Author Archive
The Rules Change With Success
Posted by: | CommentsThe training we receive in our formative years has a powerful influence on us as adults. The ways we learn to win as we are starting out tend to shape our view of how success is attained. The only problem with this is that as you become more successful, the rules for future success change. Unless you learn the keys to succeeding at higher levels, your progress is destined to come to a screeching halt.
The Value of Casting a Long-Term Vision
Posted by: | CommentsOrganic company growth is typically seen as something that is steady. Five to twenty-five percent a year growth is deemed reasonable and in many cases aggressive. Hockey stick growth, that which is 50, 75, 100+ percent growth in a single year and then sustained at high rates in a few subsequent years, is usually thought to only occur through acquisitions or mergers. This does not always have to be the case and a shift in planning processes may in fact make periods of rapid growth possible organically.
Frame of reference for planning makes a difference
Most planning processes are done annually and look at where a company is today as the basis for determining where things will be in the next year. Realistic growth targets are established based upon current performance. Forecasts are often done taking that growth out three to five years. With the current situation as the frame of reference, it is difficult to justify large changes in growth with out an acquisition or some other exogenous force.
Since some companies do experience hockey stick growth organically, we know that it is possible. What are rapidly growing companies doing that is different from those who experience modest growth and how to they plan for it?
Who’s Writing Your History and Why Is That Important?
Posted by: | CommentsBy now, everyone has heard that success people create plans and goals for their future. However, in a recent panel discussion I attended of Smith College professors, historians and activities, there was a thought provoking conversation about the importance of and need for women to write their own history. The role and major contributions of women have been underrepresented and sometimes wiped out of history completely. Diaries, letters, and memoirs of these women from the past are all that remain to give those interested a glimpse into a more complete articulation of our history.
This led me to think that in business, for women in particular, documenting our past may be equally as important as planning our future. Here are some specific ways to make that happen.
Business Model Selection: Contract Employee versus Entrepreneur
Posted by: | CommentsThere are many former corporate employees in business for themselves today. This number has grown recently due to the layoffs and business closings prevalent in today’s economic environment as is likely to continue growing in the months to come. These highly skilled people are either finding it difficult to get a new job or have decided they are tired of “making other people rich” and want to pursue owning a business themselves.
The foundational premise chosen for a business model, however, can have a significant impact on whether or not the dream of riches will ever become a reality. This post will discuss two different premises and the potential they offer for value creation.
