarios

No-one can predict the future. But you can use StratNavApp.com to anticipate multiple plausible futures and build your strategy around them.

The BCG Matrix

Get the most out of your strategic portfolio of products or services with The Boston Consulting Group Matrix (BCG Matrix).

Are your strategic insights insightful?

Strategic insights are a foundation of good strategy. But are yours insightful? Find out how to ensure they are.

Searching StratNavApp.com

StratNavApp.com is fully searchable - both your projects and our articles

The Enhanced Business Model Canvas

The Enhanced Business Model Canvas is an alternative version of the Business Model Canvas which places greater emphasis on the operating model elements.

The current state of business strategy development and execution

See the results of our survey on the current state of business strategy development and execution.

Mission and Vision Statements

Great strategies start with a compelling mission, a clear and inspiring vision, or both. Learn more.

The Customer Value Map

What is Customer Value Map and how can you use it to document and explore what each customer segment needs and how your strategy gives it to them

How #StratBot works for you

Our revolutionary #StratBot works tirelessly behind the scenes to help you develop and execute your business strategies.

Introducing the Strategy Board

The Strategy Board provides the basic framework on which every strategy is built. It brings together all four phases of the strategy development and execution cycle.

Downloading images

You can quickly download images of most strategy models and paste the images into emails, documents and presentations

#StratChat 11 Feb 2021: Operating Models

What is an operating model and what role does it play in business strategy?

What is StratNavApp and why should you use it?

StratNavApp.com is the collaborative tool for business strategy development and execution. Start improving your strategic decision making today.

Strategy is a collaborative exercise

Share your StratNavApp.com projects with your team for greater collaboration and better results.

StratChat 5 November 2020: Creativity in Business Strategy

It's hard to differentiate yourself without coming up with a new and novel strategy. But just how do you go about doing this?

StratChat 10 September 2020: Design Thinking and Business Strategy

What is Design Thinking and how does it relate to Business Strategy?

Manage Stakeholders from LinkedIn with our Bookmarklet

Easily navigate to Stakeholder's pages, or create new ones, from their LinkedIn profile, and copy the profile pictures and LinkedIn IDs.

StratChat 8 October 2020: Efficiency and business strategy

Does efficiency undermine organisational resilience? Is it even anathema to strategy? Or are there some tricks we might be missing? Join us as we discuss the relationship between efficiency and business strategy.

The RAID Log

Explore the RAID Log's role in effective strategy development and execution. Understand how Risks, Actions, Issues, and Decisions drive success.

How to customise your Microsoft Word reports

How to customise your Microsoft Word reports to match your brand or to include boilerplate text.

eBook - Strategic Learning

Get the most out of StratNavApp.com by downloading and reading the free companion eBook.

StratChat 1 October 2020: Antifragile business strategies

How do we develop and execute business strategies in times of extreme uncertainty? Can we build organisations that are not only resilient in the event of a crisis but actually strengthened by it?

The disadvantages of using simple templates for business strategy

Most organisations manage their strategies using simple templates. However, there are many disadvantages to this approach.

Locked fields

Learn how StratNavApp locks fields during updates to prevent users from overwriting each other's changes. Understand how to resolve common issues.

Jobs-to-be-Done

What is Jobs-to-be-done, what do you use it for and where can you capture it in StratNavApp.com?

StratChat 3 September 2020: Why strategies don't get executed

Sometimes, even the most well-formulated business strategies don't get executed. What are some of the main causes of this?

StratChat 24 September 2020: The fractal nature of business strategy

What does business strategy have to do with those curious fractal images? Join us to find out.

The StratNavApp Meta-Model

Understand the key entities and relationships underlying the StratNavApp.com application. Learn to build strategies that integrate from analysis all the way to execution.

Mastering Strategic Oversight with the Initiative Status Report

Stay on top of all of your Strategic Initiatives with the Initiative Status Report: streamline decision-making and keep your strategies on track.

Using Meetings

In most organisations, meetings play an important role in developing and executing strategy. So, naturally, you can manage them right here in StratNavApp.com.

Ensure your grammar and spelling are spot on

Integrate Grammarly into StratNavApp.com to ensure your grammar and spelling are spot on and your strategy is communicated clearly.

StratChat 20 August: KPIs

Why they are so important, and why they are so hard?

Unlocking Business Insights: Understanding Strategic KPI Correlations

Discover how understanding correlations between performance indicators can transform your strategic business decisions.

Formatting KPI number output

StratNavApp.com allows you to format numeric outputs of KPIs in a way that makes most sense to you and your colleagues/clients.

Adding Stakeholders to your Strategy

How to add Stakeholders to your strategy to ensure responsibilities and accountabilities are clear and can be managed.

StratChat 7 January 2021: The Commander's Intent

The Commander's Intent is part of US Marine Corps doctrine. What can it teach us about business strategy?

Get ready for business planning season

Tired of the same old results from your business planning season? Here's how you can transform your planning process and set your business up for success!

StratChat 3 December 2020 Fake News and Fallacies

Strategies rely on evidence. But evidence can easily go wrong. We talked about some common mistakes people make, what causes them, and what you can do about it.

How to link competitors to competitor categories

How to link a competitor/organisation to a competitor category / generic group in StratNavApp.com for easier analysis

Creating and linking actions to other elements of your strategy

Discover how linking actions to strategy enhances execution efficiency. Learn practical tips for effective strategy implementation with StratNavApp.com.

Gmail and G Suite email Integration

Gmail or G Suite users can send a search for emails to or from Person stakeholders directly from StratNavApp.com.

Getting value from committees in business strategy

Discover how to use committees for effective business strategy development and execution. Learn types, benefits, and StratNavApp.com's tools for success.

StratChat 13 August 2020: "Business Strategy in a time of Crisis"

An unattributed summary of our first StratChat virtual networking event for business strategists.

StratChat 10 December 2020: Organisational Lifecycles

What are organisational lifecycles and how do they inform our approach to business strategy?

Pareto Analysis

Use Pareto Analysis to discover where the value comes from in a business.

StratChat 26 November 2020: Evidence

Strategies without evidence are just wishful thinking. Join us as we get to the bottom of the role of evidence in business strategy.

Unlocking the Power of Strategic Initiatives for Business Success

Unlock the power of strategic initiatives to drive your business forward. Explore key insights and practical tips for effective implementation and tracking.

Personas

Explore the role of customer personas in business strategy with StratNavApp.com. Learn to create personas for enhanced customer insights and success.

Collaborating across time zones

Discover how StratNavApp streamlines global collaboration across various time zones, enhancing strategy execution and team coordination effortlessly.

StratChat 14 December 2021: Transparency in Business Strategy

Strategy process are often shrouded in secrecy. This doesn't always sit well with liberal values and what we understand about how to engage people and build trust. But just how transparent should we be?

Data Retention

Our policies for data retention.

StratChat 18 February 2021: Who is the customer?

Why do so many people find this basic question so hard to answer? We looked at some of the challenges.

About Insights

Insights are a core unit of analysis and typically appear on the SWOT, McKinsey 7S, PESTEL and 5 Forces models and/or attached to other records in the system.

When and how we email you

How we use email, and how you can control what you get.

The Power of Strategy: Unleashing Growth Through Effective Meetings

What are the different types of strategy meetings and workshops, when should you use each one, and how can you ensure they are successful?

Keeping your stakeholders in the loop

Discover how stakeholders influence business strategy. Learn key roles, engagement practices, and their impact on success at StratNavApp.com.

Mastering Portfolio Analysis: Unlocking Business Potential with BCG and Pareto Tools

Explore the essentials of Portfolio Analysis with our concise guide. Learn how BCG and Pareto Analysis can revolutionise your business strategy.

Types of evidence and where to find it

A business strategy based on clear evidence is more likely to be accepted, believed, supported and executed than one which is based on opinion and supposition.

Working with processes

Processes are a fundamental building block of operating models, and therefore a key factor in strategy development and execution.

StratChat 21 January 2021: Scenario Planning

2020 was a year of unprecedented and unexpected change for most organisations. How do you plan in the face of such high levels of uncertainty? Scenario planning provides one answer.

Planning for growth with Ansoff's Matrix

Ansoff's Matrix helps you understand and plan for different types of growth.

Mastering Strategic Thinking: The Key to Long-Term Business Success

Discover the art of strategic thinking for business with insights on vision, analysis, adaptability, and execution. Elevate your thinking for success.

Lessons for Business Strategy from Lao Tzu

Explore timeless wisdom for modern strategy with our in-depth analysis of Lao Tzu's teachings. Discover how ancient philosophy enhances business strategy today.

Outsmarting the Competition: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Competitor Analysis

Unlock competitive insights with StratNavApp's guide on Competitor Analysis. Learn practical steps to identify, assess, and outmanoeuvre rivals.

Maximising Strategic Impact with Key Performance Indicators: A Guide

Unlock the full potential of your business strategy with our expert guide on Performance Indicators. Learn how to choose, implement, and leverage KPIs effectively.

The StratTech Revolution: How technology is revolutionising strategy

Discover how technology is transforming business strategy development and execution, making processes better, faster and more efficient.

StratNavApp.com browser bookmarklets

Use our handy bookmarklets to increase your productivity

The Lean Canvas

The Lean Canvas is a version of the Business Model Canvas aimed at startups that are still in the early idea stage.

Analysing Product and/or Service Portfolios

Understanding products and services, and product or service analysis models in StratNavApp.com.

