I’ve recently completed my SOSTAC® Certified Planner course. I’ve been using SOSTAC® for many years and hadn’t realised until I took the Frances & Kevin Marketing Launchpad Course that Paul Smith the founder of SOSTAC® had published a course.

What I Expected to Learn:

Prior to participating in the SOSTAC® Certified Planner course, I expected to refine and formalise my understanding of the SOSTAC® planning model, which I had been applying in my marketing strategies.

My goal was to deepen my strategic planning skills with a more structured and robust approach to the SOSTAC framework.

What I Learnt:

The course provided an in depth exploration of each phase of the SOSTAC® model, enhancing my previous knowledge and offering new perspectives on applying the framework systematically.

I gained valuable insights into the interconnections between each phase, from Situation Analysis through to Control, which reinforced the importance of a cohesive and adaptable marketing strategy. The discussions on integrating precise metrics in the Control phase were particularly enlightening, underscoring the necessity of ongoing evaluation and adjustment.

What I’ll Do Differently:

Moving forward, I will implement a more disciplined approach to the SOSTAC® framework, particularly in the Strategy and Tactics sections, ensuring each element is thoroughly evidence based and aligned with overarching commercial objectives.

I also plan to enhance the Action and Control phases with clearer, measurable KPIs and more rigorous monitoring tools to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of my marketing initiatives.

Actions & next steps:

Formal integration of SOSTAC®: Systematically apply the SOSTAC® model across all marketing campaigns, starting with the next campaign.

Enhance measurement tools: Adopt advanced digital analytics tools to improve the KPIs in the Control phase, ensuring I can better track, analyse, and respond to campaign performance in real time.

Review and refine: Establish a monthly review process rather than a quarterly review where campaigns are reassessed and refined based on their performance and impact, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agility in my strategic planning.

By embracing a more formalised use of the SOSTAC® model, I am committed to the strategic impact of my marketing efforts, ensuring they are not only well planned but also continuously optimised to meet the evolving demands of the market and commercial objectives.