It’s that time of the year again when most businesses and organizations (just like yours) begin to work on their strategic plans for the coming year. However, the vast majority of strategic plans aren’t very strategic at all. Why? Because most strategic plans are simply tactical plans dressed up with the phrase, “strategic,” in front [...]
Is Your Strategic Plan Actually Strategic?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Business, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Planning, Strategy
Have You Created Your 100 Day Plan Yet?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Business, Communication, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Marketing, Planning, Strategy
I know it’s hard to believe, but we’re almost done with calendar year 2010. As of today, there are only 103 days left before January 1 rolls around again–which means it’s once again time for that 100 Day end of the year plan and push campaign. And I do mean “plan and push.” Why? Because [...]
Focus Your Marketing (and Strategy) More on New Than on Better
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Business, Change, Communication, Creativity/Innovation, Design, Entreprenuership, Goals, Leadership, Marketing, Planning, Pricing, Remarkability, Strategy
When you go to buy something yourself, are you more interested in getting the “New” thing or the “Better” thing? Which one gets you more excited? Note: this even applies to Apple. When they introduce something that’s improved (for ex. speed) it gets a yawn. But when they introduce something new (for ex. Face Time or [...]
If You Want to Lead Well, Be Among Your People
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Business, Change, Character, Communication, Goals, Leadership, Managing Talent, Personal Development, Relationships
A recent conversation highlighted one of the more common mistakes leaders make, especially once they get past 15 or more employees–they stop hanging out with their people–which is both understandable … and disastrous. It’s understandable because leaders lead through their leaders/direct reports. Between meetings and working with and through their direct reports, there’s often very [...]
Need Some Inspiration?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Attitude, Branding/Differentiation, Business, Change, Character, Communication, Creativity/Innovation, Customer Service, Design, Finances/Money Management, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Learning, Managing Talent, Marketing, Personal Development, Planning, Remarkability, Strategy, Time Management, Writing
If you’re at all like me, chances are you have some favorite quotes that you return to over an over again to pick you up and get your headed in the right direction. I remember, shortly after my board coup several years ago, the movie “Rocky Balboa” came out and in the middle of the [...]
What’s the Difference Between Mission and Vision?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Branding/Differentiation, Business, Goals, Leadership, Planning, Strategy
A few months ago, after talking with a client, I decided to write a blog post on the differences between mission, vision, initiatives and goals–and it’s been one of the most read posts on my blog. In light of that, I decided to practice what I preach (find out what people want … and give [...]
What’s the Difference Between Mission, Vision, Initiatives and Goals?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Business, Communication, Entreprenuership, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Planning, Strategy
I was talking with one of my clients earlier today and we ran into a common problem that most organizations have when they engage in strategic planning–that is, confusion (or agreement) about what individual terms mean. For example, what’s the difference between a mission and a vision? Or what’s the difference between an opportunity and [...]
What’s Holding You Back, Part II
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Attitude, Business, Change, Creativity/Innovation, Finances/Money Management, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Learning, Managing Talent, Planning, Strategy, Time Management
If you didn’t read part one, scroll below (if you’re on the blog right now) or click on the following link>> (if you’re reading this by RSS). Note: If you didn’t answer the question from the last post, “What are the major constraints that are hindering me (and my business/organization) from achieving my (our) potential?”, [...]
What’s Holding You and Your Company Back?
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Books, Business, Change, Goals, Growth, Operations, Planning, Strategy
Are you familiar with the Theory of Constraints (TOC)? If you’re not, the theory (an overall management philosophy) came into vogue post the publication of a book entitled, “The Goal,” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. In its most basic form the theory contends that any manageable system (like your business) is hindered from achieving its potential [...]
New Free Report on Fast Growth Released Today!
Posted on by Bruce Johnson in Branding/Differentiation, Business, Change, Communication, Customer Service, Entreprenuership, Finances/Money Management, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Learning, Managing Talent, Marketing, Operations, Planning, Small Business, Strategy
Want to Know How You Can Immediately Begin to Grow Your Business Faster Than You Ever Have Before—While Increasing Your Ability to Lead It More Effectively? If so, you’ll want to immediately get your hands on the new free report I just released today entitled, “The Seven Secrets of Fast Growth Companies.” Inside it you’ll discover, [...]


