Setting Strategy




Recent Setting Strategy Articles

'Create a Bond Between a Customer and Your Product' 

A.G. Lafley, the former CEO of Procter & Gamble, explains how customers can help you define your start-up strategy.  Watch video

Want to Improve Your Business? Talk to Your Vendors

I find some of the best new ideas come from the companies I already work with.  Read more

4 Ways Pope Francis Masters New Leadership

While the world watches, the new Pope is already making strategic moves that will go a long way toward bolstering his reputation.  Read more

Bristle at Customer Complaints? That's the Last Thing You Want to Do

You may be tempted to view negative feedback as a nuisance. But, if you respond the right way, it's a gift.  Read more

How to Set Demanding-Yet-Doable Sales Goals

Sales expectations should be beyond an employee's comfort zone, but not so high that they're unattainable. Here's how to find the right balance.  Read more

What a 'Big Bang' Disruptor Could Do to You

A new innovation theory suggests your product could be wiped out suddenly, and swiftly. Here's what you can do about it--and up-and-comers can too.  Read more

Why You Get Things Wrong (And What You Can Do About It)

A Harvard Business School professor addresses three common start-up dilemmas--and how to make good choices when you face them.  Read more

2 Start-up Tax Credits You Should Use (if Possible)

As part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, two tax credits popular among start-ups were retroactively extended through 2013. Don't miss out.  Read more

Maker's Mark and the Price of Being Too Popular

Unable to keep up with demand, the hot bourbon distillery plans to stretch supply by watering down its product. Risky move.  Read more

6 Reasons to Choose a Strategic Buyer Over Private Equity

Nine years and three suitors after he was first approached, this entrepreneur decided to sell to a publicly-traded strategic buyer. Here's why.  Read more

3 Financial Metrics You Can't Miss

If you're managing a growing business, a few numbers and financial processes matter more than any others.  Read more

You Don't Have to Be a High-End Firm to Offer High-End Customer Service

A recent trip using Enterprise Rent-A-Car reminds me luxury customer service isn't expensive, but hugely desirable.  Read more

Cirque du Soleil and MGM Mirage: A Lesson in Strategic Partnership

Naturally, when you seek to grow, you plan new products or marketing campaigns. Why not consider other companies who could help?  Read more

To Get Big, You've Got to Start Small

A Benchmark Capital founding partner explains why, contrary to what you may believe, the secret to attracting a broad market is to appeal to a tiny, passiona...  Read more

'We Had No Idea What the Numbers Would Look Like' 

To get customers to come back, Wayfair co-founder Niraj Shah had to reorganize his 200 home goods websites.  Watch video