If you've attended an industry function recently, you've probably been told by an "expert" that you need to become a Communications Provider instead of a printer. Is this the right path for your business? The truth is that no one can tell you. You need to arrive at the answer for yourself. This is the first in a series of columns that will help you answer that question for your business.

The best way to address questions like this is through strategic planning. The thought of developing a strategic plan can be intimidating, but it shouldn't be. There is no need for flashes of brilliance or epiphanies. It's simply a matter of understanding the process, and being disciplined and thorough in its execution. The right strategy for your company will reveal itself to you and your team as you uncover the facts and execute the process.

Strategic planning is defined by INvestorwords.com as: "The process of determining a company's long-term goals and then identifying the best approach for achieving those goals." It is an essential tool for management. It provides them with a compass, telling them where the company is going. It gives management a framework, within which to view problems and make intelligent decisions.