Strategic Planning is the key to beginning a long-term and progressive business, stronger and prosperous footing for the future. However, not all businesses think long-term and fail any where between the first 3 and 5 years. Here are a few strategic business planning maxims that you may consider useful.

Adjust your end to your means
Keep a clear view of what you can do and what you cannot. There are various things that can be done, some that may seem quite difficult yet possible to be done since you have an idea of what to do. But please, do not try to take over just about anything that comes to you. Make sure that you are comfortable with what you are dealing with otherwise you may not be able to control the outcome at any stage. Steer clear of tough situations for which you do not have a solution.

Keep your object always in mind, while adapting your plan to circumstances
Ever face a situation where your primary business objective is thrust backward in favour of another move? Well, don’t let it happen again. Make sure you measure and weigh every decision and alternative with reference to your objective. Never undermine your goals; they have been the motive behind your business.

Choose the line (or course) of least expectation
Think positive and observe what your competitor is up to. You know their path, and you have the others at your disposal to test. Make a move on the path that very few or none have dreaded to go for, study it and find out what can be done to give your business a boost in the most unforeseen and unpredictable of situations.

Exploit the line of least resistance - so long as it can lead you to any objective that would contribute to your underlying object
Look out and grab an opportunity, the one that favours you. Do not jump for a chance that is not yours, you never know where you are going to end up with it, there is a higher probability that you may end up losing much more than you actually bargained for.

Take a line of operation which offers alternative objectives
Never reveal your true colours to anyone, especially not your competitors. Remember, the one who has the best strategy wins the battle; and surely if you know the plan of your opponent you are much stronger and have an invincible plan backing you. Choose one course of action that gives you a shield for protecting your true plan and giving them an illusion to deal with. This will help you as competitors would be dealing with uncertain conditions.

Ensure that both plans and dispositions are flexible - adaptable to circumstances
Keep alternative strategies and future plans ready, you need to decide what you next step would be, for success and failure. You need to determine the resources that you have and your ability to deploy effectively where required and adapt to the incurring situation.

Do not throw your weight into a stroke whilst your opponent is on guard - whilst he is well placed to parry or evade it
Do not boast yourself around, you never know what your opponent has in store for you. Hit when the iron is hot, you can only take over their market share when your competitors are weak and need support to get up again. This is one of the most promising opportunities you will get.

Do not renew an attack along the same line (or in the same form) after it has once failed
Never utilise a failed strategy. Give up if you can’t figure out a way to defeat or reduce the pressure of your competitor. You need a better and alternative strategy to combat your opponents with brute force, battle of minds must take place.

Adapted from:
Strategy (2nd Edition Revised), Chapter 20.
Written by Sir Basil H Liddell-Hart's
Frederick A Praeger, Publisher: New York (1968)