How to plan a strategy consulting engagement with StratNavApp.com

Learn how to use StratNavApp.com to get your strategy consulting projects off on the right footing with tips for collaboration to achieve your goals.

Organisations

Organisations are an important Stakeholder group within StratNavApp.com. Learn more about them and their uses.

Groups (of stakeholders)

Groups are collections of stakeholders (people and/or organisations).

Global date formats in StratNavApp.com

Discover how StratNavApp.com accommodates various global date formats, ensuring seamless international collaboration. Customise your settings for usability.

Strategy drivers of business success

Discover the key findings from our January 2022 survey on business strategy practices. Learn insights to refine your strategic approach.

The benefits of using StratNavApp.com

There are lots of ways to develop and execute business strategy. So why should you use StratNavApp.com?

Corporate shared values

What are corporate values and how do they support your business strategy? Do you know what the 20 most common corporate values are?

A fitness tracker for your business

Business strategies often fade as fast as New Year's fitness goals. But there is a better way, with StratNavApp.com as the fitness tracker for your strategy.

Mastering Strategic Growth: Where to Play and How to Win

Unlock the secrets of strategic growth with insights into choosing your playing field, crafting winning strategies, and making clear choices. Learn how to navigate the dynamic business landscape for sustainable success.

7 strategies for surviving a recession and coming out even stronger

Recession is an inevitable phase of the economic cycle. With the right strategies, it can be an opportunity, not a burden.

The RASCI framework

The RASCI framework allows you to categorise the roles stakeholders can plan on goals, initiatives and actions.

Do you need a second brain for business strategy?

StratNavApp.com is the perfect second brain for business strategy development and execution

Mastering Deadlines in Strategic Planning: A Guide

Discover key strategies for effectively setting and managing deadlines in your strategic planning process. Read our guide for practical tips.

The A-Z of Business Strategy

Do you know your key strategy terms? Check our handy list.

Manage Stakeholders by email with our Bookmarklet

Link directly to your Stakeholders from your web-based email or CRM client

Using Zapier to add KPI measurements to your Strategy Scorecard

Discover how integrating Zapier with StratNavApp.com can revolutionize your KPI tracking and reporting, making strategy execution seamless.

Start your business with StratNavApp.com

Maximise your startup's potential with StratNavApp.com's proven 3-phase approach. From pre-launch planning to post-launch growth, we guide every step.

How long should your strategy be?

Explore the ideal length for your strategy documents to ensure clarity and impact, with expert insights from StratNavApp.com.

#StratChat 12 January 2023: Mergers and Acquisitions

A summary of our #StratChat conversation about Mergers and Acquisitions.

Mastering Strategy Implementation: Overcoming Common Pitfalls

Discover the keys to successful strategy implementation and learn how to avoid common pitfalls to master the art of turning strategies into actionable results.

Projecting the costs of your strategic initiatives

Discover the key to unlocking your company's financial future with our expert guide on financial projecting. Learn essential tips and strategies today.

Introduction to StratNavApp.com

This introductory video, aimed especially at startups, will introduce you to the platform and give you the confidence to try it for yourself.

The problem with books about strategy

There are many excellent books about strategy. They all have one problem. Find out how StratNavApp.com solves it.

How to balance Creativity and Analysis in Business Strategy

Discover how combining creativity and analysis can drive strategic success. Learn practical tips for blending these crucial skills in your business strategy.

We love your feedback

Our commitment to your feedback.

What #StratNavi can do for you?

#StratNavi can help you understand and get the most out of StratNavApp.com.

Working with Projects in StratNavApp.com

Learn how to work with Projects in StratNavApp.com

Adding pictures to stakeholders

Make your strategies more personal by adding pictures to person/stakeholder records.

Mastering Business Strategies: Building a Roadmap to Success

Explore the transformative power of business strategies in steering organizations towards success.

🎲 Unleashing the Power of Gamification in Business Strategy! 🚀

Sustain enthusiasm for your business strategy using the power of gamification, particularly where enthusiasm starts to fade as execution gets real.

What is strategy?

Strategy is a term which is frequently misused and abused. What does it really mean and what are some popular misconceptions about it?

What is business strategy development and execution?

And why is it important? A business strategy provides a blueprint of what a business needs to do to succeed in a changing and uncertain future.

Using StratNavApp.com as your To-Do list

Discover how to transform your to-do list into a strategic action plan with our latest blog. Boost productivity and achieve your goals more effectively.

Lite Mode for Startups

Early-stage startup? Lite Mode is designed especially for you. Collaborate to validate your idea, and switch to Full Mode whenever you're ready.

The power of simplicity: Keeping your strategy simple

Discover key tips for simplifying complex business strategies in this concise article. Streamline your strategic approach effectively.

Embracing AI in Strategy: Beyond the Argumentum ad Machinam

Explore how AI tools, beyond spell checks and fact-finding, are revolutionizing content (including strategy!) creation and enhancing the value of written work.

Examples of SWOT analyses

Discover practical SWOT analysis examples across various industries to guide your strategic planning. Enhance decision-making with real-world insights.

What to do if something goes wrong or you need support?

Our support team is always ready to help.

Using the Gantt chart view

The Gantt chart view shows a familiar timeline of your strategic initiatives.

Working with Insights and Insight-based models

Learn how Insights work behind the scenes to make the SWOT, McKinsey 7S, Porter 5 Forces and PESTEL models work.

Transforming Strategy Development and Execution for Remote Work

Discover how StratNavApp.com transforms remote strategy development and execution, ensuring continuous, collaborative, and effective strategic planning.

Unlocking the Power of Evidence-Based Strategies

Discover how evidence-based strategy enhances business success. Learn to make data-driven decisions for strategic planning and execution.

Instructions for 12 Ronnies Launch Strategists

Instructions for Launch Controllers using StratNavApp.com for developing Launch Plans for Founders as part of the 12 Ronnies Launch Control programme

Why do so many strategies fail to get implemented?

Discover key reasons why strategies fail and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to steer your business towards success.

Unlock the power of OKRs with StratNavApp.com

Discover the power of OKRs in driving strategic alignment and performance. Learn how to implement effective OKRs with StratNavApp.com.

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic planning combines strategy and planning to facilitate execution and drive results

Navigating the Future

Discover how to navigate the future of business strategy with insights and tools from StratNavApp.com. Stay ahead of the curve and drive success.

Generating Strategy Reports from StratNavApp.com

Discover the key elements of effective business strategy reporting. Learn how to enhance your team's collaboration, track performance with precision, and use StratNavApp for comprehensive strategy development and execution.

Value Chain Analysis

Porter's Value Chain Analysis helps you to identify and analyse the processes by which an organisation creates value.

Worked examples using StratNavApp.com

Links to worked examples using StratNavApp.com

Harnessing the Power of the Strategy Alternative Matrix (SAM) (with template)

Understanding and Implementing the Strategy Alternative Matrix (SAM) for discovering the best strategy framework alternative or making choices between alternatives of any type

What is a business strategy consultant?

Discover the key roles and benefits of a business strategy consultant. Learn how they drive success and growth in your organisation.

Questions about you and how you use StratNavApp.com

Find out how and why we sometimes ask you questions about you and how you use the system.

Simplified Navigation

A quick run-down of StratNavApp.com's menu navigation structure

How to run effective Strategy Meetings

Learn how to run effective strategy meetings with tips on setting objectives, encouraging participation, and driving accountability to achieve your goals.

How secure is my data on StratNavApp?

Learn how StratNavApp ensures data security with measures like secure data centres, TLS encryption, multi-factor authentication, and controlled collaboration access.

Upgrading your plan

Learn how to seamlessly upgrade, downgrade or cancel your StratNavApp.com subscription to elevate your strategy development and execution.

In Defence of SWOT Analysis: How to Use It Effectively for Strategic Success

Discover how to use SWOT analysis effectively. Learn how to turn this common tool into a powerful strategy driver.

Enhance Your Strategy's Security: Multi-Factor Authentication with StratNavApp

StratNavApp offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security. Discover how to protect your business strategy with this robust feature.

How to avoid Hobson's Choice in Business Strategy

Discover how to avoid Hobson's Choice in business strategy by generating real, viable options that ensure meaningful decision-making.

Strategy isn't difficult, it's just a lot of work

Discover why strategy isn’t as difficult as it seems, but requires significant work. Learn practical steps to simplify strategy development on StratNavApp.com.

Why start with a PESTEL analysis when developing a new strategy for an existing organisation?

Discover why starting your business strategy with a PESTEL analysis helps you focus on external factors, creating a strong foundation for SWOT and other strategic tools.

The role of Critical Thinking in Business Strategy

Why is critical thinking vital to effective business strategy development and execution?

How Governance Tools in StratNavApp Ensure Your Strategy’s Success

Learn how to use StratNavApp’s governance tools like the Strategy Scorecard, Initiative Status Report, RAID Log and Meeting Minder to keep your strategy on track.

Quick wins in business strategy: tips and traps

Explore the benefits and pitfalls of quick wins in business strategy by understanding local optimisation at the expense of the whole, the Theory of Constraints and Pareto Principle.

Project Roles

Understand the different levels of access a user have have to a project in StratNavApp.com

From Data to Decisions: How AI and ML Will Transform Business Strategy in the Near Future

Discover how AI and ML are transforming business strategy, enabling predictive analytics, hyper-personalisation, and data-driven decision-making.