For 10 years we have been lucky enough to be stewards of a small but beloved property that includes a tidal marsh on Cape Cod, adjacent to 100 acres of conservation land (a mix of second growth forest and tidal wetlands rich in birdlife). It’s a place of the heart. Looking closely, you can see a […]
Entries Tagged as 'Back to Basics'
The Purpose of a Business
March 20th, 2009 · 4 Comments · Back to Basics
I’ve been musing on the question of Purpose while reading the Wall Street Journal and online business press, trying to understand how so many bright people can have caused so much lasting damage. Why Do Companies Exist? There are those who think that businesses exist for solely utilitarian reasons: to satisfy customers, generate profits, create shareholder […]
Tags: corporate purpose·strategy
Customer Experience – No Technology Required
February 9th, 2009 · 1 Comment · Back to Basics
Delivering a great customer experience does not necessarily require any specialized technology – especially for a small business. Sometimes it’s just a question of getting the basics right, and reinforcing core values with your staff. Take high-end restaurants, for example. Clearly these are businesses that need to deliver great dining experiences, on a repeatable basis. During […]
B2B Marketing Obsolete?">Is B2B Marketing Obsolete?
February 4th, 2009 · 1 Comment · Back to Basics, Marketing
As companies bleed revenues, profits and jobs, it’s ironic that people are debating the death of B2B marketing or its obsolescence. And yet I’ve been in several conversations over the past week on this topic. I think a better framing for the conversation, rather than death or obsolescence, is B2B marketing’s strategic relevance and value contribution […]
Tags: B2B marketing·strategic marketing·voice of the customer·word of mouth
Recharging the Batteries (So to Speak)
September 23rd, 2008 · Comments Off · Back to Basics, Yoga
This summer I was too busy balancing work with leisure activities to have time for blogging. Instead I enjoyed yoga, sailing, kayaking, tandem biking, some great books and movies — and socializing with people I care about. Perhaps it’s a characteristic of Boomer women — we’d rather interact with friends and family in the real world […]
Tags:
Just the Facts, Ma’am — Wrong!
April 9th, 2008 · 1 Comment · Back to Basics, Bookshelf
The problem with PowerPoint is that it makes it so easy to bore your audience to death. (Been there, done that…) We all know the seductive ease of creating a new presentation: setting up a dozen slides with titles, and then filling in the slides with endless bullet points. It’s Too Easy to be Boring The […]
Tags: presentations·visual thinking
The Power of Clarity
April 8th, 2008 · 2 Comments · Back to Basics, Bookshelf
At some point in most consulting engagements, someone will ask, “Is everyone else as screwed up as we are?” The answer, of course, is yes. Most consultants’ business opportunities are created by their clients’ inability to solve (or communicate) vexing problems or challenges. And now there’s a deceptively simple business book that can help you […]
Tags: visual thinking
Making Room for What Really Matters
December 29th, 2007 · Comments Off · Back to Basics, Bookshelf
As 2008 nears, I’m resolved to make room for a more balanced life, less cluttered with frenzy and meaningless busyness. Yoga helps, but it’s time to invest in some mental and lifestyle “housekeeping” as well. As a first step toward de-cluttering, I’ve decided to consult some expert coaches. Print PDF
Tags:
Giant Swiss Army Knife — A Metaphor for Smart Phones?
December 10th, 2007 · 2 Comments · Back to Basics
Wenger, manufacturer of the venerable Swiss Army knife, now sells a 3-pound multifunction “knife” with 87 tools and over 100 uses. No doubt intended for price-insensitive gadget collectors, it carries a hefty price tag of $1200. It reminds me of the current generation of smart phones. Print PDF
Tags:
How Well Do You Design Your Projects?
November 14th, 2007 · Comments Off · Back to Basics
The relative success or failure of most projects is determined at the outset, by how well the project is defined and scoped, roles clarified, and expectations set. This is critical if you aim for high-impact results. Print PDF