August 2010 Newsletter

Playing to Win
The Art of Strategic Thinking
by Steve Finkelstein, Senior Partner

Winning at the game of business is much like winning at the game of chess.  There must be a plan.  There must an action.  There must be an execution.  Much like chess, outsmarting the opponent is integral to the game.  Companies need to stay at least two or three moves ahead to win.  Strategic thinking is at the core of a balanced approach that requires attacking the competition, defending positions and exploring new opportunities. 
 
Strategic thinking is necessary for competitive advantage, requiring companies to analyze and reanalyze their marketplace position to protect it for today and secure it for tomorrow.  Becoming a strategic thinker requires a person to become a strategic questioner.  Half the battle requires asking the right questions to get the right answers.  Before long:  Checkmate!
  

View our presentation: Become a Strategic Thinker.

Click here to execute your strategic plan.

Challenges Face Supply Chain Managers
Tactics Switch from Defensive to Offensive
by Patrick Greer, Partner

According to the Annual State of Logistics Report by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, 2009 was the most difficult year for businesses to maintain logistics costs since the council starting tracking those 21 years ago. 

The effect on business is obvious.  In 2009, costs of U.S. business logistics systems were down 18.2%, inventories were down 4.6% and the inventory carrying rate was down 10%.  Logistics costs dropped a whopping 7.7% of GDP since the high of almost 11% in 2007. 

But times are changing.  The second half of 2010 is showing a slowly-improving economy.  The message from Supply Chain Managers is clear:  operational tactics are shifting from survival mode (defensive) to growth mode (offensive).  Unfortunately, many of the defensive actions that ensured survival just a short time ago are no longer relevant as sales pick up and orders flow in.

But because the economy-and Supply Chain Managers-are not out of the woods yet, new strategies focus on a more balanced approach to pleasing customers while still minimizing risk. 

Click here for helpful strategies.

Experience on Demand is a Midwest-based management consulting firm of senior level professionals. Our combined experience, judgment and knowledge helps clients meet their potential and achieve their goals. 

Experience on Demand is known simply as the "process experts." No matter what we do, whether it's strategic planning and execution, performance improvement, supply chain optimization or IT assessment, it's always about the process. Our disciplined approach delivers early wins that allow us to build on success and accelerate through implementation.