I have always fought the thought of death. It is gruesome, black and haunting. Although I like to live my life to the fullest, at times the thought of untimely death ponders on my mind for so long that it starts killing into my good times. No, I am not speaking here about just some spiritual awakening; instead I am telling you how actually I got my confidence to live again with the 2012 Survival Guide.
I have always been aware that our news channels never give us the complete picture, no matter how bad the things may be. We are allowed to assume that every disaster will be taken care of by the government, however when the actual disaster strikes, do we really have time to wait for any such machinery to help us out? The radio and TV broadcast centers are just a medium used by this same government to make us believe that the picture is as rosy as ever. Yet the thought of facing December 21, 2012 has been recurring as a bad dream for me.
If you are not aware of the tragedy that awaits us on this foretold day, let me tell you that we face one of the world's largest natural disasters on this catastrophic day. NASA predicts that on this day the intense Solar Flares will threaten all communication satellites and power grid transformers. All lights will go blank and when the darkness starts to envelope you, you will be left wondering about what to do next. However, it will be too late to start if you are not well-equipped before hand.
Be it the Hindus, Chinese or the Egyptians, all calendars and myths point out that 2012 is the year where the next big change is going to come in. Almost all religious gurus, political leaders and scientists are aware of this great crisis lying ahead of us and yet not one of them is going to help you out. Being conscious of this fact, I decided to safeguard myself and my family by choosing the easiest crisis management method. I know I can do nothing to stop this from happening, but I can easily fight this out by using the simple tips given in the 2012 Survival Guide.
Now I have nothing more to fear. I sleep in peace every night because I know that I am ready to face this huge day better than most others. Death is no doubt the end of my journey but I am ready to fight back for my life till the day I was actually meant to leave this world. And I will leave only after I have fought the best battle ever!
Monday, July 18, 2011
2012 - Slowing Ourselves Down to Meet Our Goals
As we approach 2012, the end date of the Mayan Calendar, we have all observed how our lives have grown more intense. This is due to the higher energies or light coming to the Planet at this time. This light has a vibratory rate much faster than we are used to.
Those of us who are doing inner work are finding that releasing outworn patterns is imperative, because the old ways are not working any longer. Instead, we must find revelations and healings of self and life at a quicker pace than ever before. Others, who are not as self aware, may react to this phenomenon through agitation or violence.
What can we do to ease the pressures of the times we live in? The Hopis have a prophecy about our planetary dilemma. They say, "As things speed up, you slow down." You might ask, "How can you do that?" and "Is it really possible?" After all, we do live in the age of instant communications, highway cowboys, and fifty-hour work weeks.
An easy way to slow down is to simply breathe deeply, and slowly. By doing this you can begin to release your fear, that you do not have enough time to get everything finished. A great exercise you can practice anywhere and anytime is to slow your breath down:
*Breathe in for 4 counts.
*Hold your breath for 4 counts.
*Breathe out for 4 counts.
*And hold your breath out for 4 counts.
*Repeat for 5-15 minutes or longer if needed.
Working with this exercise will help you to return to a calmer disposition. You can actually get more done when you are clear and working more deliberately, than when you are frantic or rushing around. Take a hint from nature about this.
I often have hummingbirds visiting my many porch flowers. Sometimes though, their speed hinders them. They dart around so quickly that they miss the very flowers they came to feed on. The bumblebee on the other hand, methodically goes from flower to flower and plant to plant, feeding on as much nectar as possible. They even take time out for an afternoon siesta. When they wake up, they simply resume their work.
So next time you feel you don't quite have enough time to do whatever it is you are doing, take a deep breath, clear your head and remember it's time to slow down.
Those of us who are doing inner work are finding that releasing outworn patterns is imperative, because the old ways are not working any longer. Instead, we must find revelations and healings of self and life at a quicker pace than ever before. Others, who are not as self aware, may react to this phenomenon through agitation or violence.
What can we do to ease the pressures of the times we live in? The Hopis have a prophecy about our planetary dilemma. They say, "As things speed up, you slow down." You might ask, "How can you do that?" and "Is it really possible?" After all, we do live in the age of instant communications, highway cowboys, and fifty-hour work weeks.
An easy way to slow down is to simply breathe deeply, and slowly. By doing this you can begin to release your fear, that you do not have enough time to get everything finished. A great exercise you can practice anywhere and anytime is to slow your breath down:
*Breathe in for 4 counts.
*Hold your breath for 4 counts.
*Breathe out for 4 counts.
*And hold your breath out for 4 counts.
*Repeat for 5-15 minutes or longer if needed.
Working with this exercise will help you to return to a calmer disposition. You can actually get more done when you are clear and working more deliberately, than when you are frantic or rushing around. Take a hint from nature about this.
I often have hummingbirds visiting my many porch flowers. Sometimes though, their speed hinders them. They dart around so quickly that they miss the very flowers they came to feed on. The bumblebee on the other hand, methodically goes from flower to flower and plant to plant, feeding on as much nectar as possible. They even take time out for an afternoon siesta. When they wake up, they simply resume their work.
So next time you feel you don't quite have enough time to do whatever it is you are doing, take a deep breath, clear your head and remember it's time to slow down.
Lose Weight With BodyMedia Weight Management System
BodyMedia is a product of today. In the present age of information technology, everything is going digital. The fields of dieting and diets have not remained untouched and BodyMedia is one of the latest offerings. It is not a diet but a weight loss gadget. It is a high-tech gadget that, over the course of the day, keeps track of 9000 pieces of information about the wearer and keeps one regularly informed about the calories one has burned. This ensures that one stays on the right track to the much-desired goal, weight loss. It also helps to improve the lifestyle by keeping one informed about little things such as quality of their sleep.
BodyMedia consists of three different gadgets: the armband, the activity manager and the display. It gives one the power of knowledge. How restful your sleep has been, how many calories you have just intake in that pastry, how many of them you burned when you ran as your kids cycled on the pavement - all these little snippets add on and give one a more realistic look of the progress of their weight loss plan.
These advantages have made BodyMedia a sought after and in-demand piece of gadget. So now, some companies and internet sites have come up with BodyMedia coupons that help one save money while buying the innovative technology. Many sites provide these BodyMedia coupons. These sites are updated regularly, with some being updated on a daily basis. This ensures that the coupons are latest and valid. Generally, these coupons have a long validity. Some of these can be valid throughout the year to be used till 1st January, 2012. BodyMedia I FIT Weight Management System. We believe you will see that this technology takes the guesswork out of weight loss for your clients and is a very hot item today.
All these promotional coupons contain BodyMedia promotional codes. However, these BodyMedia promotional codes and coupons are not applicable for use over the counter. These can only be redeemed when the purchase is made online. Different BodyMedia promotional codes contain different offers. The deal one gets varies from coupon to coupon. Generally, the percentage discounts such as 10% off are provided. Some BodyMedia promotional codes might also get one free stuff and merchandise. Thus, to get the best deal possible, it is advised that one should do intensive and exhaustive research on the net as different sites offer different deals. Moreover, one should ensure that the coupons being offered have been tested and verified to avoid being duped later.
BodyMedia consists of three different gadgets: the armband, the activity manager and the display. It gives one the power of knowledge. How restful your sleep has been, how many calories you have just intake in that pastry, how many of them you burned when you ran as your kids cycled on the pavement - all these little snippets add on and give one a more realistic look of the progress of their weight loss plan.
These advantages have made BodyMedia a sought after and in-demand piece of gadget. So now, some companies and internet sites have come up with BodyMedia coupons that help one save money while buying the innovative technology. Many sites provide these BodyMedia coupons. These sites are updated regularly, with some being updated on a daily basis. This ensures that the coupons are latest and valid. Generally, these coupons have a long validity. Some of these can be valid throughout the year to be used till 1st January, 2012. BodyMedia I FIT Weight Management System. We believe you will see that this technology takes the guesswork out of weight loss for your clients and is a very hot item today.
All these promotional coupons contain BodyMedia promotional codes. However, these BodyMedia promotional codes and coupons are not applicable for use over the counter. These can only be redeemed when the purchase is made online. Different BodyMedia promotional codes contain different offers. The deal one gets varies from coupon to coupon. Generally, the percentage discounts such as 10% off are provided. Some BodyMedia promotional codes might also get one free stuff and merchandise. Thus, to get the best deal possible, it is advised that one should do intensive and exhaustive research on the net as different sites offer different deals. Moreover, one should ensure that the coupons being offered have been tested and verified to avoid being duped later.
