Feb. 8, 2010 (Business Wire) -- Today’s small business leaders face greater challenges than ever before. Competition is fierce, resources are limited and every day brings new obstacles.

To meet the needs of small business owners, The Alternative Board^® created a business planning process called Strategic Business Leadership^®.

“Strategic Business Leadership^® provides the vision, direction, the purpose for growth and context for the success of the corporation,” Jason Zickerman, president and CEO of The Alternative Board^® said.

To achieve true success, a small business needs support, entrepreneurial advice and the best business ideas. The Alternative Board^® breaks down its Strategic Business Leadership^® process into five proven steps:

1. Vision: Where are you going? Every successful business has a vision with attainable and measurable goals. This step provides strategic direction to maximize growth

2. A Look in the Mirror: SWOT analysis is a key component of Strategic Business Leadership^®. It prompts actions and responses. Successful businesses build on their strengths, correct their weaknesses, explore new opportunities and protect against external threats

3. Plan: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Behind every successful venture or business there is a great plan. Strategic planning is something that every business needs, but not all have

4. Making it Happen: Creating a strategic business plan is a great first step, but if your plan gathers dust on a shelf it has lost its value. Execute the plan. Prioritize the list of action items and follow through

5. Turning the Wheel: Don’t be afraid to evolve. This step provides new insight into the business and can potentially change the direction of your company

“Strategic Business Leadership^® promotes outside-the-box thinking to generate future growth,” Zickerman said. “Strategic Business Leadership^® is employing the appropriate strategies to create value. Today, innovative business leaders need Strategic Business Leadership^®.”

About The Alternative Board^®

The Alternative Board^® is an international provider of peer advisory and coaching solutions to leaders of privately held businesses. Over 300 TAB Boards are operating each month across the United States, Canada, South America and the United Kingdom. Headquartered in Denver, Colo., TAB was founded by Allen Fishman, author of 7 Secrets of Great Entrepreneurial Masters and 9 Elements of Family Business Success, in 1990. For more information, visit www.TheAlternativeBoard.com.