The Big Idea Process
Every client is, of course, different, but our five-step Big Ideas Process has worked well in the majority of cases we have seen.
How it works
Beginning with a detailed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and continuing all the way through the development and implementaion of the final Project Plan, POL's 5 step Big Idea process leverages our unique global network to produce one-of-a-kind results.
Research, Analysis and Discussion
First, we conduct a structured research, discussion and analysis process to give us a more complete understanding of the client's goals, current situation, needs, relevant experiences, technology, ambitions, ideas and aspirations. This also helps the client focus and define their thinking as well. We augment an extended Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis with a Structured Interview Process. Out of this comes a Priority Focus Analysis of what are the priority needs, issues, and opportunities—where we will focus our work.
Global Research Scan and Analysis
Once the client signs off on the Priority Focus Analysis, we then conduct a Global Research Scan and Analysis to develop the basic research, intelligence, information and analysis of what others are doing in these areas around the world—what new ideas strategies and tactics are proving effective. This produces mountains of relevant raw data, information, and analysis that we sift into usable categories and begin to identify good ideas and promising areas for more research and exploration.
Global Brain Trust Review
In the next step, we call on some of the best minds in the world—literally—to help us refine our research and focus our thinking. Over the years, PoliticsOnline has developed a network of over 120 Contributing Editors from around the world and these are the core of each Global Brain Trust Review. These are cutting edge doers and thinkers—political activist, think tank thinkers, technology company leaders, industry writers and bloggers—and just a whole lot of really smart people we have met along the way. Sometimes we bring together 8 to 10 of these top experts with extensive experience directly related to our Priority Focus Areas for an all day analysis and white boarding session with the client.
Menu of New Ideas, Options and Strategies
Based on all of the above, we then distill everything we have learned into a Menu of Ideas, Options, and Strategies of approximately 15 to 25 significant and important ideas that we believe have the greatest potential for the client. We then present the Menu to the client in a 2 to 4 hour informal discussion setting that encourages both a carefully analysis and thorough “brain storming” of all the new possibilities.
The Big Idea Project Plan
The final step in the process is to take all we have learned from this whole process, and the client's focused objectives, and develop a Draft Big Ideas Project Plan. This Draft Plan will detail the approved ideas from the Menu session with specific project goals, timetable, and assignments of responsibility. The Draft Plan will also detail what new resource, partnerships, or technologies will be required for effective implementation. We then present the Draft Plan to the client with detailed discussions. Any revisions to the Draft Plan as necessary are then incorporated and a final Big Ideas Project Plan is completed.
We don’t believe in giving the client the Plan and telling them to sink or swim.
Generally, we continue to work with our clients for 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer, to help them smoothly implement the Plan and deal with any new challenges that may develop along the way.
