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Is Strategic Business Planning Dead – in Today’s Topsy-Turvy World?

Aug 24, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Planning

Yes, according to some pundits, who argue that long term and strategy focused enterprise planning has lost its meaning and relevance in a new world order defined by constant turmoil, change, and chaos. Some suggest instead that organizations should focus on preserving operational flexibility and maneuverability, and on being opportunistic – keeping their options open. Others argue that the economy and markets are today too volatile and unpredictable for developing an effective strategic plan. One ‘consultant’ I know has even characterized strategic planning as little more than a fad whose time has now come and gone – just like so […]

Who’ll run your firm tomorrow?

Jul 21, 2010adminPlanning

What’s the biggest challenge facing your firm? Some recent answers I’ve heard: “staying afloat,” “getting through the summer,” and “making payroll.” A lot of AEE firms are doing just “OK” this year, while many others continue to struggle – week to week, month to month – with thin backlogs, weak utilization, and a still uncertain forecast. Most continue cutting costs, closely managing cash, and looking hard (though not always effectively) for new work. But far too many firm leaders are over-focusing today on the short term. Yes, stabilizing and restructuring the firm has been critical (and much needed) for short […]

What’s the risk in your business?

Jun 9, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Operations

Are you following events in the Gulf of Mexico? It’s hard to get the straight story, but no matter how you slice it, the BP blow out will have a near catastrophic impact on both the environment and economy of the gulf coast region. And I’m an oil guy – with sixteen years notched as an oil and gas geologist, environmental manager, and business leader at Exxon Corporation. Exxon was a top notch company – with towering financial strength, global reach and breadth, world class technical prowess, and a culture of ethics, safety, quality, and teamwork. But like many large […]

Prepare now – the recovery is coming.

Jun 7, 2010adminPlanning

Yes, the economic rebound is on the way. Guaranteed. But where, and when? If you’re like most architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting (AEE) professionals, you’ve been asking and analyzing this question for some time. You’re not sure, and neither am I. The economy is indeed recovering, but it’s slow and fragile. Job losses have stopped, and nearly a million new jobs have been created this year (this week’s May jobs report was disappointing). Consumer confidence is growing and has this month reached a two year high. More business leaders are now planning for hiring and inventory ramp up across a […]

What’s your accounting system done for you lately?

May 31, 2010adminBusiness Improvement, Operations

This month I attended the annual Deltek Insight conference, and learned a good deal more about Vision, Deltek’s popular accounting software platform used by a significant slice of the AEE (architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting) market. The experience has me wondering again why it’s so pervasive that organizations don’t more fully utilize the capability and functionality of their accounting systems? A common experience: buy the system, install it, and get it up and running with core accounting functionality, and then stop – leaving much of the power of information reporting, business analysis, client account and relationship management, and such for another […]

What about the international work?

May 26, 2010adminPlanning

Last week I participated in a panel presentation entitled “What AEC Firms Need to Know about the International Markets,” at Deltek’s annual Insight Conference. I was joined by panel colleagues Mick Morrissey of MorrisseyGoodale and Brian Raber from Merrick & Company. Together we sought to lay out a brief sketch of the international opportunity – the why, where, and how – along with some lessons learned from real world international experience. About half of the attendee audience cited at least some international project experience; only a few of their firms had operational offices or teams overseas. Our presentation was well received, […]

Cinco de Profitabal!

May 5, 2010adminBusiness Improvement

The fifth of May is a festival in our home – a day for big hats, Mexican food, and celebrating my son Joshua’s (easy to remember) birthday. It’s also a time of optimism and renewal here in New England as the sunshine returns, and cool rains (not snow!) usher in a start and stop spring. Days like these help me to recharge my business and life – as I hope they do yours. So, out this morning (one foot in front of the other) I worked on priorities for my business and yours. Here are my thoughts – five projects […]