Blog

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• Searching for stability in an unstable economy
  
  Economists predict the U.S. economy is headed towards a recession. To avert what some say is inevitable, the government has developed a stimulus package designed to give consumers money to spend, thereby simulating economic growth. 
  
  

• And The Two Became One – Mergers and Acquisitions
  
  Recently one of my clients was approached by a competitor with a merger proposal aimed at broadening market share, maximizing economies of scale and increasing profits for both companies. As my client discussed the preliminary details of the possible merger, I could see how this deal could turn the two average organizations into one industry leader. But for this, or any, merger to succeed the leadership team would need to have a clear vision and a strong management group to make it happen. 
  
  

• Why Mergers Collapse

  After the exploratory work has been completed, somewhere between due diligence and the signed agreements the merger could fall apart. This is not the norm, but neither is it anomalous. Until the final paperwork is signed, nothing is final; which is why business leaders are extremely careful about disclosing merger information before the deal is done.
  
  

• Growth Through Mergers and Acquisitions
  
  When two companies attempt to become one through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), it can take months, even years, to complete the negotiations, due diligence and legal requirements. M&A can also be a very expensive undertaking that pays for itself only if the new business entity performs as projected. Unfortunately, in more cases than not, the performance of the new corporation falls far below projections, causing management to scramble in an effort to slow the losses and turn things around.
  
  

• Finding stability during economic uncertainty
  
  Industry analysts disagree on whether or not the United States economy is heading towards a recession. Depending on the source of the information, you could find any number of “experts” providing their opinion on the fiscal state of our economy. 
  
  
• Does Your Business Have A Death Sentence?
  
  “Manage the top line and the bottom line will take care of itself”, said Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, when asked about the drop in Apple’s stock price. Jobs went on to say that when he follows this advice, taking care of his employees, customers and developing a strategy for growth, the company’s bottom line responds favorably. 
  
  
• Can Citigroup Make A Comeback?
  
  Recently Citigroup, the country’s largest bank, has been making headlines. Unfortunately, the headlines about the financial giant are anything but flattering. It seems that after almost a decade of gobbling up market share and withstanding tumultuous conditions, the company is undergoing an internal makeover that will either save the organization from its ever increasing woes or plunge it deeper into fiscal chaos.
  
  
• Does your company need a Business Makeover?  
  
  Recently I found myself watching a reality TV program called Kitchen Nightmares. The premise is, a restaurant in trouble is visited by Chef Gordon Ramsay, who observes the establishment then implements changes to help turn the business from fledgling to thriving.
  
  
• Business Planning 101
  
  The recent wildfires caused devastation and sadness across our region and around the nation. For the people who loss everything, this is a time of mourning and great sorrow. My heart goes out to every person who will have to rebuild as a result of this tragedy.
  
  

• Death by design :  Doing business without proper infrastructure

  A few days after the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis, I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR) as they spoke with a Civil Engineer on overall bridge construction and maintenance. Although I tuned in midway through the conversation; I did catch some interesting points.
  
  

• Beyond the checkbook: Empowering nonprofit boards
  
  Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary defines a non-profit as, “not established for the purpose of making a profit; not entered into for money”.
  
  
• Longevity vs. loyalty
  
  John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” A successful business, like a fulfilling life, is exemplified by change. 
  
  
• Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
  
  As a management consultant, I have the pleasure of working with business leaders and executives from diverse backgrounds and industries.  However, when it comes to business management, they all have one thing in common. FEAR.
  
  
• Can the Presidential Election Teach Us About Strategy?  
  
  We are not halfway through 2007 and already the 2008 presidential election is making headlines. There are currently eight democratic candidates and ten republican candidates, with several undecided contenders contemplating a run. Political strategists are working overtime to position their candidate for a successful campaign. From the moment a Presidential hopeful begins contemplating a run for the White House, every political, and almost every personal, decision is strategically planned. They leave little to chance and work closely with strategist to avoid potential pitfalls.
  
  
• Can benchmarks bridge the gap between the President and Congress?
  
  Regardless of where you stand on the Iraq War, there is no denying that the War on Terror is a hot topic for most Americans. And, as the President and Congress battle over Iraq spending and troop withdraw, the tension continues to escalate. We had been offered a glimmer of hope as the President and Congress came to an agreement on the Iraq Spending Bill.
  
  
• The Cash Cow Syndrome
  
  Whenever I search the web or browse the business section of the bookstore I’m amazed by the number of resources available for startups. The wealth of information available for entrepreneurial hopefuls is staggering. What’s equally amazing, however, is the lack of resources available for existing businesses. It seems that entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated beyond startup must make a purposeful effort to find useful resources to help them focus and plan strategically for continued growth.
  
  
• Who’s minding the store?  

  Successful business owners are a special breed of people. They are usually visionary leaders who are decisive, with ability to multi-task and think on their feet. However, as gifted as they are in leadership, they are often just as challenged in other areas of business, such as building organizational structure and establishing accountability measures. 

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