The Wealthy Business - by EnergizeGrowth

The Impact of Google’s China Syndrome on Your Business Strategy

In the 1979 award-winning thriller, "The China Syndrome," a reporter (Jane Fonda) and cameraman (Michael Douglas) discovered safety violations at a nuclear power plant.  The term "China Syndrome" reflected the belief that if an American nuclear reactor plant experiences a meltdown, the core will melt through the earth until it reaches China.  (Suspend your disbelief for a moment--we all know that the opposite side of the globe is actually the Indian Ocean).

It may appear that Google is experiencing a business strategy crisis right now--but they are actually averting a global commercial meltdown in the long term. Here’s why.

 
 

The core of any organization is defined by its values. Our values determine the way we run our lives as well as how we do things at work.  When companies are not living their core values, they have no safety net.  They are inviting a meltdown of trust, repute, and long-term viability.  When they defend their core values, they create a more temporary, less threatening challenge: controversy.   

Google's China Syndrome underscores three important reminders:

Client Wisdom: The Most Overlooked Way to Accelerate Your Business Development Process

Many B2B companies are facing enormous pressure to protect their fee structures.  How do you leverage client input to grow a wealthier company --even when clients are demanding more value for less money?
My recent podcast with Casey Hibbard of Stories that Sell will provide you with some valuable strategies to strengthen your business development process and elevate your value. 

In this 23 minute audio interview, you will learn:

1.  The 7 NEW criteria for building a wealthy company
2.  Why client interviews can help you deepen relationships
3.  The right way and the wrong way to conduct client interviews
4.  How to use client success story "sound bites"

To download the interview, go here.

How are you leveraging client wisdom in your organization?  Post your examples here.  We would love to hear.

copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell.  All rights reserved.

Four Ways to Make Your Next Strategy Session Sing

Boring strategy sessions are the bain of every busy executive.  Thankfully, when I spoke to a group of 130 CEOs in San Diego, California last week, I felt hopeful that they still have their place in today's Web 2.0 world.

This meeting was unlike any other event where I have been invited. I just had to tell you about the strategies that host Jim Tenuto used to produce a spectacular brand and experience.
Jim is the President of the Renaissance Executive Forums CEO peer groups in San Diego, California. His CEO peer groups represent a solid cross section of San Diego entrepreneurs.  Here's Jim with an overview:

 

Join us tomorrow at Anthology 7:30 am for breakfast & book signing--email jtenuto@executiveforums.com for registration details.

Just landed in San Diego for tomorrow's CEO breakfast and book signing...the 80 degree sunny weather sure has me energized!

How WD-40 Aligns People, Processes, Passions and Profits

I had the pleasure of conducting another interview with Garry Ridge, CEO of WD-40 headquartered in San Diego, California.  For the past six years, I have constantly been intrigued by Garry's intense commitment to developing people.  While many companies have postponed professional development and innovation until the economic climate improves, WD-40 stays the course.  Enjoy this 30 minute interview and hear how he and his team have achieved the following:

* aligned team performance goals with company performance goals
* ensured their company values contribute directly to building a strong fortress of brands
* invested in programs that create a positive impact in the global communities they serve

* created leading performance indicators to ensure consistent results

I also suggest you listen to what keeps Garry energized during these challenging times. He is a living example of what happens when you commit to a vision and honor your values--two cornerstone elements of the EnergizeGrowth planning system.  It's no wonder that WD-40 continues to weather the economic storms with aplomb.

Here is the link:
http://www.energizegrowth.com/audio/Garry_Ridge_030810.mp3

Copyright 2010, Lisa Nirell.  All rights reserved.

Enjoying clear blue skies in Portland...off to shop and prepare for world travels in April & May!

Three Ways to Leverage Positive Economic Signs NOW

We face a plethora of negative economic news every day. How can we build a successful business strategy when we are bombarded by nay-sayers?  I looked under the covers and found encouraging signs of growth.  Act on them before your competitors do.

Here are just a few, and some strategies for capitalizing on them.

Professional Services Marketing: A Rocky Future?

While networking with several professional services firms this month, I have discovered some disturbing habits. A wise person once said:  "When the water is low, you can see the rocks."  And boy, are these rocks jagged!

These ruminations apply to solo practitioners as well as $200M established accounting firms:

Professional Services Marketing: A Rocky Future?

While networking with several professional services firms this month, I have discovered some disturbing habits. A wise person once said:  "When the water is low, you can see the rocks."  And boy, are these rocks jagged!

These ruminations apply to solo practitioners as well as $200M established accounting firms: