Steve Shu Consulting

JULY 28, 2015

There are four books that I recommend as core to the generic practice of consulting. These are: The McKinsey Way by Ethan Rasiel. Process Consultation by Edgar Schein (dry read). Flawless Consulting by Peter Block (optional and highly recommended for those coming from engineering versus consulting backgrounds). The Pyramid Principle:Logic In Writing and Thinking (for managers & consultants especially) by Barbara Minto.

Consulting 207

Consulting Management McKinsey Interviews 207

David A Fields

JULY 27, 2015

A consultant asked me the following question: I’ve received an introduction to a prospect and have a meeting scheduled. How should I find out about their needs prior to the meeting? Beyond looking at their website, how do I get very specific information that will lead to a real working relationship? What advice would you give this consultant? Do you have a process for discovering needs before an initial meeting?

Consulting 163

Consulting Meeting 163

Women in Consulting

JULY 30, 2015

By: Joanna Nowak. I’m not exactly a raving fan of Mad Men or Don Draper, but I watched enough episodes to notice how in every episode almost all characters are engaged in a mindless activity which is detrimental to their health. Any guesses what it is? Smoking, of course. It’s stunning how that mindless habit was such a big part of our culture; yet it isn’t anymore.

Meeting 89

Meeting Energy Efficiency Financial 89

Tom Spencer

JULY 29, 2015

When a baby is born it knows nothing about the world. So little, in fact, that it has no concept of self. The baby, its mother, and the world are one. As the baby grows it discovers the world for the first time. Hands, feet, pee, poop, mumma and dada. . The baby’s mother whispers “you are special!”, and the baby establishes a sense of self.

Education 85

Education 85

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Steve Shu Consulting

JULY 31, 2015

Resources 150

Resources Consulting Management 150

MishTalk

JULY 30, 2015

On July 1, the Spanish Government went to " Full Police State ", with enactment of law forbidding dissent and unauthorized photos of law enforcement. Spain's officially a police state now. On July 1st, its much-protested "gag" law went into effect, instantly making criminals of those protesting the new law. Among the many new repressive stipulations is a €30,000-€600,000 fine for "unauthorized protests," which can be combined for maximum effect with a €600-€300,000 fine for "disrupting public ev

Media 61

Media Report Government Management 61

Tom Spencer

JULY 27, 2015

I recently had the dubious honour of meeting with two partners from London based law firm Olswang. Olswang is a firm which holds itself out to the market as being an expert in technology, media and telecommunications, and so I was quite looking forward to meeting them. Unfortunately, I was sadly disappointed. It was interesting to learn that, despite being apparent technology experts, the firm’s partners still use an old version of the Blackberry.

Telecommunications 81

Telecommunications Media Meeting Industry 81

Chad Barr

JULY 29, 2015

This week’s reflection point: Does it ever feel like technology is controlling you, rather than empowering you? If so, it’s easy to understand why. We live in a world where machines seem to conquer all. Back in 2011, IBM’s “Watson” computer beat out Jeopardy! ‘s two best players to win over $70,000 in a landslide victory.

Efficiency 52

Efficiency Productivity Media Course 52

Strategy+Business

JULY 28, 2015

Several coincident, significant transformations are causing a revolution in the way electricity -- the vital fuel of global commerce and human comfort -- is produced, distributed, stored, and marketed. As a result, a top-down, centralized system is devolving into one that is much more distributed and interactive, and more competitive. But the implications of this revolution go far beyond the utility sector.

Industry 44

Industry System Marketing 44

Advertiser: ZoomInfo

Marketing technology is essential for B2B marketers to stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape — and with 53% of marketers experiencing legacy technology issues and limitations, they’re researching innovations to expand and refine their technology stacks. To help practitioners keep up with the rapidly evolving martech landscape, this special report will discuss: How practitioners are integrating technologies and systems to encourage information-sharing between departments and pr

How To

MishTalk

JULY 31, 2015

Chicago Eyes Bonds that Delay Repayments Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has his eyes on raising money via Capital Appreciation Bonds. CABs saddle taxpayers with higher costs because they delay interest and principle payments until a final lump-sum payment at the end. CABs have fallen out of favor because of risk. Some cities and states have outlawed them.

Travel 61

Travel Education System Management 61

Tom Spencer

JULY 28, 2015

If you are subscribed to this blog, then you either have an interest in management consulting, a passion for strategic thinking, or you just love reading along to see what I might come up with. This blog is invariable upbeat (with the exception of yesterday’s post, which was an unfortunate diversion, and comes with my apologies). But as you read this blog you may have found yourself thinking one of the following: I knew that; I have a better idea; or.

Consulting 78

Consulting Management 78

Martinka Consulting

JULY 30, 2015

A few months ago Business Brokerage Press published a list of (longtime) business broker Tom West’s “Rules of Thumb.” I picked out my top seven, list them below, and offer some comments including how they may apply to all businesses. “The reason for sale a seller initially provides is very seldom the real one.” Oh so true, one of the top causes of skepticism with buyers, and applies to many things in our business and personal lives. “The real selling price is

Real Estate 43

Real Estate Sales Industry Consulting 43

Strategy+Business

JULY 26, 2015

Once solely dedicated to low-cost support for local factories, these centers, a new survey reveals, are now pursuing "knowledge-driven" R&D -- conducting fundamental research.

