StrictlyExecs

The past few months have reminded, in some ways of 1979. The headlines of those days included economic, oil/energy, Iranian hostages (terrorists), unemployment problems and government intervention plans to solve all (remember gas lines and J. Carter in a sweater telling us to turn down the thermostat?).  The problems today appear to be larger because of global economies and the immediate transfer of news and opinion - and they very well may be. Still, there are actions in business we are taking and must  pursue in order to succeed in these interesting times.

Strategies include:

Grow Market Share: Put plans in place to increase market share. The plans will require accomplishment with fewer resources, but know that some or most of your competition is not taking the step. That alone provides opportunity to establish and nurture relationships that will mean business today and more business tomorrow.

Manage Tight: Cut cost. Heck we’ve needed to consider that since the first double latte was served for free at an Internet company in the mid 90s. There is no problem with perks when they attract and retain the talent resources necessary to execute our business plans. But let’s be honest, from the Valley to Wall Street some of these ‘perks’ have gotten out of hand.

Put a talent strategy in place - TODAY!:The economy will come back. We will need great people again - for some sooner than later. It is possible and HIGHLY ADVISABLE to put efficient and cost effective plans in place to sustain and nurture internal and external talent relationships. This DOES NOT mean hiring - headcount management is old school…now we have to put strategies in place to insure we have qualified talent available the moment we need them.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Talent Management service and technology solutions is my business. I’ve done it for 30 years and humbly created some of the earliest technology and literally wrote the book “Talent Force: A New Manifesto for the Human Side of Business” with my good friend Rusty Rueff. Here is an article I wrote, published this week at Kennedy Information Recruiting Trends, “The #1 Talent Strategy for 2009 - Radar tm“ that speaks to the need and the specific strategies in more detail.

So while we consider all the turbulent economic activities around us - take action. Customer and talent relationships, established and managed ahead of demand are the key strategies to increased market share, survival and growth. Find people and organizations who are experienced creating and executing these strategies and make sure your company is taking action.

If you don’t there is a good chance you will regret the fact in the future.

I’m preparing to speak Saturday to the MBA class at Texas State University’s McCoy School of Business and as I consider what to say, while reviewing past presentations, I came across a blog from a good friend that reminded me…

Rusty Rueff, former Ex at Electronic Arts and I have spent time discussing and have written on the power of graciousness in the work place. Rusty recently blogged on the subject at Glassdoor, a company he advises. He reminded me…

Do unto others…treat your neighbor the same way you wish to be treated…

As executives we make tough decisions and for good reason. We read of pay cuts, lay offs et.al. Take the time, as I’m sure most if not all do to take action in a gracious way. Tough decisions can be handled in thoughful ways.

And we all know when the market comes back, our actions will be remembered. Andy Grove sustained and grew Intel by retaining and hiring in tough times. He took advantage to assemble the best when his competitors were moving in the opposite direction. A great move if you can, if you can’t just remember to take your actions in a gracious way.

This reminded me…

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly