thinking strategically – Page 2

Using EL monitoring reports as the basis of a strategic conversation

By Mark Goehring|2023-05-05T20:33:24-04:00February 7th, 2012|

This process is a variation of the one described in the “Boards Acting on Ends Reports” Field Guide. Not all limitations monitoring reports will warrant this extra attention, but sometimes this approach can elevate the board’s monitoring work from basic fiduciary oversight into a more meaningful strategic conversation. Along with determining whether the report demonstrates reasonable accomplishment, the board can use a structured process [...]

Asking Powerful Questions: Co-op boards open up possibilities through conversation

By Thane Joyal|2023-05-05T20:21:56-04:00November 15th, 2009|

By Thane Joyal 145 November - December - 2009 “A vital question, a creative question, rivets our attention. All the creative power of our minds is focused on the question. Knowledge emerges in response to these compelling questions. They open us to new worlds.” —Verna Allee, “The Knowledge Evolution.” (Quoted by Vogt, Brown and Issacs, The Art of Powerful Questions, 2003. www.worldcafe.com.) Questions: the [...]

Evaluating feasibility and planning for success 2

By Mel Braverman|2023-05-05T20:22:10-04:00October 22nd, 2008|

Learning objectives: the components of a feasibility assessment learn what goes into business planning learn the difference between feasibility assessment and business planning and when each is needed which areas of feasibility and planning require technical expertise

Evaluating feasibility and planning for success

By Mel Braverman|2023-05-05T20:22:25-04:00February 20th, 2008|

This presentation will help you to understand what needs to be in place for a new food co-op to succeed and how to plan your organizing and development efforts effectively.

Additional Stores: Expanding “The Co-op”

By Bill Gessner|2023-05-05T20:22:27-04:00January 4th, 2008|

By Bill Gessner 134 Jan - Feb - 2008 Food co-ops expanding from one to two stores must navigate a challenging and perilous course. This article will explore those challenges and obstacles and suggest a course of planning and implementation that increases the likelihood of success. Food co-ops historically have had limited (but increasing) success operating multiple stores. In 1997 there were just six [...]

Co-op as Store Becomes Co-op as Community

By Mark Goehring|2023-05-05T20:22:51-04:00March 15th, 2005|

By Mark Goehring 117 March - April - 2005 We can no longer (verb)_____ in isolation. Try these verbs: Learn. Vision. Plan. Invest. Be. Then try your own! Nearly three years ago, the board of directors of the Brattleboro Food Co-op adopted new Ends Policies, statements defining our fundamental aims. A minor celebration followed this conclusion of a decade-long process of developing the board’s [...]

Helping Build a Thriving Future for Food Cooperatives

By Marilyn Scholl|2023-05-05T20:22:55-04:00September 4th, 2002|

By Marilyn Scholl 102 September - October - 2002 Long before "just do it" became part of the American lexicon, the teenaged Homer Hickam, inspired by the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and fueled by a desire to beat the Russians at the space race, decided he also needed to launch a rocket. Never mind that he was a naive kid living in a [...]

How to Critique a Business Plan

By Walden Swanson|2023-05-08T14:44:08-04:00April 4th, 1987|

By Walden Swanson 010 April - May - 1987 "Business plans may be great for bankers and investors, but if companies really followed them, you might never have heard of Compaq, Lotus, or Ben & Jerry's." This quote is from "The Best-Laid Plans", an article in Inc. Magazine (February 1987). The article takes some of America's best small businesses and examines their business plans [...]

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