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The Gap Between AI Output and Real Marketing Leadership
A lot of CEOs are starting to ask the same question, even if they don't always say it this directly: if AI can build a strategy deck, suggest a campaign, analyze competitors, and hand back polished recommendations in seconds, why keep paying for a CMO?
Positioning for Explosive Growth: A CEO’s Guide To Enthusiastic Leadership: Part Two
Thu, Oct 29, 2020 — The Four Inhibitors of Engaged Leadership Little known fact about ducks: Though they exude grace as they glide atop the water, ducks hide a little secret just below the surface. For all the poetry they project in our view, ducks are actually shuffling their feet quite quickly to achieve that silky-smooth movement. As a CEO, you know this bifurcated existence all too well. Though you are expected — nee, required — to display a semblance of outward calm, beneath this facade are the fears, insecurities, and realities that come with the job.
Positioning for Explosive Growth: A CEO’s Guide To Enthusiastic Leadership
Fri, Oct 23, 2020 — In 2020 and beyond, the notion of leadership has been indelibly changed. No longer is it adequate to rule from 30,000 feet, to remain at arms lengths from strategies, and unable to touch tactics with a 10-foot pole. Leadership from a distance, in a time when distance is not just a suggestion, but a mandate, can strike a critical blow to a company that is already likely still trying to divine its direction in a pandemically-impacted landscape.
Focusing Your Sales Force During an Economic Downturn
Thu, Oct 1, 2020 — By Aurora Toth and Ann Anderson During times of business volatility, companies are forced to make quick decisions about how to deploy their resources – financial and human. While we acknowledge that Sales is an expensive function within an organization – it is a critical one. Times of crisis provide an opportunity to look at how the salesforce is deployed, where it creates the largest impact, areas you may be missing and how to either refine or completely redesign Sales to achieve your business objectives. My colleague, Ann Anderson is the founder at Retail Partner Solutions. Ann has spent 25+ years partnering with America’s largest retailers such as Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Barnes & Noble, Sam’s Club, Costco and more to help CPG brands thrive in-store and on store shelves.
Supply Chain Savvy
Fri, Sep 18, 2020 — How CEOs of mid-size companies should think about their supply chains during any crisis As CEOs grapple with managing through the current economic volatility wrought by COVID-19, another area we dive into in this series of articles is supply chain management. My collaborator on this subject is Juli Lassow of JHL Solutions who spent her career at Target, Inc. in Merchandising and Global Sourcing roles. Juli now helps companies plan and navigate the intricacies of a modern supply chain and adjust strategy during times of change.
Relighting Your Economic Engine: How a Blue Ocean Strategy of Innovation Can Get You Back on Track
Thu, Sep 10, 2020 — As America’s economic engine continues its recovery from its pandemic-imposed slumber, businesses must adjust to a new way of selling in the “next normal.” This means, unfortunately, that all of the work and planning you previously put into your go-to-market strategy, and 2020 business plan, needs to be revisited – and revised – on the fly. Though some of your original insights may be salvageable, it is likely that the changed world means big changes for what you offer, how you offer it – and whether the market will respond.
No Stakeholder Left Behind: A Quick Communication Guide for CEOs of Mid-Sized Companies to Use Now
Thu, Aug 27, 2020 — During any crisis, communication from a CEO drives perception of the company and serves as a source of guidance for multiple stakeholder groups. Done well, the content and delivery may impact how quickly an organization emerges. With the global pandemic an ongoing reality, and the added impact of a volatile economy, it’s a crucial time to think about the audiences who need to hear from you as conditions continue to evolve, as well as how and when you’ll communicate with them to achieve your desired outcome.
The Marketing & Sales Accelerator
Thu, Aug 27, 2020 — 3 Steps for Achieving Greater Sales Co-authored by John Baglivo and Alan Landau A well-functioning partnership between Marketing and Sales is critical to the growth of any business. But how do you get there and ensure that your efforts are coordinated and that investments in these areas are as efficient and effective as possible? This question is more important than ever as you look to accelerate growth in a challenging market where the margin for error is slim. Unfortunately, misconceptions, misunderstanding and mistrust often get in the way of a collaborative relationship.
Top 10 FAQs: What CEOs Ask Chief Outsiders
Mon, Aug 24, 2020 — CEOs connect with us because they’ve been referred by one of our clients, their private equity firm, or have found us by searching for “top strategic marketing consulting firms” or something similar. When we meet, we often find that these CEOs are frustrated with their growth. They have a vision for where they want to take their companies, but don’t have a means to turn their vision into actionable plans, and then see them implemented. After a discussion around their specific business challenges and opportunities, they’re curious about the specifics of how Chief Outsiders might be able to help.
Top 5 Actions to Positively Impact Financials that CEOs of Mid-Sized Companies Can Do Now
Thu, Aug 20, 2020 — Co-Authored by Aurora Toth, CMO, Chief Outsiders and John Morris, Partner, B2B CFO We are well past the initial shock that first accompanied the onset of COVID-19, and the ensuing economic downturn. At this point, many CEOs realize that coping strategies need to evolve. So how does a company move forward without increasing financial risk while focusing on future growth? My colleague, John Morris, a Twin Cities-based Fractional CFO with B2BCFO and I recently talked about how we are counseling our clients on this key topic, particularly in light of the still-uncertain future. John offered up five immediate actions CEOs of mid-sized companies should be taking to ensure their companies are set up for financial success.