Because of his experience in planning and facilitation, he’s earned the nickname “The Chriscilitator.” Magellan Strategy Group’s founder, Chris Cavanaugh, has completed strategic planning assignments for a broad range of clients, including both non-profits and corporations. And prior to becoming a consultant, Chris was a client himself. He appreciates the need to achieve results through the planning process and the desire for a living document that makes a true measurable difference for the organization. He knows some clients can see planning as a chore, and that every stakeholder may not share the same level of enthusiasm for the process. Overcoming that resistance and actively engaging participants in the process is essential. So is…

• A consideration of the power of external forces
• A belief in the value of everyone’s voice
• Focus–the most precious resource of any organization
• Discovering what not to do is as important as figuring out what to do
• Understanding the process should never end
• Keeping the strategy flexible

Cavanaugh brings significant experience in facilitating diverse groups of participants and leading them towards meaningful and actionable conclusions. His ability to validate opinions and develop consensus, and an engaging sense of humor, make him the ideal candidate to manage your organization’s planning discussions. Using a combination of superior listening skills, simplicity, active inquiry, and a lack of ego, he can work with even the most difficult of groups.

We work with clients to build comprehensive strategic marketing plans based upon clearly articulated goals and objectives. And if you don’t know your specific goals and objectives, we help identify them. Magellan Strategy Group brings an uncluttered outside perspective to your ongoing marketing strategy development and execution. We’ll help point you in the right direction if you’re lost, or confirm that you’re spending your scarce marketing dollars in the most efficient manner possible.

With many years of marketing experience as both a client and consultant, we’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. We’ve worked with budgets large and small to create plans that are effective. Again, we’re not an advertising agency—we provide the strategy that supports the message and drives the media. Magellan’s philosophy towards strategic marketing is found in its mantra—Create a Dissatisfaction with the Status Quo.^TM

We’ve been on the client-side, so we understand the pressure to achieve maximum effectiveness with precious marketing resources. Most organizations have plenty of ideas, but what they lack are time and money. Magellan delivers the wisdom required to decide how to allocate what time and money they do have.

We’re not an advertising agency. But we bring strategic insight to the brand development process and can partner with outstanding creative resources (including agencies, independent professionals, and in-house capabilities) as needed. Our expertise lies in the process of discovery—understanding your business objectives, the positioning of the competition, the desires of the market, and the ability of the brand to meet customer expectations.

“The strength of Magellan’s process lies in a disciplined approach to uncovering brand truths.”

We develop market-driven brand strategies to create emotionally-connected, sustainable brands. We identify sound brand positioning based upon emotional and functional benefits, delivered to the consumer using the marketing tools at your disposal. Our focus is upon the customer—their needs and wants and the benefits your product, place, or service delivers in a competitive, cluttered marketplace. We help create the unique positioning that establishes the brand in the consumer’s mind.

Magellan Strategy Group provides an independent, outside perspective for the review of an organization’s marketing activity, including advertising, marketing research, social media, promotions, and public relations. We fairly and honestly evaluate these initiatives and make recommendations on how to better leverage an organization’s marketing investment.

Marketing resources—both human and financial—are precious assets. We’ve been on the client-side, so we understand the pressure to achieve maximum effectiveness when they’re deployed. Most organizations have plenty of ideas, but what they lack are time and money. Magellan delivers the wisdom required to decide how to allocate what time and money they do have.