CEO Think: Blog
Nobody Saves Their Way to Success
Businesses grow and win because they invest in areas that make them more unique, and more special. They do not succeed because they invest their cash so that they can save overhead. So how should we be investing in our businesses so they emerge better and stronger? There are three basic parts to the process. READ MORE >
The Resilient CEO
When adversity hit, these leaders battled back and gave us all something to learn. Inside Alliance private working groups, we hear with some regularity jaw-dropping events that land on the chief executive’s desk. Sometimes they are simply challenging opportunities, but often they are disasters that threaten the survival of the business.
Outlasting Hard Times
Hard times can befall a business for many reasons, of which the economy is only one. If you look objectively at the situation and find your environment in a temporary downturn, your goal is to outlast that downturn and have a strong company when good times return. Here are the tactics you use before the downturn hits.
Not a Retailer-You’re a Coach with Products
Though small retailers struggle to compete with mega-stores, they have the potential to provide services their large competitors can never match. A changed mindset may transform the traditional retail relationship.
What your Customers are Thinking
It pays to know what your customers are thinking then meet their needs before they express them. Easier said than done? Not when your passion is customer service.
When to Start Selling Your Business
Most CEOs don’t start thinking about selling their business until it’s too late. This piece explains why you are better off planning for a sale when things are going well.
Jackpot Fever
Most rookies at selling a business make common, costly mistakes, blinded by flashing dollar signs. Put away your excitement and be careful what you say.
Code of Conduct for Relationships
In both my own company and several client companies, we’ve discussed, then written out a code of conduct to help set expectations about how we should treat each other. Some companies, especially young ones can be rough places to work. Letting the “roughnecks” run free will destroy the willingness of many other talented people to contribute at all, and many will leave.
Sometimes We Should Give Up and Move On
We are taught as children that persistence is good. Many wonderful things in life take an enormous, sustained effort. But when does walking away actually indicate wisdom, rather than a lack of fortitude? Other paths and new opportunities do exist.
Out-Plan the Big Guys – With Just One Page
You know what needs to happen in your business. That puts you well ahead of many of the big companies. Leverage your knowledge into a business plan by answering these five questions.
Robert Sher is founding principal of CEO to CEO, a consulting firm of former chief executives that improves the leadership infrastructure of midsized companies seeking to accelerate their performance. He was chief executive of Bentley Publishing Group from 1984 to 2006 and steered the firm to become a leading player in its industry (decorative art publishing).