This document outlines the importance of strategic marketing planning for businesses. It discusses that strategic planning is key for a business to achieve its objectives and bring value. The strategic planning process involves analyzing internal/external factors, setting goals and objectives, implementing strategies and tactics, and evaluating results. The process should be simplified, not simplistic, and answer what the business is selling, to whom, and how it will beat competition. Benefits of strategic planning include providing a written guide for the business and creating consistent messaging to work toward common goals, which can increase revenues and profitability.