Executive Directors of parent centers have very challenging careers. For example, they need to ensure that high quality services are developed and provided; funds are raised; bills are paid on time; staff are hired, trained and supported; boards are recruited and effective; community awareness is high; and reports are accurate and submitted on time. Often it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day. Sometimes, directors move from one potential crisis to another. Consequently, when someone (board member, staff, consultant) suggests that it is time to develop or revise a strategic plan, the first reaction often is: Who has the time? Parent center directors who have led their organizations through a strategic planning process often acknowledge that the process can be time consuming but usually believe that the benefits of strategic planning outweigh the time invested in developing a plan. Before starting a process, however, some experts recommend that you determine whether the costs in time outweigh the benefits. For example, if an organization is experiencing a crisis or emergency, it may be more important to address this issue first rather than start a strategic planning process. This paper presents information on strategic planning. A bibliography is included.