“But what if I fail?” – Seth Godin

You will. The answer to the what if question is, you will. A better question might be, "after I fail, what then?" Well, if you've chosen well, after you fail you will be one step closer to succeeding, you will be wiser and stronger and you almost certainly be more respected by all of those [...]

By |January 9th, 2014|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

1980’s had continuous change….2010’s have disruptive strategies

Counter intuitive is another source of potential solutions…and it’s not so much about the selection of one of these disruptive strategies rather the thought and challenge, questioning and solution development around the opportunities that provides new insight to old problems. This is the era when policies will fall, philosophies be challenged, ownership and focus rearranged. [...]

By |July 26th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Change is inevitable… yet QUALITY is within our control

The economy right now is patchy, soft, lumpy, exciting, opportunity filled and dower. The joy is you can choose who you mix with. Tip one: The people who are looking at their products and services without an eye for significant renovation are the ones to avoid….at all costs. Tip two: Find the people who are [...]

By |July 23rd, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Agendas….I’ve never met one I didn’t like!

Focused, comprehensive, light, wishy-washy, non-directional…whatever the case, a written agenda provides a snapshot of the interaction you are about to have. Issues, opportunities, actions, responsibilities will flow around just about any agenda. I’ve found meetings without agendas are the equivalent of a nice chat over a coffee and a biscuit….comforting at best and rarely resolving [...]

By |July 19th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Compassion from the business owner…when is it appropriate?

At the third interview before you hire your business creating, value adding, team member. And that’s it! In that interview, your compassion will surround the commercial imperatives that your new valued team member has to deliver…yes, there are opportunities for extenuating circumstances but they will be clearly understood. Am I being mean, I think not…it [...]

By |July 5th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Don’t set goals….no, no, no….don’t set silly goals!

Finding new business has changed! The question is often asked what should I be doing today about my new business objectives? Unfortunately the answer is “Where do you want to be in 6 months time”? If you want 6 new clients then you need one each month for the next 6 months which means you [...]

By |June 28th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Hearing without seeing or Seeing without hearing…. What’s worse?

In meetings and briefings what you miss is often critical and to be strong enough to ask the other participants what did they see, what did they hear, for me invariably uncovers highly valuable yet missed nuances and emphasis. This is about inclusion, participation and team work…above all valuing your senses and developing them and [...]

By |June 24th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

“What are you going to do that we can’t do?” my prospect asked

Wow, this is a moment of truth. Smart client, great question, someone I want to work with. What is my compelling argument? In our case we are EFC’s….External Facilitators of Change…..we, by definition, are dispassionate pursuers of commercial imperatives and where appropriate, planners, strategists and developers of skills to grow the business. Key deliverables: External...... [...]

By |June 20th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Please…..Don’t be a game changer….

Everyone’s a game changer and especially the people who do nothing. If you want to change something, then change something…. Name it, plan it, measure it.....talk about it. Don’t play around the edges. You should have fun but changing stuff takes focus and determination. The option is to embrace the often misquoted saying “for bad [...]

By |June 14th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Owning the gap….

A new colleague of mine, Sue Parbury gave me an “alternative translation” of core competencies and/or compelling arguments…. simply it’s “Own the gap!” If you do, then the challenge is to keep it and talk about it! If you don’t, then drive yourself with discipline, external discussion and raw determination into a space that you [...]

By |June 11th, 2013|Articles, Uncategorized|0 Comments