Why Innovation Matters Now
December 02, 2009, 4:00 PM
Translate that definition into a business context and you have a more useful definition: “to create something new and of value that generates profitable growth and improves competitive advantage”. Taken in this context, most business leaders inherently understand why innovation ...

Removing Obstacles to Planning - Part Three
November 25, 2009, 4:00 PM
In this third part of this series on Removing Obstacles to Planning, I’ll cover a few tools any company would benefit from using during the planning process to ensure internal alignment is achieved before the plan is executed.

Removing Obstacles to Planning - Part Two
November 19, 2009, 4:05 PM
The ability to identify the types of obstacles that will derail a plan is a best practice of successful and growing companies. As a part of any company’s strategic planning process, it should be a priority to understand where obstacles ...

Removing Obstacles to Planning - Part One
November 13, 2009, 3:00 AM
Finding ways to identify and remove obstacles and barriers that inhibit progress on a plan is one huge difference between good companies and great companies. In this three part series on Removing Planning Obstacles we will discuss: * What these ...

What Is Your Business Exit Strategy?
November 06, 2009, 5:00 PM
The majority of business owners look forward to one day retiring, doing something else, working less, having more fun, or spending more time with family. If you are in this category, how can you plan effectively to transition your business ...

Strategic Thinking in Difficult Times - Final Step
October 29, 2009, 5:00 PM
The fourth step in this process involves two key activities: 1. Using elements of Scenario Planning to better plan for possible futures 2. Boiling your plan down in an A3 Format developed by Toyota ...

Strategic Thinking in Difficult Times - Part Three
October 21, 2009, 8:00 AM
The next step in this process involves two key activities: * Understanding What Drives your Economic Engine, and * Having a clear Vision of what you aspire for your company to be in 10 years ...

Strategic Thinking in Difficult Times - Part Two
October 13, 2009, 5:00 PM
When you think about what your best customers value about your company, what is it that they say? Do you provide terrific service, are your products and services affordable, do you solve problems that others can’t, does your technical knowledge ...

Strategic Thinking in Difficult Times - Part One
October 07, 2009, 5:00 PM
This means balancing Strategy and Tactics. Most companies that have survived the last two years are fairly good at the tactics they needed to execute to pay the bills but many companies could use a refresher on how to Think ...

Tough Times Demand Sales Results - Part 3 - Execution
September 22, 2009, 4:30 PM
First Who, Then What.. is a principle developed by Jim Collins in Good to Great to show how growth companies successfully execute. In this case of improving sales results, it is critical that you have the right people in the ...