Economic Trends Affecting Business in 2018 and Beyond
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this second post of the series, we provide an overview of economic trends facing business owners in 2018 and beyond. This post will first focus on the U.S.,...
Political Trends Affecting Business in 2018 and Beyond
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In this article, Part 1 of a four-part series, we have drawn upon notable sources such as The Economist, Kiplinger and Bloomberg Businessweek to provide an...
Why I Still Hate Black Friday
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Those who have followed this blog for some time have heard my rant before; I hate Black Friday. It demonstrates desperation on the part of retailers, and...
What Should You Spend on Marketing in 2018?
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In our strategy practice, we have worked with over 135 companies. We have observed that client acquisition tactics and marketing investment vary greatly, from...
Where Agility and Planning Meet
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]As professional strategic planning consultants and facilitators, we work with companies of all shapes and sizes, from cutting-edge technology to more mature...
Why Everyone is Afraid of Amazon
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kroger recently announced it would sell its operating division and exit the convenience store business entirely. The move was viewed by many as an effort to focus...
Do You Have Accountability In Your Organization?
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]In my travels as a professional strategic planning facilitator, I have worked with thousands of business executives. A common theme among them is frustration about...
Is Going Global Worth the Risk?
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Within our strategy consulting firm, nearly all our clients distribute internationally or procure something overseas. For many, export has been a vital element of...
Is Branding Dead?
[vc_row row_height_percent="0" overlay_alpha="50" gutter_size="3" shift_y="0"][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you peruse the food section in Costco, you’re not likely to spot a KIND bar, or any variation of those branded products that crack your teeth. Many have been...
