Bringing in investors is a great way to ease cash constraints. But, as Paul White, CEO of Novazone Inc found, there’s a fine art to soliciting investment while balancing your company’s day-to-day needs and your family relationships.
Consultants of various kinds can be of great benefit to a business. Pamela Kan, President of Bishop Wisecarver, had a consultant save her neck then outstay their welcome. Knowing when to let consultants go is as crucial as knowing when to bring them on board.
Since all business dealings are communications of one kind or another, skills in that area become doubly important. Chuck Smith, CEO of SBC West, demonstrates key elements of the art of communication.
Gene Miller, Chairman and CEO of Miller, Starr & Regalia, knows the importance of dealing with important clients face to face. Many of these contacts have no obvious or dramatic outcome, but they all serve to strengthen critical underlying relationships.
Lori Bonn Gallagher and CEO husband Bill Gallagher of Lori Bonn Design made the shift to iconic branding and watched their brand value soar. It’s a simple fact: buyers base their purchasing decisions on emotion.
Rich Barbee, CEO of K/P Corporation, changed the company focus from equipment and physical capabilities to personal service and incredibly gifted employees. Your people’s core values mean more to your customers than the size of your printing press.
The most solid rule in business is still the Golden Rule: if you treat others as if they were special, they’ll remember you when the time comes. Here are some simple ways you can accomplish this feat.
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).