In my previous blog about business planning, I discussed the method of backwards planning.  Whether you are planning a marketing campaign, a social media initiative, a sales plan, or even something unheard of yet… it is best to execute those items in manageable pieces. …break up the tasks into those easily executable, manageable chunks. It is best...

You have worked diligently in identifying who your ideal customer is.  You can picture exactly in your mind how they look, dress, eat, drive, and most importantly spend their money.  Yet do you know who influences their decisions? Now I am sure you have noticed that I have not written what, but who? It is the “Who” that has a tremendous amount of...

An article in the recent edition of the Harvard Business Review talks about the need to bring conflict into the workplace.  Picking a fight about the future direction for a brand, product, or company can be key in bringing out innovation and a stronger plan. The article gives you the tools you might need to set the conditions and manage the fight within the...

The healthcare debate that has been raging in the United States since the beginning of the summer has been filled with claims and counter claims.  Truths, falsities, assaults, and mud filled attacks have been lobbied by both sides.  What seems to be lost in the details of the debate is a serious discussion of a third way. Currently both sides can agree...

Assumptions provide the leader with a foundation to seek the truth behind questions and/or guide them in making decisions. Assumptions are dangerous things. Assumptions may blind them from asking demanding tough questions.  Unchecked assumptions will have a leader reject the answers to their questions.  Assumptions can make a leader miss opportunities to...