How to Prepare For December 21, 2012 - Recommended Suggestions
With all the panic rumors of doomsday spreading all over the world, many people are seeking to know how to prepare for December 21, 2012. Here are some pointers that you might find useful.
Learn all there is to know about this coming disaster. The key to knowledge is research and be careful that you reading facts and not just hype. Read scientific works about the cosmic phenomena and ancient texts on doomsday prophesy. Information can be found on the internet, but be careful of those who are just out to get your credit card number. Knowing what you will be facing will give you a hint of how grave it is going to be.
Plans should be started from the preparation to the formation of a new world after the crisis is done. If you are already a member of a survival group, make this into a group effort and plan with your family or survival group. If you are organizing your own, have all the members participate in planning so that everybody has his own contribution and nobody is left out.
You will need to research on what will happen and the principles of the coming disasters the you can construct your shelter in the place you all agree is going to be safe. Research also needs to be done on the building of the shelter; how to make it resistant to all extreme conditions without falling down on its inhabitants.
The shelter must be big enough for all the people in your survival group as well as your food supplies, books, tools and utilities and other facilities such as a vegetable and fruit garden, amusement, education and waste management facility. The physical and mental well being of the survival group should be kept normal.
You have to store food that have long shelf lives and still contains their nutritional value since this is a major necessity in the preparation for doomsday. To give flavor to your food, you can keep dried spices among your food stores. You might want to have a garden in your shelter so you can have a source of fresh fruits and vegetables. If not, you can keep a collection of seeds of fruits and vegetables that you can plant once you are back outside.
Maintain the health of the group with adequate medical supplies. Before going into the shelter have everybody immunized to minimize the risk of infectious diseases that can turn into an epidemic if not controlled and if people are not immune to it. Medicinal plants can be cultivated if you have a garden to treat simple diseases like common flu, wounds and rheumatism or muscle pains.
Tools are important in the new world since what you have brought will be all you have in the new world. You will need tools for cooking, hunting, farming and building shelter to name just a few, so have as much tools that are useful as possible. Aside from tools books are all important because this will be your only source of information and education for the young ones.
These are just some tips you can follow and apply so you have an idea on how to prepare for December 21, 2012. If you want a detailed guide, 2012 ebooks like 2012 Contact can help you as well as give you all the information regarding doomsday.
Learn all there is to know about this coming disaster. The key to knowledge is research and be careful that you reading facts and not just hype. Read scientific works about the cosmic phenomena and ancient texts on doomsday prophesy. Information can be found on the internet, but be careful of those who are just out to get your credit card number. Knowing what you will be facing will give you a hint of how grave it is going to be.
Plans should be started from the preparation to the formation of a new world after the crisis is done. If you are already a member of a survival group, make this into a group effort and plan with your family or survival group. If you are organizing your own, have all the members participate in planning so that everybody has his own contribution and nobody is left out.
You will need to research on what will happen and the principles of the coming disasters the you can construct your shelter in the place you all agree is going to be safe. Research also needs to be done on the building of the shelter; how to make it resistant to all extreme conditions without falling down on its inhabitants.
The shelter must be big enough for all the people in your survival group as well as your food supplies, books, tools and utilities and other facilities such as a vegetable and fruit garden, amusement, education and waste management facility. The physical and mental well being of the survival group should be kept normal.
You have to store food that have long shelf lives and still contains their nutritional value since this is a major necessity in the preparation for doomsday. To give flavor to your food, you can keep dried spices among your food stores. You might want to have a garden in your shelter so you can have a source of fresh fruits and vegetables. If not, you can keep a collection of seeds of fruits and vegetables that you can plant once you are back outside.
Maintain the health of the group with adequate medical supplies. Before going into the shelter have everybody immunized to minimize the risk of infectious diseases that can turn into an epidemic if not controlled and if people are not immune to it. Medicinal plants can be cultivated if you have a garden to treat simple diseases like common flu, wounds and rheumatism or muscle pains.
Tools are important in the new world since what you have brought will be all you have in the new world. You will need tools for cooking, hunting, farming and building shelter to name just a few, so have as much tools that are useful as possible. Aside from tools books are all important because this will be your only source of information and education for the young ones.
These are just some tips you can follow and apply so you have an idea on how to prepare for December 21, 2012. If you want a detailed guide, 2012 ebooks like 2012 Contact can help you as well as give you all the information regarding doomsday.
The 2012 Games and Your Company - How to Bring in New Business
Here are a few thoughts for our readers, many among you UK hospitality professionals. 2012 is coming and the best time to begin your strategy for bringing in that business is now. Here are ten places we'd recommend you focus.
1. Small business partners.
Team with like-minded professionals; align your resources as well as sales and marketing budgets. Avoid overlap of services within your team. Your team should include caterers, entertainment producers, lighting, sound and AV companies, Marquee suppliers, floral decorators...the list goes on and on.
2. Consider producing events, public or private, not related directly to the official Games organisers.
The opportunities are across the board. Certainly there are going to be activities directly associated with the Games, but there is also a large market for parties and events. Do not limit yourself to the corporate world--people will want to have their own private events. In our experience, outdoor festivals, concerts and charity promotions can be quite popular.
3. Check the Official Sponsors.
These are large corporations that will more often than not have a destination management company handling their presence for them. These could be based in the UK, but many large ones could be based elsewhere. Find those companies and ensure you're on their radar for what you can offer them.
A future article will go into specific details and tips for finding them and working to align yourself with them.
4. Call on Associations.
In between the corporate and the private events we have associations. These could be charities, manufacturing or corporate associations or lobbying groups. They too will want to have an unofficial presence so they can promote themselves. Help them with ideas to bring visibility to the efforts for their cause.
5. Look to Games Venues located in other regions of the UK.
Not based in London? Well, neither are all the venues. The ones outside the city are numerous and can be an ideal market for you. Find a venue map (such as this one ) and start making your plans.
6. Present your credentials and references to the official organising committee as well as organisations such as Visit London.
It is hard to break into this circle but persistence can pay off. Again, we'll focus on tips for trying to break in with this or other official circles in a separate article.
7. Keep your costs stable and fair.
Do not give away your services, even if promised budgeted projects. Insist on at least a break even scenario. Avoid the temptation to raise your costs above the market norm.
8. Market your strengths, sell multiple services.
If you can provide a wide variety of services such as: entertainment, musicians, actors, dancers, design and technical production or theme props and staged sets, make sure you spread the word.
9. Start early.
Now is never too early. 2011 will really heat up (and be here before you know it) and you may find companies out there competing with you that are not even in existence today. Ask for the work and find out the budget goals of your perspective client. Get out ahead of the pack.
10. Keep up with the movements of the government and the organising committee.
Look for opportunities hidden in the news. This can be as simple as going through the newspaper or surfing the net with an eye for the latest information with an eye for where you and your services can be utilized.
1. Small business partners.
Team with like-minded professionals; align your resources as well as sales and marketing budgets. Avoid overlap of services within your team. Your team should include caterers, entertainment producers, lighting, sound and AV companies, Marquee suppliers, floral decorators...the list goes on and on.
2. Consider producing events, public or private, not related directly to the official Games organisers.
The opportunities are across the board. Certainly there are going to be activities directly associated with the Games, but there is also a large market for parties and events. Do not limit yourself to the corporate world--people will want to have their own private events. In our experience, outdoor festivals, concerts and charity promotions can be quite popular.
3. Check the Official Sponsors.
These are large corporations that will more often than not have a destination management company handling their presence for them. These could be based in the UK, but many large ones could be based elsewhere. Find those companies and ensure you're on their radar for what you can offer them.
A future article will go into specific details and tips for finding them and working to align yourself with them.
4. Call on Associations.
In between the corporate and the private events we have associations. These could be charities, manufacturing or corporate associations or lobbying groups. They too will want to have an unofficial presence so they can promote themselves. Help them with ideas to bring visibility to the efforts for their cause.
5. Look to Games Venues located in other regions of the UK.
Not based in London? Well, neither are all the venues. The ones outside the city are numerous and can be an ideal market for you. Find a venue map (such as this one ) and start making your plans.
6. Present your credentials and references to the official organising committee as well as organisations such as Visit London.
It is hard to break into this circle but persistence can pay off. Again, we'll focus on tips for trying to break in with this or other official circles in a separate article.
7. Keep your costs stable and fair.
Do not give away your services, even if promised budgeted projects. Insist on at least a break even scenario. Avoid the temptation to raise your costs above the market norm.
8. Market your strengths, sell multiple services.
If you can provide a wide variety of services such as: entertainment, musicians, actors, dancers, design and technical production or theme props and staged sets, make sure you spread the word.
9. Start early.
Now is never too early. 2011 will really heat up (and be here before you know it) and you may find companies out there competing with you that are not even in existence today. Ask for the work and find out the budget goals of your perspective client. Get out ahead of the pack.
10. Keep up with the movements of the government and the organising committee.
Look for opportunities hidden in the news. This can be as simple as going through the newspaper or surfing the net with an eye for the latest information with an eye for where you and your services can be utilized.
American Economy in 2012
Most government stimulus packages end this year. As of mid-2011 mortgage lending continues to be in disarray and employment, while not double-digit, is above 8%. Oh, and there's this little thing called a presidential election occurring in November of 2012. And not one of these facts will influence the sustainability of the American economy in 2012.
My thoughts on the economy:
The American economy will continue to expand with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) near 3% through 2012.
* Unemployment will remain in the 8% range as employees re-tool their skills and baby-boomers defer retirement based on the depth of this most recent recession.
* Residential housing will continue to struggle as the home-ownership rate decreases.
* Housing prices will begin to stabilize in 2013 (or later) only because population growth will begin to out-strip supply.
In 2012 stimulus is behind us and residential mortgage lending will remain tight. Federal Reserve policy does not affect employment and the presidential election is towards the end of the year. Where do we find guidance, reliable guidance about the course of the American economy?
Start with Facts, Economic Facts<
Is economics science or social science? Is it a predictor of future outcomes or just a crystal ball? In my view it is science with a layer of human psychology.
Whereas Google may employ the top technology brains in the world, it's the gaming industry that has high-powered psychologist on staff. Surprised? Who better to predict how to part the un-wary gambler from their money?
Back to economics. There is not a single large bank without a Chief Economist. Part of their job is to predict economic behavior in markets, sometime by region or country. They influence the decision-making of executives charged with guiding the investment criterion of the bank's capital and that of it's clients. Often, a single event will require these economist to modify their predictions (changes in Egypt, the BP oil spill in the gulf).
Hark! If this is science, how is it that words utilized to describe it include behavior, influence and predictions? Why not use words like outcomes, correlation and results? Because the outcomes, correlations and results are all based on behavior, influence and predictions.
Who Has Real Facts? Economic Facts
So who should we listen to? Which sooth-Sayers have standing? Following are sources of economic data that avoid providing "middle-of-the-road", data goop (data goop: information with no defining use).
Each of the following has a deep and meaningful institutional knowledge base with roots in the science of economics. These sources can assist you in building your own predictions and forecast.
Bloomberg Survey of Economist. The Survey provides a collective prediction of data points of valuable and consistent insight on the direction of the overall U.S. economy. bloomberg.com
International Monetary Fund. This world body is not without it's internal politics. But there is no doubt they provide reporting accomplished by big brains with deep knowledge and experience within their specialties.
The International Monetary Fund predicts growth in the world economy will accelerate to 4.5 percent in 2012 from 4.4 percent this year. While advanced economies will expand 2.4 percent this year, developing nations will grow 6.5 percent, driven by expansions in China and India, the IMF predicts. Bloomberg Reporters: Stephen Treloar and Josiane Kremer, May 13, 2011.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. This agency is more government issue than U.S. greenbacks. They are tattooed with facts about the American labor market. I believe them to be reliable reporters providing quality information about the U.S. economy. bls.gov
Certainly, there are other sources with quality information. May I suggest starting here towards building your own list of quality sources of economic information.
Multifamily Insight is dedicated to assisting current and future multifamily property owners, operators and investors in executing specific tasks that allow multifamily assets to operate at their highest level of efficiency. We discuss real world issues in multifamily management and acquisitions. This website is intended to be informational only and does not provide legal, financial or accounting advice. Seek professional counsel. We discuss best practices in multifamily management and methods related to how to buy apartment complexes. Our focus is sharing strategies and tactics that can be implemented and measured.
My thoughts on the economy:
The American economy will continue to expand with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) near 3% through 2012.
* Unemployment will remain in the 8% range as employees re-tool their skills and baby-boomers defer retirement based on the depth of this most recent recession.
* Residential housing will continue to struggle as the home-ownership rate decreases.
* Housing prices will begin to stabilize in 2013 (or later) only because population growth will begin to out-strip supply.
In 2012 stimulus is behind us and residential mortgage lending will remain tight. Federal Reserve policy does not affect employment and the presidential election is towards the end of the year. Where do we find guidance, reliable guidance about the course of the American economy?
Start with Facts, Economic Facts<
Is economics science or social science? Is it a predictor of future outcomes or just a crystal ball? In my view it is science with a layer of human psychology.
Whereas Google may employ the top technology brains in the world, it's the gaming industry that has high-powered psychologist on staff. Surprised? Who better to predict how to part the un-wary gambler from their money?
Back to economics. There is not a single large bank without a Chief Economist. Part of their job is to predict economic behavior in markets, sometime by region or country. They influence the decision-making of executives charged with guiding the investment criterion of the bank's capital and that of it's clients. Often, a single event will require these economist to modify their predictions (changes in Egypt, the BP oil spill in the gulf).
Hark! If this is science, how is it that words utilized to describe it include behavior, influence and predictions? Why not use words like outcomes, correlation and results? Because the outcomes, correlations and results are all based on behavior, influence and predictions.
Who Has Real Facts? Economic Facts
So who should we listen to? Which sooth-Sayers have standing? Following are sources of economic data that avoid providing "middle-of-the-road", data goop (data goop: information with no defining use).
Each of the following has a deep and meaningful institutional knowledge base with roots in the science of economics. These sources can assist you in building your own predictions and forecast.
Bloomberg Survey of Economist. The Survey provides a collective prediction of data points of valuable and consistent insight on the direction of the overall U.S. economy. bloomberg.com
International Monetary Fund. This world body is not without it's internal politics. But there is no doubt they provide reporting accomplished by big brains with deep knowledge and experience within their specialties.
The International Monetary Fund predicts growth in the world economy will accelerate to 4.5 percent in 2012 from 4.4 percent this year. While advanced economies will expand 2.4 percent this year, developing nations will grow 6.5 percent, driven by expansions in China and India, the IMF predicts. Bloomberg Reporters: Stephen Treloar and Josiane Kremer, May 13, 2011.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. This agency is more government issue than U.S. greenbacks. They are tattooed with facts about the American labor market. I believe them to be reliable reporters providing quality information about the U.S. economy. bls.gov
Certainly, there are other sources with quality information. May I suggest starting here towards building your own list of quality sources of economic information.
Multifamily Insight is dedicated to assisting current and future multifamily property owners, operators and investors in executing specific tasks that allow multifamily assets to operate at their highest level of efficiency. We discuss real world issues in multifamily management and acquisitions. This website is intended to be informational only and does not provide legal, financial or accounting advice. Seek professional counsel. We discuss best practices in multifamily management and methods related to how to buy apartment complexes. Our focus is sharing strategies and tactics that can be implemented and measured.
Short Strategy Statements - Learn the 5 Key Elements of This Powerful Management Tool
The Five Key Elements of a Short Strategy Statement
My last article ended by defining strategy as "a beacon that specifies a goal, a time frame for achieving that goal, the context in which the the goal will be reached, and the company's unique approach that guarantees its success." Let's look at the five key elements in this definition:
1. Note that the word "goal" is singular. Strategy is designed to focus the entire organization around a single focus. Do one thing and do it exceedingly well. Sharply defined strategy cuts like a well-honed knife; a strategy with multiple goals cuts like a marshmallow.
2. Stating a time frame is vital. It provides impetus and motivation. Combined with a clearly stated goal, the time frame becomes the first of the key performance indicators that is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of strategy.
3. The context describes the specific competitive arena in which the company will operate. Be crystal clear on this. Don't just say "We're going to grow to a 10 restaurant chain by 2012″. Say "We're going to grow to a chain of 10 family-oriented, sit-down, full-service, Italian restaurants in southern Oregon by 2012″.
4. The most important part of strategy is defining what makes you different from your competitors. Why would somebody choose to eat in your Italian restaurant rather than the one next door? Is it the food? The locations? The physical design? The live Italian music? It must be unique and it must be something that your competitors can't replicate.
5. Finally, strategy is "a beacon". Once a strategy has been created it needs to be simply stated and widely distributed within your company in order to achieve its full potential. One of the best ways of doing this is to reduce your strategy to a single sentence.
Putting It Into Practice
With this in mind, here's another example of a one-sentence strategy statement:
Acme will add 35,000 net new customers by December 31, 2014 by offering premium, web-based, price comparison software to mid-sized,English-speaking North American commercial construction companies using a "high touch" sales and support approach.
Can you pick out the goal, time frame and context? How would Acme have guaranteed the uniqueness of its approach?
Short Strategy Statements Align The Company's Activities
Condensing their strategy into a single sentence means that it can now be easily communicated to everyone in their organization. This immediately provides a framework that helps align their entire staff. It saves staff time and energy by pre-empting or easily answering many of the little questions that arise each day:
* "Can I attend the European trade show to see what their market is like?"
* "Will we bundle hardware with our offering?"
* "When will our Spanish version be ready?"
* "Will we match our competitor's price?"
* "The residential construction association called. Should I do a presentation for them?"
Their strategy statement will also influence the larger decisions such as hiring, product development, sales approach, IT deployment, office development - in fact, every decision can be shaped by this one 35-word sentence.
A single sentence strategy statement is an incredibly powerful tool that helps management align the entire workforce. Can you write your firm's strategy in a single sentence?
My last article ended by defining strategy as "a beacon that specifies a goal, a time frame for achieving that goal, the context in which the the goal will be reached, and the company's unique approach that guarantees its success." Let's look at the five key elements in this definition:
1. Note that the word "goal" is singular. Strategy is designed to focus the entire organization around a single focus. Do one thing and do it exceedingly well. Sharply defined strategy cuts like a well-honed knife; a strategy with multiple goals cuts like a marshmallow.
2. Stating a time frame is vital. It provides impetus and motivation. Combined with a clearly stated goal, the time frame becomes the first of the key performance indicators that is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of strategy.
3. The context describes the specific competitive arena in which the company will operate. Be crystal clear on this. Don't just say "We're going to grow to a 10 restaurant chain by 2012″. Say "We're going to grow to a chain of 10 family-oriented, sit-down, full-service, Italian restaurants in southern Oregon by 2012″.
4. The most important part of strategy is defining what makes you different from your competitors. Why would somebody choose to eat in your Italian restaurant rather than the one next door? Is it the food? The locations? The physical design? The live Italian music? It must be unique and it must be something that your competitors can't replicate.
5. Finally, strategy is "a beacon". Once a strategy has been created it needs to be simply stated and widely distributed within your company in order to achieve its full potential. One of the best ways of doing this is to reduce your strategy to a single sentence.
Putting It Into Practice
With this in mind, here's another example of a one-sentence strategy statement:
Acme will add 35,000 net new customers by December 31, 2014 by offering premium, web-based, price comparison software to mid-sized,English-speaking North American commercial construction companies using a "high touch" sales and support approach.
Can you pick out the goal, time frame and context? How would Acme have guaranteed the uniqueness of its approach?
Short Strategy Statements Align The Company's Activities
Condensing their strategy into a single sentence means that it can now be easily communicated to everyone in their organization. This immediately provides a framework that helps align their entire staff. It saves staff time and energy by pre-empting or easily answering many of the little questions that arise each day:
* "Can I attend the European trade show to see what their market is like?"
* "Will we bundle hardware with our offering?"
* "When will our Spanish version be ready?"
* "Will we match our competitor's price?"
* "The residential construction association called. Should I do a presentation for them?"
Their strategy statement will also influence the larger decisions such as hiring, product development, sales approach, IT deployment, office development - in fact, every decision can be shaped by this one 35-word sentence.
A single sentence strategy statement is an incredibly powerful tool that helps management align the entire workforce. Can you write your firm's strategy in a single sentence?
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