How much strategic planning should a company or organization do?
Although the exact amount of strategic planning will depend on numerous factors including size, age or maturity of the company or organization, nature and number of markets and industries served by the company, there is a benchmark we suggest as a minimum for every organization or entrepreneur. Herb Rubenstein Consulting recommends at least one to two days per month and one full day per quarter be devoted to strategic planning and evaluation of the recent results of implementation of the plan that is in place.

How does a company, entrepreneur or nonprofit organization best utilize a board of directors?
The first rule is that a board of directors should be scientifically (rationally) chosen after taking into account the needs of the organization. Specific qualifications and roles for each board member should be put in writing and board terms should be staggered so that every three years at least one third of the board should be up for election.

The second rule is that a written evaluation plan must be in place and annual evaluations of each board member should be prepared and reviewed with the board member.

Herb Rubenstein Consulting's third basic rule is that a person on staff should be designated as staff to the board so that the board has a resource in the company to assist board members with their duties and assignments.

The final Herb Rubenstein Consulting rule is that every organization, company and even, every individual entrepreneur, should have a board of directors/advisors that meets no less than quarterly.

What does strategic planning cost?
A good strategic planning system for a company or nonprofit organization can range from $12,000 per year ($1,000 per month) to $120,000 per year ($10,000 per month) depending on numerous factors. Individual entrepreneurs should expect to pay a consultant at least $2,500 on an annual basis for strategic planning consultation. Herb Rubenstein Consulting believes it is best not to contract with consultants on an hourly rate basis. On some occasions, a daily rate may be appropriate. However, a yearly fee is the better approach and the longer the contract (up to five years) the better as well.

How does a client get started with a strategic planning consulting firm like Herb Rubenstein Consulting?
Herb Rubenstein Consulting's first activity is to conduct a thorough assessment of the organization's current planning activities, capabilities, potential for growth and limitations to growth that the company or organization has experienced. We begin with in-depth interviews of key officials and prefer to arrange in our contracts that we report to a specially designated committee of the board of directors on a regular basis.

For other information, please send in your inquiry through this website or call us at (303) 279-1878.