I specialize in complex problems involving highly integrated systems. Systems where organizational culture, tradition, process, people, and technology combine to produce a stable yet inflexible solution. Such systems are resistant to change primarily because so much is vested in them.  I call them “Vested Systems” and any apporach to changing them must handled with care and respect.

I study all aspects of “Vested Systems” inlcuding compensation and other motives to the quality of external support.  I score every element on several scales to build fresh picture of the system. Such fresh look typically facilitates honest discussion about where to focus the lance of change.

Conversely I also enjoy mapping out the technology choices and processes for new business ventures. There are tremendous internet accessible solutions which can be combined to provide excellent systems without capital outlay. Such systems are ideal for new ventures as they bring clarity without being “vested systems”.

Other Services:

Business Intelligence and customer service - Who’s your customer and what do they expect of you?  What do you expect of them?  Are you treating them well?  Do they come back for more?  Do you reach out to them, how and how often?

Business Plan – Business Planning – Are you able to describe your business in enough detail to meet the needs of your stakeholders, potential investors, lenders, partners or buyers?

Mission Statement, Goals and progress markers – Is your mission statement clear and far reaching enough for someone to grasp in 30 seconds?  Do your goals drive your staff correctly?

Strategic Planning – Business Alignment – Is your mission supported by clear strategic objectives?  Do the various parts of your business work in concert or conflict?

Organization, Structure, Culture, Career Path, Succession and incentives – Does your organizational structure drive the business or impede it.  Do your key players have a growth path?  If you suffer a loss is there a replacement ready to take over?  Do your incentives work in concert with your goals?

Technology – Are you getting the most from your technology?   Do you view technology as a weapon, a tool or a necessary evil?  Are you trying to solve people problems with technology?  Do you have a technological white elephant?

Measurement, Metrics , Performance, Score Card – What’s your posture on performance measurement?  Do you count everything which moves?  Have you been able to draw parallels between your recorded measurements and the successes or failures of your strategies?  Can your measurements provide clear and unchallenged proof of your progression towards your goals?  Do you use a Score Card system?  Is your Score Card solution taken seriously?

Product Management, R&D – Do your products and services interoperate?  Do your products or services overlap?  Do your customers have a clear upgrade path?  If there a clear product lifecycle?  Do your future products and services have a clear path to move from conception to customer?

Marketing, Marketing Plan, Branding and Selling – Does your business have a recognized brand?  Do your products and services further that brand penetration?  Do you market your products, your brand or both?  Do you have a Marketing Plan?  Do you have Sales goals?  Do your sales goals and practices work in concert with your Marketing Plan?  Does your release management process properly cater for product still in the channel?

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