Survey 44

Survey Research 44

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MishTalk

JULY 27, 2015

At long last, the stench from Chicago is so strong that Fitch can finally smell it. Fitch just now downgraded Chicago Board of Education General Obligation bonds to junk status. Fitch and the S&P were holdouts because there's money to be made by purposely pretending a manure factory is a rose garden. MarketWatch reports Fitch Downgrades Chicago Board of Ed (IL) ULTGOs to 'BB+'.

Cash Flow 61

Cash Flow Education Report Financial 61

Tom Spencer

JULY 30, 2015

Strategy involves defending your slice of pie, or growing it bigger. Innovation involves saying, “hey, we have some pie, why don’t we bake a cake or some cookies to go with it.” Some companies spend so much time trying to get more pie, that they never get a chance to enjoy a second dish. Business (like life) should be enjoyed. What’s on your menu this month?

Strategy 75

Strategy Strategy Strategy& Company 75

Seth Godin Blog

JULY 28, 2015

I define art as having nothing at all to do with painting. Art is a human act, a generous contribution, something that might not work, and it is intended to change the recipient for the better, often causing a connection to happen. Five elements that are difficult to find and worth seeking out. Human, generous, risky, change and connection. You can be perfect or you can make art.

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Martinka Consulting

JULY 25, 2015

Writers or stories? A great story carries itself. But what about the other 99.9% (of stories)? A good writer makes a story come alive; also known as non-fiction. A great writer creates her own story; aka fiction. Many of the stories we know, love, and repeat would be nothing without a storyteller, i.e. a person. Players or play? Every professional sports team, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, etc., has the same plays.

Sports 43

Sports Banking Strategy Strategy 43

This White Paper targets opportunities for Management to develop proficiency in the Decision Framing and Analyses element of input to Decision, & Risk Analyses for Major Project Funding Decisions.

Methodologies

MishTalk

JULY 26, 2015

The eurozone is supposedly in a state of recovery. However, in spite of that recovery, public debt and debt-to GGP levels are still rising. Austerity is difficult to find in any realistic sense. Please consider Eurozone Borrowing Rises to Record as Recovery Remains Weak. The European Central Bank’s programme of quantitative easing has pushed down interest rates to ultra low levels, encouraging governments to borrow more in the early part of this year, despite turmoil in Greece.

Banking 61

Banking Government Policies System 61

Tom Spencer

JULY 26, 2015

(Source: 드림포유 ). This is a guest post from Archie Ward. Business partnerships can be an integral part of start-up success and growth of a new venture. If properly implemented and executed, partnerships can be an effective way to grow your enterprise without having to implement time consuming and difficult changes or having to make costly investments.

Enterprise 71

Enterprise Guidelines Ethics Strategy 71

Seth Godin Blog

JULY 25, 2015

I don't think we have a calling. I do think it's possible to have a caring. A calling implies that there's just one thing for you, just one thing you're supposed to do.  What we most need in our lives, though, is something worth doing, worth it because we care. There are plenty of forces pushing us to not care. Bosses, systems, bureaucracies and the fear of mattering.

System 43

System 43

Strategy+Business

JULY 27, 2015

The beverage alcohol world is ripe for disruption, and distributors who are willing to navigate the industry's hurdles will find opportunities for growth.

Industry 44

Industry 44

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Case Study

MishTalk

JULY 29, 2015

Impact of the "Selfie" Are you into Facebook, Instagrams, and "Selfies" (taking lots of pictures of yourself and sharing them instantly)? I'm not but, but in my travels I see lots of it. The popularity of sending "selfies" has even influenced retail sales and women's fashion. After all, one cannot be seen in the same outfit too often! Here's an amusing video that discusses the impact of the "selfie".

Fashion 60

Fashion Trends Retail Video 60

Gina Abudi

JULY 30, 2015

Change savvy organizations recognize that change is a natural part of the organization and that it must be managed. They understand that change management is a competency and ensure that individual contributors up to the leadership team have that competency in order for change to be successful. They also understand that change is difficult – [.]. The post Is Your Organization Change-Savvy?

Change Management 40

Change Management Leadership Management 40

Seth Godin Blog

JULY 29, 2015

An expected apology rarely makes things better. But an expected apology that never arrives can make things worse. An expected thank you note rarely satifies. But an expected thank you that never arrives can make things worse. On the other hand, the unexpected praise or apology, the one that comes out of the blue, can change everything. It's easier than ever to reach out and speak up.

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1 to 1

JULY 30, 2015

Facebook knows who you are. LinkedIn knows where you work. It's increasingly difficult though to tell the difference between LinkedIn and Facebook with both sites offering many of the same functions. This is a problem for LinkedIn in particular as it alienates its core user group of professionals and undermines the site's value. There’s more… To read the rest of this blog posting click here or visit www.1to1Media.com/weblog.

Groups 40

Groups Media Strategy Strategy 40

Advertiser: ZoomInfo

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