Hunter Lott is speaking October 15. His talk, “Hire the Best, Fire the Rest and Stay out of Court” has been well received by thousands of small- to medium-size business executives in the US and Canada.
Value to Members: Members will leave with an ability to audit their own businesses for risky practices and cut through the clutter of employment law to improve harmony and productivity. Included is a review of handbooks, a number of sample policies, a summary of key legal issues, tools to think like an outsider along with solutions to nagging HR frustrations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography: Hunter Lott is a partner in HCap International, publisher of the upcoming Please Sue Me series and owner of HRonCall, an outsource HR support service. For more than 18 years, Lott has given over 4,000 presentations to more than 100,000 managers and owners across the United States.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Q4 "How's the forecasting going..."
It's that time again...and especially challenging with the financial market in turmoil and the importance of November Presidential elections and the implications for small to medium size business owners. We will be spending time working on our Reflections from 2007 and the your Outlook for 2008 and beyond rough drafts.
1. Several of you are finishing up your performance appraisals in October.
2. Hunter Lott is a very knowledgeable resource to those of you updating your employee manuals. Bring it with you on the 15th.
3. What isn't working right in your organization?
4. if you are having revenue issues, keep focusing on cash on hand.
5. Those of you with 15 to 20% or more growth targets, consider developing a best, good and worst case scenario as you go into 2009.
Our economist is suggesting tough times for most of 2009 and a large part of 2010. Don't take my word for it, just look at the market direction and the world attitude. There is always a silver lining in times like this.
1. If you have the cash, look for new markets for your products or services.
2. How well do you know your competitors? Are their children going to run the business? Is it time to talk to them about a succession plan? You buying them!
Ed Stillman
1. Several of you are finishing up your performance appraisals in October.
2. Hunter Lott is a very knowledgeable resource to those of you updating your employee manuals. Bring it with you on the 15th.
3. What isn't working right in your organization?
4. if you are having revenue issues, keep focusing on cash on hand.
5. Those of you with 15 to 20% or more growth targets, consider developing a best, good and worst case scenario as you go into 2009.
Our economist is suggesting tough times for most of 2009 and a large part of 2010. Don't take my word for it, just look at the market direction and the world attitude. There is always a silver lining in times like this.
1. If you have the cash, look for new markets for your products or services.
2. How well do you know your competitors? Are their children going to run the business? Is it time to talk to them about a succession plan? You buying them!
Ed Stillman
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The CEOs Tool Kit
The TOP 45 Best CEO/Executive Tools
As Selected by Executives and Managers of 10,000 North American Companies
1. Key Customer-Impacting Jobs = Find the key jobs affecting customers, put the right people in
those jobs, and really support them. Then watch profits soar!
2. The "Right" Growth Rate = Every company has a "right" growth rate; pre-determine yours.
3. Big Audacious Goals = Results happen by reaching higher, not just by setting logical goals.
4. CEO's Monthly Letter = Get your message to everyone, building trust, teamwork and results.
5. One-Page Business Plan = Create the one-page plan to plug all employees into a common
direction. Your strategy will be pursued by an army of people!
6. 12-Month Company Calendar = Show future events to all employees, creating coordinated
teamwork; the results will astonish you!
7. Trailing 12-Month Charts = Sum of 12 prior months, charted for 3 years; especially %
gross margin.
8. Regular Recognition = Recognize people for performance on a regular, scheduled basis.
9. Quarterly Priorities Sharing = Encourage managers to share individual goals and then
help each other achieve them!
10. 1:1 with Direct Reports = Prescheduled individual uninterruptible weekly meetings keeps
your team on top through relationship-building and communication.
11. YCDBSOYB = Regularly injecting fun into business keeps it fresh, new, and interesting
(e.g., this riddle).
These CEO Tools were compiled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequent speaker to management groups on rapid business
growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information feel
free to call Kraig at (770) 389-8511. (The riddle? YCDBSOYB = You Can't Do Business Sitting on Your Butt!)
Kraig W. Kramers
Corporate Partners Inc.
