Past success is no guarantee of future success. Just ask Shakey’s Pizza, Ground Round Grill & Bar or Frisch’s Big Boy. If you’re scratching your head wondering what these companies are, you have proven my point. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the ways these three companies, which were once recognizable anywhere, have shrunk […]
As a leader, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to simply keep doing something because that’s the way it has always been done. It is easy to fall into this trap without even realizing it. Everyone is busy and it can be tempting to default to autopilot and keep going about “business […]
On the wall of my company office there is a large inscription: We Help Clients Implement Their Dreams Note that the inscription refers to dreams, not goals. There is a difference. Goals are essential, the very stuff of successful business growth. But goals are the junior partners of something bigger. When Bill Gates founded Microsoft, […]
Athletes from around the world have gathered for the 2018 Winter Olympics, which officially kicked off with the opening ceremonies on February 9 in Pyeongchang, South Korea. As you watch the games and cheer on your favorite team, here are three leadership lessons to consider. 1. It takes a team Expectations were high for American […]
Knowing when to say “no” to opportunity is just as important as knowing when to say “yes.” Growing your company is exciting and it’s tempting to pursue a good opportunity when you see it. Saying “no” does not come naturally to most of us. While you might be afraid to turn down an opportunity because […]
Nestle is selling its US chocolate business, which includes brands such as BabyRuth, Butterfinger, and Crunch to Ferrero for $2.8 billion. The deal is part of Nestle’s strategy to sell underperforming brands and refocus on healthier products and fast-growing markets. Nestle recently acquired vitamin maker Altrium Innovations for $2.3 billion and is rumored to be […]
Are you missing out on opportunities for growth? External growth, where you partner with another organization outside of your own, is often a neglected opportunity. External growth comes in many forms including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, minority interest, and can be tailored to suit your needs. Here are three reasons why external growth […]
On January 1st many people make New Years’ resolutions to lose weight, exercise regularly, or save money. Unfortunately, many abandon these resolutions shortly after making them. We stop going to the gym and end up blowing our budget on a shiny new widget. The new year is also a time when companies set their own […]
Some may be afraid to try new strategies for growth, but you must take chances to succeed. Although embarking on the unknown can be frightening, in a way, not taking any action is a choice that can come with equally scary consequences: losing out to competitors, failing to fulfill members’ needs, or becoming obsolete. Fortunately, […]
How is your company growing? In business, remaining static is impossible, and if you’re not growing, you are dying. I recently spoke on the concept of “Grow or Die” at the Association for Dressings and Sauces Annual Meeting in Nashville, in light of the trends and evolving market dynamics of the industry. The food and […]
Many companies may miss out on growth opportunities, including acquisitions, if they do not reassess their strategy in light of today’s economic environment. According to an article in CFO Magazine, a number of companies are not executing acquisitions because they maintain a high hurdle rate, even though the cost of borrowing capital is relatively low […]
When it comes to pursuing strategic growth, one of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is to simply keep doing something because that’s the way it has always been done. It’s important to reevaluate processes and methods with today’s business environment in mind. The very nature of business is change. New technologies, capabilities, and […]
As we’re nearing the end of summer, I hope you’ve had a chance to hit the pause button and take some time for yourself. Far too often, as leaders, we can get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a business or become too focused on accomplishing the task at hand that we forget […]
Verizon will acquire Straight Path Communications for $3.1 billion, beating out AT&T’s initial offer of $1.25 billion. The primary driver for the deal is accessing Straight Path’s millimeter wave spectrum which will be key to building a faster 5G network. Disruptive technology and evolving consumer habits are reshaping the telecommunications industry at a rapid pace […]
All companies, even those that are profitable, face pressure from today’s economic environment. Whether its regulatory hurdles, increased competition, geopolitical risk, or new technology, the world today is constantly changing. Unfortunately, many companies realize this too late and “suddenly” find themselves in an impossible situation that is incredibly difficult to reverse. The best way to […]
Sears, which was once a thriving department store, is dying a slow death and the company is grasping for cash in order to stay afloat. Last year, Sears borrowed $200 million from CEO Eddie Lampert’s hedge fund and most recently Sears agreed to sell Craftsman to Stanley Black & Decker. Under the terms of the […]
Are you thinking about growing your business? In any business endeavor, having the right questions is often half the battle. Join us for a new webinar on “7 Strategic Questions to Ask Before Pursuing Mergers & Acquisitions” on Wednesday, December 7. We will cover 7 powerful questions that have been tried and tested with dozens of […]
One of the best ways to grow a business is by exploring different options. You and your leadership team should be willing to discuss and consider new ideas without being intimidated by the unknown or risk. Clinging to business as usual may feel comfortable now, but you may regret it years down the road when […]
Most companies are seeking growth outside of their core business through organic means or mergers and acquisitions, according to a new survey by McKinsey. What’s interesting is that although many companies want to expand beyond their mainstay business, most do not have the capabilities to do so. Here are three best practice steps noted for successfully […]
Have you considered all your options for growth? I have found that some leaders are limiting their potential for company growth because they fail to examine all the possible ways to achieve it. Some are stuck in copycat mode, constantly mimicking the strategies of their competitors and playing catch-up. Others struggle to come up with […]
