You have twelve months to make history or be history
Anyone who’s spent time in London will have fond memories of lazy Sundays spent in the pub, slowly working your way through your favourite paper. Call me odd, but my favourite London memory came regular as clockwork two days earlier - Friday was the day The Economist...
The furture is scary, the future it’s exciting your choice
We’re taking a slightly different tack this week - I want to get you guys thinking about strategy for your businesses and to offer help in this process for anyone needing it. Let's get to it... Number one of the five strategy rules we looked at last week goes a little...
Talk is cheap…. do you really believe it?
Almost a year ago in this blog, I reviewed Strategy Rules: Five Timeless Lessons from Bill Gates, Andy Grove, and Steve Jobs. As a legendary CEO (of Intel), and all-round godfather of Silicon Valley, I found Andy Grove’s thoughts on strategy provocative and promised...
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
Last week we spoke about engaging stakeholders, and achieving buy-in from decision makers. While the advice around pressing for a decision remains true, it’s easy to overlook what may be the toughest part of the process - the actual presentation. Everyone has their...
Why are you scared to make a decision?
Here’s a short checklist of smart, foolproof ways to mitigate uncertainty at your next big business case presentation. 1, Do the hard work and prep all possible outcomes in advance. 2, Tick off all your stakeholders well before the presentation. 3, Walk through every...
But where’s the cash
Where’s the cash? Well done - if you’re back again this week your idea has passed the “customer problem” test! You’re half way there… So you have a customer problem and a likely solution. Now you need to see if it’s got commercial legs. Here are this week’s...
Seriously, what’s your problem
What’s the problem? In my line of work I see a lot of great new business ideas. It’s a real thrill being at the birth of something that may become truly great - though not all these ideas have what it takes. There are a couple of simple, powerful (occasionally...
You’re better than a blunt axe and $50 off
It looks like the power companies are active in the market at the moment. I have just had a couple of interesting calls with them. Same industry, different company and very different approaches…. Deal One: How many times have you had this call? “Hello sir… have I...
Be a real customer
In the last six months this blog’s twice got close to discussing a problem for decision makers - not thinking like a “real” customer. Back in December you met my colleague, fruitlessly working the sample of one. And a couple of months before that you met me, hard at...
I’m hungry for good service
I’m not sure what the opposite of the power of positive thinking is - but I think we’ve found it. Based on the powerful feedback you’ve given in the last three weeks; I’ve hit a nerve. You are cancelling Sky, seeking better mobile deals, chasing better treatment from...