159 Glen Eagle Way
McDonough, GA 30253
kwker@mindspring.com
Best CEO/Executive Tools
(continued)
12. Goal Writer 101A = Teach "Verb-Noun-Date" to write a goal; simplest example is "Do It Now!"
13. Personal Hot Button = Your key player won't buy it for himself; match it to achieving a key goal.
14. Personal Notes Home = Send individual cheerleading and congratulating notes to maximize results.
15. Celebrate Successes = Report against key goals and regularly celebrate achievement.
16. Focus on Winners = Publicly cheer and celebrate the winners; say nothing about the laggards.
17. How CEOs Spend Time = Hit homeruns with people; spend time on customers/ strategy/tracking.
18. People's BEST Jobs = Identify key people's best jobs and design your organization around them.
19. Monthly Re-Forecasting = Track actual vs. budget; re-forecast next 3 months and act to fill gaps.
20. Backlog Tracker = Build profits by tracking shortfalls in future backlog, then filling the gaps.
21. CEO's Business Cardinals = Your written "business values" will focus your team and attract winners.
22. 7-Step CEO Process = This iterative process will complete the loop in your management system.
23. Recognition Buck$ = Employees recognize each other for positive actions; extends recognition.
24. 35 Executive Success Traits = Use these traits to grow yourself, your team, and to place winners.
25. {Q1 = $1.00} = Use symbolism to communicate (e.g., $1 bill, $ formulas, customer brochures).
26. The Choice Grid = Use this format to assure selection against criteria, not emotion.
27. Executive Development Planner = Easy tool for leaping growth of individual managers.
28. Monthly Operations Report = CEO's personal report card, builds track-record & results.
29. Feed the Effort! = Volunteer your personal support to each person's effort to beat goal.
30. Client Calendar = Really focus your efforts on the customer with this Client version.
31. Lawnmowers vs. Beautiful Lawns = Be sure you know what your business really sells!
32. Communication & Trust = Understand the need to work on both to raise performance.
33. Trade Price for Volume = This can work great if done carefully and selectively.
34. Timing is Everything! = All things go in cycles, so study your industry's & company's cycles.
35. Taking It to the Street = Find every excuse to reiterate goals and direction.
36. Management Cycle = Plan, Lead, Organize & Measure: Work the management cycle.
37. Top 5 Goals = Develop very specific short-term & long-term team goals.
38. Give Customers Profit Information = Give regular information to improve your customers' business.
39. Simple Business Plan Outline = 75% of companies have no plan yet believe they should!
40. Communicate Bigger = Consistency and repetitiveness will dramatically enhance effectiveness.
41. Best Business Philosophy = Monitor details, Measure results, Manage process, and Lead people.
42. Price+Mix+Volume Formula = Tweak these to maximize market share & drive competitors crazy!
43. Daily Cash Report & Re-Forecast = The most important tool for any CEO!
44. Plan Your Exit Way in Advance = It typically takes 3 years to do an exit or company sale right,
so get ready now!
45. Vistage/TEC Membership & Speaking = The best gifts you can give yourself -- try both!
These CEO Tools were assembled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequently requested speaker on rapid business growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information, give Kraig a call at (770) 389-8511.
Top45 KWK 3-30-04 Copyright © 1996-2004 Corporate Partners Inc. All Rights Reserved. CEO Tools BOOK 1-800-247-6553
As Selected by Executives and Managers of 10,000 North American Companies
1. Key Customer-Impacting Jobs = Find the key jobs affecting customers, put the right people in
those jobs, and really support them. Then watch profits soar!
2. The "Right" Growth Rate = Every company has a "right" growth rate; pre-determine yours.
3. Big Audacious Goals = Results happen by reaching higher, not just by setting logical goals.
4. CEO's Monthly Letter = Get your message to everyone, building trust, teamwork and results.
5. One-Page Business Plan = Create the one-page plan to plug all employees into a common
direction. Your strategy will be pursued by an army of people!
6. 12-Month Company Calendar = Show future events to all employees, creating coordinated
teamwork; the results will astonish you!
7. Trailing 12-Month Charts = Sum of 12 prior months, charted for 3 years; especially %
gross margin.
8. Regular Recognition = Recognize people for performance on a regular, scheduled basis.
9. Quarterly Priorities Sharing = Encourage managers to share individual goals and then
help each other achieve them!
10. 1:1 with Direct Reports = Prescheduled individual uninterruptible weekly meetings keeps
your team on top through relationship-building and communication.
11. YCDBSOYB = Regularly injecting fun into business keeps it fresh, new, and interesting
(e.g., this riddle).
These CEO Tools were compiled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequent speaker to management groups on rapid business
growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information feel
free to call Kraig at (770) 389-8511. (The riddle? YCDBSOYB = You Can't Do Business Sitting on Your Butt!)
Kraig W. Kramers
Corporate Partners Inc.
159 Glen Eagle Way
McDonough, GA 30253
kwker@mindspring.com
Best CEO/Executive Tools
(continued)
12. Goal Writer 101A = Teach "Verb-Noun-Date" to write a goal; simplest example is "Do It Now!"
13. Personal Hot Button = Your key player won't buy it for himself; match it to achieving a key goal.
14. Personal Notes Home = Send individual cheerleading and congratulating notes to maximize results.
15. Celebrate Successes = Report against key goals and regularly celebrate achievement.
16. Focus on Winners = Publicly cheer and celebrate the winners; say nothing about the laggards.
17. How CEOs Spend Time = Hit homeruns with people; spend time on customers/ strategy/tracking.
18. People's BEST Jobs = Identify key people's best jobs and design your organization around them.
19. Monthly Re-Forecasting = Track actual vs. budget; re-forecast next 3 months and act to fill gaps.
20. Backlog Tracker = Build profits by tracking shortfalls in future backlog, then filling the gaps.
21. CEO's Business Cardinals = Your written "business values" will focus your team and attract winners.
22. 7-Step CEO Process = This iterative process will complete the loop in your management system.
23. Recognition Buck$ = Employees recognize each other for positive actions; extends recognition.
24. 35 Executive Success Traits = Use these traits to grow yourself, your team, and to place winners.
25. {Q1 = $1.00} = Use symbolism to communicate (e.g., $1 bill, $ formulas, customer brochures).
26. The Choice Grid = Use this format to assure selection against criteria, not emotion.
27. Executive Development Planner = Easy tool for leaping growth of individual managers.
28. Monthly Operations Report = CEO's personal report card, builds track-record & results.
29. Feed the Effort! = Volunteer your personal support to each person's effort to beat goal.
30. Client Calendar = Really focus your efforts on the customer with this Client version.
31. Lawnmowers vs. Beautiful Lawns = Be sure you know what your business really sells!
32. Communication & Trust = Understand the need to work on both to raise performance.
33. Trade Price for Volume = This can work great if done carefully and selectively.
34. Timing is Everything! = All things go in cycles, so study your industry's & company's cycles.
35. Taking It to the Street = Find every excuse to reiterate goals and direction.
36. Management Cycle = Plan, Lead, Organize & Measure: Work the management cycle.
37. Top 5 Goals = Develop very specific short-term & long-term team goals.
38. Give Customers Profit Information = Give regular information to improve your customers' business.
39. Simple Business Plan Outline = 75% of companies have no plan yet believe they should!
40. Communicate Bigger = Consistency and repetitiveness will dramatically enhance effectiveness.
41. Best Business Philosophy = Monitor details, Measure results, Manage process, and Lead people.
42. Price+Mix+Volume Formula = Tweak these to maximize market share & drive competitors crazy!
43. Daily Cash Report & Re-Forecast = The most important tool for any CEO!
44. Plan Your Exit Way in Advance = It typically takes 3 years to do an exit or company sale right,
so get ready now!
45. Vistage/TEC Membership & Speaking = The best gifts you can give yourself -- try both!
These CEO Tools were assembled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequently requested speaker on rapid business growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information, give Kraig a call at (770) 389-8511.
