Thrift

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

Welcome - During a downturn, many businesses shift their focus to micro analysis, especially an examination of costs. This poses both a risk and an opportunity.The risk is that this micro-level awareness comes at the expense of macro strategy, mistakenly reducing a minor cost without realising the impact it has on revenue streams. The opportunity is, of course, to 'cut the fat' and improve the efficiency of your business for now and the long term. The current Shirlaws Conferences (being held this week in the UK) incorporate some useful tools to ensure our clients seize the opportunity, without taking unnecessary risks. How confident are... Read More

Vision or Mirage?

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

Some people are visionary - they can see amazing possibilities, and believe in those enough to help create them. Some of us are goal setters - we like to set a target, and work better when we have that goal in mind. Still others are focussed on the present - asking what they can achieve now to improve their future.At times, all three question where they're headed. Are they building a greater future, or have they committed themselves to a mirage?The difference is not, as it may appear, to quickly shift from a Vision into implementation. The difference is taking the time to... Read More

Fun Profitable Growth

Jacob Aldridge, about 1 year ago

With so much gloom in the marketplace lately, this weekly email is perhaps one of the few places to turn for a balanced perspective that reminds us there is still opportunity and fun to be had. And that's certainly our team's focus this year - our 2009 ethos points are those in the title: Fun, Profitable, Growth.Does your business have some key values that encompass the balance required now, as always? And even if you do, are you actively organising activities to demonstrate balance to your team at the time they need it most?Lolcats and PathosIs teh article of both funny... Read More