Archive for July, 2012
Jack Welch – Straight from the gut
Just read Jack Welch’s Straight from the gut again for a second time recently and it’s such a great book. Jack retired in 2001 from GE after 20 years as CEO where he lead the organisation through rapid growth over that time. The book is full of valuable advice and tips for any aspiring or successful business leader. There’s so many interesting war stories in the book and lessons to be learnt from them from his days as GE’s CEO .
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SME Financial Management
In the challenging economic climate we live in today it can be difficult for business owners to keep focused on the routine mundane task of balancing the books at month end. We in O’KellySutton have seen how a lack of discipline can occur in the financial management area where securing the next order can be all consuming. In trying to maintain a sustainable and viable business it is essential to know where your finances stand every month. The following are basic requirements of any SME;
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Exporting to Britain
Article for Sunday Business Post, Sunday 8th July 2012
Many businesses are looking to enter new markets to increase sales. With a population of 65 million-compared to 4.5 million in Ireland – Britain has oblivious potential for exporters.
Last year, Irish exports rose by almost 5 per cent to a total €171 billion. The figures, released by the Irish Exporters Association represented a significant €8 billion jump, making Britain our second largest export market behind the US and just ahead of Belgium.
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The Business Planning Process
One could argue that the process of business planning is hugely more important than the end plan itself. The activity of business planning is an important management tool that allows an organisation to evaluate the health of its position in the market and industry, and adapt accordingly. We liken the business planning process as being akin to checking yourself into a Medical Clinic and getting series of tests done to evaluate your health. The results of the business check up will trigger a series of changes that should be made to the business. Failure to conduct regular checkups may result in a failure to detect early signs of business problems and may even ultimately lead to a companies demise.
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