Top45 KWK 3-30-04 Copyright © 1996-2004 Corporate Partners Inc. All Rights Reserved. CEO Tools BOOK 1-800-247-6553
Monday, September 1, 2008
Relationships That Last
One of my founding members, Chuck Thorp, sent over this article with the note below. Together we have made a major impact with his franchisee’s. I'm pleased he's putting our relationship in the company of Mackey and Tindell.
I feel it supports the work that we just did with the DoubleDave's brand and the importance of articulating, educating, and living our brand values in all that we do.
Chuck Thorp
Chief Executive Officer
DoubleDave's Pizzaworks Systems, Inc.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Kraig Kramer comes to Austin
Kraig Kramer, author and lecturer, is coming to Austin on August 20th, 2008. He is our 5th "expert" speaker of the year. His morning workshop has the following segments.
The CEO: Success traits
Which CEO traits are critical?
How do you stack up and what can you do about it?
The CEO as professional manager: Seven critical factors
How CEOs spend their time
The CEO's toolbox
I challenge my members to take away at least two nuggets or action promises on changing one's leadership style and/or behavior.
Ed Stillman
Austin Chair
The CEO: Success traits
Which CEO traits are critical?
How do you stack up and what can you do about it?
The CEO as professional manager: Seven critical factors
How CEOs spend their time
The CEO's toolbox
I challenge my members to take away at least two nuggets or action promises on changing one's leadership style and/or behavior.
Ed Stillman
Austin Chair
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Q32008
Continuing on our Q1 focus and my talk on "Are the the storm clouds headed your way?" These are my focused questions for Q3. I want you to share your Best Practices at our monthly meeting.
1. What are you doing to be more cost effective?
2. What are you doing to control receivables? (are you tracking and calculating "days gross profit?"
3. Since the market pie appears to be shrinking, what other markets can you get your products/services into?
Ed Stillman
1. What are you doing to be more cost effective?
2. What are you doing to control receivables? (are you tracking and calculating "days gross profit?"
3. Since the market pie appears to be shrinking, what other markets can you get your products/services into?
Ed Stillman
Friday, May 23, 2008
May 22 Alan Beaulieu at the Austin All City Meeting packed the Austin Country Club with over 100 attendees
An Economist spoke with my group combined with other Austin groups --
PROJECTING WHEN ECONOMIC CYCLES WILL CHANGE
The US has been a major force in the global business cycle rising trend that we have been enjoying in recent years. This rise is not going to last forever. There are very real threats to the rising trend, made all the more real by the reality of two of our leading indicators having already peaked and in negative trends. These leading indicators are empirical input to the probability of recessionary forces building within the US economy, and by extension the global economy.
The shift in the business cycle trend that lays ahead demands that we prepare our businesses for a changed set of circumstances. Maximizing profits during the 2008-2010 period is going to be very much a function of facing the realities of changing Phase Management Objectives™. It is possible to prosper through the forthcoming malaise, but it requires knowing what the salient indicators are that we should follow, what are some of the potentially countercyclical markets (both within the US and outside of our economy), and what are the major pitfalls to avoid.
The above must be considered in the context of the US' ongoing dominant position in the global economic community, higher energy prices, and dramatically different demographic trends around the globe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography: Alan Beaulieu has been an economist with the Institute for Trend Research (ITR) since 1989. At the institute, he has been engaged in applied research regarding business cycle trend analysis, growth cycle trend analysis, and the utilization of cyclical analysis at a practical business level. The applied research conducted by the institute includes domestic and international economic issues. Beaulieu is a featured speaker at corporate and trade association meetings both in the U.S. and overseas.
PROJECTING WHEN ECONOMIC CYCLES WILL CHANGE
The US has been a major force in the global business cycle rising trend that we have been enjoying in recent years. This rise is not going to last forever. There are very real threats to the rising trend, made all the more real by the reality of two of our leading indicators having already peaked and in negative trends. These leading indicators are empirical input to the probability of recessionary forces building within the US economy, and by extension the global economy.
