Tag: strategy

Posted on

Think about “hair on fire” Customer opportunities

In the last two weeks we’ve looked at scary, wild, outrageous and threatening occurrences in the business environment and then categorised these using a TOWS analysis. The final step is selecting what to do.

Making a selection is fraught with risk, and doubt. The risk is illustrated by a 2019 CB Insights study of 311 Startups that showed that 42% of startups die because they work on products with no market need the opportunity lacked insight.… Read more

Posted on

Using our Scary, Wild, Outrageous and Threatening SWOT to create action

Last week I was inspired by a children’s book, today I’m inspired by a brilliant artist… more about Picasso at the end of this post. So we started, last week, by reframing the questions we ask of ourselves to create the raw materials for our business strategy the evergreen SWOT.

the essence of strategy is action not planning

Why I like SWOT is that not only is it essential in identifying what to take note of in the environment, but it also enables us to identify how we turn what can be a lifeless list into action.… Read more

Posted on

So how do I build a WILD and SCARY SWOT

After engaging with a chohort of enthusiastic participants (not pictured above) in our recent Strategies for Growth Seminar at SMU, I was reminded how important and how overlooked the simple SWOT analysis is. And was inspired by “Where the WILD things are” to reconsider how to go about strategic planning.

I believe SWOT the simplest and most powerful tool in your strategic pack.… Read more

Posted on

Buybacks (still) propel Corporate leaders growth strategies

If your CEO has a problem making money during a Covid-19 crisis – here’s an easy solution: visit your local bank borrow several billion dollars at Super Low interest and buy back shares.

It certainly doesn’t propel performance, but it makes earnings per share look much better.

And for greedy investors who are looking for good quarterly performance and an ability to sell out at a moments notice … it’s great.… Read more

Posted on

Early strategy lessons from Covid

I’m currently assessing how we can use people’s TOP of mind awareness of, and interest in Covid-19… here are my thoughts on strategy engagement

1. Hire competent people (hire competent Politicians) stress INTELLIGENCE & SKILL over loyalty

2. Discuss with your people the Long-term desired OUTCOMES ( the WHY)

3. Give your people the resources & capabilities to do the job

4.… Read more