New Tips on Strategy

I've had two invitations in the past few weeks to hear Robert Bloom speak and introduce his new book, written with Dave Conit, The Inside Advantage. Mr Bloom is an entrepreneur and advertising executive who now specializes in helping other companies grow their business. I heard his presentation this week at an SMU breakfast hosted by the Cox School of Business.

Over breakfast, one of my table-mates, who is pursuing a master's in marketing, asked why I wanted to hear a presentation on advertising. I admit that I had not really thought that the presentation might be solely focused on advertising. My best, and top of the mind, answer was that I am very interested in marketing, branding and their underutilization in business. At that point, I hoped that I was not in for a presentation that was full of advertising tales.

Well, there's good news and more good news. Mr. Bloom began his presentation by saying that he is "all about strategy." Yes! He had my interest! His stories and recommendations revolved around great strategy. His presentation and book both speak about the tangible benefits and emotional connection that are critical for success. The result is a solid and inspiring presentation with good tips on growing our businesses. Be sure to pick up one of his books and accept the next invitation you get to hear him speak.

One of the tips from his book states, "Right now, inside your business, there are growth generating customer benefits waiting to ignite your enterprise." Another yes! That statement reflects my experience in uncovering, and writing about, the hidden asset potential in your organizations or in those you acquire. Let's start evaluating those assets to help you achieve and sustain global competitive advantage.

Comments

[BizBox]

Hi there Kathy.

Great synopsis. Mr. Bloom will be holding a discussion on Slate's BizBox this Friday at 3 pm EST.

Feel free to check it out....

http://bizbox.slate.com/

[Joe Jordan]

A positive and encouraging reminder about the importance of strategy. Thank you!

After looking at the multi-page, overwhelming strategic plan for a non-profit this week I was reminded that it is important for organizations to remember that a stack of tactical plans do not make a strategy. Tactics define methods of implementation. Strategy determines direction. But in the absence of a strategy, people will turn the tactics into their strategy and will then resist future efforts to change the way they do things out of fear that you are changing the strategic direction of the organization.