Why I Hate New Year’s Resolutions – A Different Approach
Not sure exactly what New Year’s resolution to pick for your business or a client’s business? Here’s a list of suggestions to consider.
Severe Summer – A Different Approach
In this process for businesses, we encourage an organized program where one person is in charge of contacting key stakeholders – customers, prospects, suppliers, industry experts and employees – to get both a big picture feel and more feedback on your business as well as industry trends.
Planning for 2009 – A Different Approach
A Strategic Conversations exercise with employees is an inexpensive way to extract information and benefit from the knowledge that your employees possess. You can ask about how the company can perform tasks faster or better or cheaper, and where there are areas to improve.
Time for a Market Check – Strategic Conversations
Make a market check. No, not a stock market check—if you check that again today, you’ll either want to curl up in a fetal position in the corner, or go home and make a martini.
Gather Data, Analyze, Develop Plans, Execute
If the feedback confirms that everything you’re doing today is perfect, for both 2008 and on into 2011, then congratulations. If not, it’s time to make your changes and execute.
Industry Snapshot – Reacting to Economic Downturn
Tucci used these conversations to get quick market feedback and make significant changes throughout his organization.
A plan for the Unexpected
Beyond speaking with your internal team, you might also consider strategic conversations with key customers and vendors about their views on the economy. Your conversations may or may not prompt a change in your plans for this year—but they will definitely prepare you for whatever may come along.
Your Customers Can Show You the Way
Being stuck was an opportunity that this company exploited to great advantage.
Getting Un-Stuck
Your employees, customers, and prospects are in the market every day, talking to one another, meeting with your competition, and measuring the market players. They know what companies are doing and who’s doing it best. They are great sources of information about industry trends as well as your own firm’s strengths and weaknesses.
Industry Spotlight: More Strategic Conversations with Customers
It all started with one good question.