The shift in the business cycle trend that lays ahead demands that we prepare our businesses for a changed set of circumstances. Maximizing profits during the 2008-2010 period is going to be very much a function of facing the realities of changing Phase Management Objectives™. It is possible to prosper through the forthcoming malaise, but it requires knowing what the salient indicators are that we should follow, what are some of the potentially countercyclical markets (both within the US and outside of our economy), and what are the major pitfalls to avoid.
The above must be considered in the context of the US' ongoing dominant position in the global economic community, higher energy prices, and dramatically different demographic trends around the globe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biography: Alan Beaulieu has been an economist with the Institute for Trend Research (ITR) since 1989. At the institute, he has been engaged in applied research regarding business cycle trend analysis, growth cycle trend analysis, and the utilization of cyclical analysis at a practical business level. The applied research conducted by the institute includes domestic and international economic issues. Beaulieu is a featured speaker at corporate and trade association meetings both in the U.S. and overseas.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Q2 "Let's tighten our belts..."
Alan Beaulieu, Vistage's economist, will be speaking in June on the ecomony and how will it impact Central Texas. This is a must see set of slides! I'll be asking you the following questions in case you haven't already asked your management team.
1. Is your line of credit adequate? Have you started looking for a regional or local commerical banking relationship?
2. What is your competitive edge and does everyone in your company know it?
3. What are you doing to differienate yourselves from your competition?
Ed Stillman
1. Is your line of credit adequate? Have you started looking for a regional or local commerical banking relationship?
2. What is your competitive edge and does everyone in your company know it?
3. What are you doing to differienate yourselves from your competition?
Ed Stillman
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Preparing Your Business for Growth
Feb 20 Susan Pravda joins our group to discuss Business Brokerage, Mergers & Acquisitions.
http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/13/executive-woman-finance-forbeslife-cz_flew_0927wealth.html
Value to Members: Members will leave with a series of action items to insure they are well prepared to undertake any transaction. They will also depart with an in-depth knowledge of how to best run a process, control the costs and to ensure its successful completion. Additionally, they will receive handout materials covering confidentiality agreements, due diligence checklists, sample letters of intent and similar documents for their future use.
Bio: Susan Pravda is office managing partner of Foley & Lardner's Boston office and co-chair of the firm's Technology Practice. Prior to joining Foley & Lardner, she was co-managing partner at Epstein Becker & Green's Boston office.
http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/13/executive-woman-finance-forbeslife-cz_flew_0927wealth.html
Value to Members: Members will leave with a series of action items to insure they are well prepared to undertake any transaction. They will also depart with an in-depth knowledge of how to best run a process, control the costs and to ensure its successful completion. Additionally, they will receive handout materials covering confidentiality agreements, due diligence checklists, sample letters of intent and similar documents for their future use.
Bio: Susan Pravda is office managing partner of Foley & Lardner's Boston office and co-chair of the firm's Technology Practice. Prior to joining Foley & Lardner, she was co-managing partner at Epstein Becker & Green's Boston office.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Q1 "Up on the balcony..."
Are the Storm Clouds headed your way? Yoga Berra said, cash ain't cash unless it's cash! Are you managing your payroll with or without the help of your banker and their line of credit? How comfortable are you in answering the following questions?
1. Do you have your arms around your sales pipeline? Do you trust the numbers? What is your degree of predictability when it comes to your future revenue stream?
2. Are you tracking from the windshield or the rear view mirror? What are your KPI's telling you?
3. What are your top 4 Key indicators? Bring your charts and graphs each month to review with the members.
4. Have we discussed/reviewed your direct reports performance rating for Q407, 2007 and expectations for Q1 and 2008 by quarter? As your accountability coach, a few of you owe me?
Ed Stillman
1. Do you have your arms around your sales pipeline? Do you trust the numbers? What is your degree of predictability when it comes to your future revenue stream?
2. Are you tracking from the windshield or the rear view mirror? What are your KPI's telling you?
3. What are your top 4 Key indicators? Bring your charts and graphs each month to review with the members.
4. Have we discussed/reviewed your direct reports performance rating for Q407, 2007 and expectations for Q1 and 2008 by quarter? As your accountability coach, a few of you owe me?
Ed Stillman
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
