Written by Andrew Hurrell Reflecting on our discussions with many varied organizations, we have seen many approaches to strategic planning. Here are the top five strategic planning mistakes we have encountered: MISTAKE #1: Not having a strategic plan The reality for many organizations is that everyone needs to be focused on getting the job done…. Read more >
Strategy
Mastering Your 30 Second Sound Bite
Recording date: May 18, 2011 Featuring: Patricia den Boer and Marianne Oakes (OTUS Group) Does your elevator pitch really promote your business? Are you ready to face a reporter? Can you think on your feet when questions come from left field? Today the 30-second sound bite can carry more weight than a well-crafted speech or presentation. Having the skills… Read more >
What Do You Really Get With an Audit?
Written by Brian Watson Many associations arrange to get audited financial statements each year. It’s often a requirement in the association’s by-laws. But what exactly does an association get when it invests in an audit? The association’s auditor is basically selling confidence in the financial information that is being presented. Financial statements contain essential information… Read more >
Avoiding the Summer Time Blues
Written by Francis Liska The summer season is upon us. For most of us, that means taking time away from business to enjoy some well earned vacation. Yet for some, it is almost impossible to get away. For many, even though they are on vacation, they really can’t leave the business behind for more than… Read more >
Understanding Your Ideal Client
Recording date: March 30, 2011 Featuring: Andrew Hurrell and Francis Liska (OTUS Group) Every business needs customers, but knowing how to identify your ideal client is a key component of running a successful business and will keep your business growing. Business experts Andrew Hurrell and Francis Liska of the OTUS Group discuss what you can do to start the process of… Read more >
Using Internal Communications to Build your Brand
Recording date: March 2, 2011 Featuring: Pat den Boer and Marianne Oakes (OTUS Group) Your business relies on your reputation; sometimes this is called your brand. How can you ensure that everyone in the company is contributing to your positive image? How do you prevent customer care issues from ruining years of positive experiences? How does everyone become to… Read more >
Five Keys to Succession Success
Recording date: March 16, 2011 Featuring: Ron Prehogan (President, Equitas Consulting) Knowing whether or not to pass the business down to the next generation or to sell it to a prospective buyer isn’t an easy decision when it comes time for you to retire, and determining the best way to transition the business and knowing whether or not… Read more >
Your Ideal Client
Recording date: February 09, 2011 Featuring: Andrew Hurrell and Richard MacNeill (OTUS Group) Not all clients are alike. What if you could attract only the most profitable, easy to deal with customers, who would become raving fans for your products or services. If you spent all your efforts attracting and retaining these clients, while ignoring all others, you would… Read more >
Non Profit Legal Changes
Recording date: June 16, 2010 Featuring: Adam Aptowitzer (Drache Aptowitzer) and Bron Vasic (OTUS Group) The legal framework in Canada is changing for the non-profit corporations. The Federal Government is moving closer to implementing Bill C-4 and the Ontario Government is alsopreparing its Not-for-Profit Corporations Act 2010 (C-65). Find out what these changes mean and how every not-for-profit and charity… Read more >
Realistic Optimism for 2011
Written by Francis Liska I recommend the Weekly Hotlist from the Harvard Business Review as an excellent source of information and ideas to help make your business stronger. In November 2010, Tony Schwartz contributed an excellent article that spoke to the power of realistic optimism. More often than not we are bombarded with negative news… Read more >