Today I met with a group of top notch advertising agencies to discuss how to enhance their business model and build great client relationships. The challenge is that with the recent economic issues, the dynamics of the industry have changed–and they are unlikely to go back. How do you maintain margins in a value driven …
If you twitter, you are constantly reading quotes that espouse positive thinking. Some quotes are age old and some are brand new, but they mostly convey the sentiment–you are what you think, so think positive. Do you ever wonder if all those people that post those statements live that happy, positive, empowered life they like …
We have had numerous requests to re-post some of our readers favorite blogs. One of the favorites is The Top Ten Reasons NOT to do Strategic Planning. It is a two-parter, and the second half will be posted next week. Enjoy! “It is the economy, stupid!” That statement, made famous in political battlefields, similarly describes …
If you are a baseball fan then you know how fun it is to see a home run blasted out of the stadium. The Home run derby for any tournament is always a big draw. But did you know that home runs have little to do with who wins the game? What does? On base percentage! The …
Have you ever wished that the planning and budgeting cycle we all slog through in the fall were easier? Maybe, you think to yourself, if only you started a little earlier or prepared a little better! But how are you supposed to do that when you don’t have enough time to do everything that was …
In the last ten years I have had the privilege of helping mature companies whose sales had flat lined produce “breakthrough” growth–often doubling the size of the business. The solution in each case matched the needs of the company–definitely not “one size fits all”. But this article isn’t about the solutions–it is about what held …
Do you travel very often? If you do, you have probably experienced the amazing customer service of the largest airlines–Delta, United, US Air and American. What? You weren’t thrilled with the service? Didn’t enjoy handing over extra moola for the bag fees? Hard to believe! Ha! As a frequent traveler myself, I am always amazed …
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of happiness. As a growth catalyst, it seems to be too touchy-feely to be of much interest. Yet, it is such a popular topic, and in all the business media, and impossible to avoid. Recognizing that “where there is smoke, there could be fire” I …
A strategy is a defined plan for how to operate the company differently or better than the market alternatives to achieve the goal. Most small and medium size companies don’t have a strategy. Instead, they have objectives or goals, without a clear strategy to help them achieve it. As shocking as that statement may be, …
The Nashville Chamber of Commerce recently traveled toPortland,OR. to study the community and take away ideas for future improvements to the city ofNashville. Over 100 business leaders met with civic, education, and government officials. On the last day I was asked by a colleague, “what do we take away from this trip?” Portlandis a beautiful …
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