The Real “Best Practices”
"Best practices" are going to be more focused on industries, professions, and markets than ever before. In any case, the most effective "best practices" are usually internal, not external. Organizations look to others without bothering to examine whether they've disseminated
Field Day
(A "field day," from the military and maneuvers in the field, is today used to denote a time of fun and excitement.) Small businesses are being overwhelmed in post-pandemic business. Many are understaffed. Owners and employees are working long and hard
Sources
Our driveway is over 150 years long and requires the crossing of a small bridge. We have an alarm that sounds in the house when a car or person (or deer) crosses the bridge. Once upon a time, the dogs
I’ll Have the NO NORMAL™ Please
The people who talk about "returning to normal" are those people who are going to be bringing up the rear in the new marketplaces. How do conference centers and hotels lure back millions of dollars in convention business when organizations can
Consulting 301
There's a lot of truth in the consulting advice, "If it hurts when you do that, stop doing that. That will be $50,000." (The last part is my own value-based addition.) Here's a current version: "Any strategy you had in place
Community
According to the book, Loneliness Is an Emergency, lonely people are more likely to have heart attacks and cancer and alcoholism, and even common colds (reported in the New York Times). I don't think "loneliness" is necessarily solitude. I think it means being
You’re Too Busy to Use A Smart Phone During A Break?
The same contractors not returning calls right now will be the same ones crying their eyes out in six months because they have no business. You see, consulting is very simple: If it hurts when you do that (not returning
Surveys
If you must create a survey, first determine what information you desire to capture, not what questions to ask. Keep it as brief as you can and focus on a single issue, e.g., response time. Include a qualitative response option,
Consulting 301
Most organizations (and consultants) make the mistake of looking externally for "best practices" to apply. In fact, most organizations have internal best practices that are not shared for a number of reasons. I had an auto client who wanted me to
Consulting 201
If you don't have a value proposition that is appealing, relevant, and engaging, the point of your arrow is blunted. The aerodynamics are poor and it won't penetrate anything. It will merely bounce off. If you have a strong brand, people