This business novel is a guide to middle-market strategic planning. The book discusses planning in small and mid-market companies and will provide a step-by-step introduction to strategy for those companies who have never prepared a strategic plan. Each functional area in a company is reviewed, and the reader is challenged to think beyond the horizon. Example analyses are included so that the reader can immediately begin strategic planning.All companies - regardless of size - should have a strategic plan. Smaller company plans will be simpler with less analysis, but in every case, the executive team must think beyond the traditional horizon. When creating a strategic plan the executive team will identify opportunities that might be considered ‘wish list’ under normal conditions. Then the task is to identify the potential benefits of these dreams, what it will take to achieve them, and if appropriate assign tasks to the team to realize the goals. Rather than give reasons why something can’t be done, the team will identify the obstacles to success, and actions that will overcome the obstacles.This book is not designed to help mid-market companies create a perfect strategic plan. The goal is to help the reader develop a strategic plan that becomes a useful tool to successfully manage aggressive growth in challenging market conditions.