Posts Tagged ‘downturn’
Growth through Focus: It’s Clear as a Bell
Posted by Rick McPartlin on April 5th, 2011
Faced with economic headwinds, many global corporations are struggling to grow their businesses profitably.
“Meanwhile, many business leaders continue to seek growth by extending their existing product lines and brands, as well as by entering new geographic regions. After all, growth is supposed to be about ‘MORE’ — more products on the shelf, more categories, more brands, and more markets.
“However, this approach is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of what business leaders should do to drive increased revenues and profits.
Taming the Elephant in 2011
Posted by Jane Adamson on December 7th, 2010
2010 has been the year of the great stall. The world marketplace has shifted dramatically, and our society can’t stop talking, reading, and writing about it. Yet many of us haven’t gone much further than talk. We haven’t done anything yet. The decisions, changes, and actions needed to actually deal with the new marketplace have been [...]
The Opportunity Cost of that Special Deal
Posted by Rick McPartlin on August 3rd, 2010
Based on the conversations I’ve been having recently, I know you’ll recognize this scenario. Your star sales rep has uncovered an interesting revenue opportunity, but it’s off strategy for your company. It might require more customization than you typically provide. Perhaps it’s a new industry for you, or you’ll need to hire new people with different skill sets in order to fulfill it. It may also be a test program with promises of future business if the stars are aligned.
Whatever the case, during difficult times, a CEO is more likely to say yes to these kinds of deals — typically called “bluebirds” because they’re beautiful but very troublesome. After all, it’s revenue, right? Absolutely, and revenue is precious right now. Perhaps this bluebird is really a symbol of a real market trend, so you have to pay attention.
Have we entered a New Normal? Hardly.
Posted by Jane Adamson on May 4th, 2010
I have a bone to pick with the phrase “The New Normal” and how frequently it’s being tossed around these days. Yes, we’re emerging from a disastrous global economic crisis. In the aftermath of a tsunami, it’s tempting to look around and call the new landscape “The New Normal.”
My discomfort derives from the implied assumption that there is a “normal” at all.
