The whole process of strategic planning is long and difficult. But with accuracy and granularity in the process, it is possible to make those numbers with precision throughout the year. Your reference points are your market potential, competitors' growth rates and what you accomplished in the last year. Align sales with growth objectives by developing specific strategic plans that detail expectations of existing and new clients. Pinpoint the expected payoff for and tie accountability to the people involved in growth initiatives, whether they're in sales, marketing, product development or customer service.