Strategy1

I am pleased to report that Strategy1 has been awarded the 2019 Distinguished Service Award by the Southern Arizona Division of the Arizona Technology Council. Thank you Tech council!

This will be a big boost for Optics Valley and optics in Arizona

'Optics Valley' group gets $500K to promote, grow industry in Tucson, statewide

More energy for the Arizona Optics industry! 🙂

'Optics Valley' group gets $500K to promote, grow industry in Tucson, statewide The funds will be used to work with a statewide optics industry group, helping existing optics firms grow, promoting the formation of new optics and photonics companies and boosting the

As many of you know, for the last two years, I have been Chair of Optics Valley where we have been rebuilding the optics industry cluster in arizona. Thanks to the efforts of Michael Coretz and Jan Knight, we have just released a White Paper on that activity. You can find that document here: https://www.commercial-real-estate-tucson.com/resources/arizonas-optics-advantage/

America’s Secret Weapon This presidential election has the country captivated. As many commentators have pointed out, the primaries are more focused on personalities than policy. While the parties focus on who is going to

A very interesting perspective. Note that Mexico is #1.

Tech Immigrants: A Map of Silicon Valley's Imported Talent Where the Valley gets its brains

Here is something for all you entrepreneurs to ponder: Always be sure you put your best foot forward...

Elizabeth Blankespoor: In IPO Road Shows, the Messenger Is the Message New research shows that snap judgments of a CEO’s presentation style affect stock price.

http://strategy1services.com/blog/2014/12/18/how-arizonas-2015-tpt-simplification-could-affect-you

How Arizona's 2015 "TPT Simplification" Could Affect You Haven't heard about Arizona's "TPT Simplification?" You're not alone. As of January 1, 2015 significant changes to the state's sales tax code will go into effect, and you will be required to follow them! How could the changes affect you? * You may not be considered a prime contractor under the new…

http://strategy1services.com/blog/2014/11/6/strategic-work-alignment

Strategic Work Alignment "Strategic Work Alignment is a framework that facilitates the design of work to make it possible to fulfill the performance needs of both the organization and its employees. It moves beyond the “what” of work to the crucial “how” work is accomplished."

Last night was the awards Celebration for Strategy1 being named as the 2014 Service Firm of the Year by the Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona. It also included a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Tucson.

Do You Have a Culture of Success? http://conta.cc/RReB0W

Do You Have a Culture of Success? Whether you are a leader or a team member, whether you are in sales or shipping, or whether your company is a technology giant, or a local restaurant, you need to understand what kind of company you are in.Stated another way, "What is your company culture?" 

Strategy1 featured on Arizona Technology Council blog!

AZTC Sponsor Feature: Strategy1 The Arizona Technology Council is supported by its annual sponsors, in ranging from Visionary Sponsors who support AZTC at the $7,500 level to Premier Sponsors

The High Cost of Low Performers http://conta.cc/1fTFZ7o

The High Cost of Low Performers Can your company afford to keep its low performers? Do you have a strategy to encourage and support high performers to even greater heights while working with low performers to move them up or out? Read more...  

Betrayed! - People Are Our Greatest Asset http://conta.cc/1aW25pm

Betrayed! - People Are Our Greatest Asset How many times have you heard that phrase at workplace? Perhaps that phrase was said in a speech made by an important leader in your company. But by the time you get back to your office it somehow gets lost in translation to your level of work, wherever that may be.

5 Top Resons for Project Success http://conta.cc/KVQoD3

5 Top Resons for Project Success

This is an adaption of an article on the 7 deadly Sins of Project management, written be Don Orton of Strategy1. Contact us today to see how the 7 Deadly sins might apply to your company.

7 Deadly Sins Of Attorney Blogging | Legal Marketing Blog | LawLytics Here are some common sins that attorney websites commit that often have a negative affect on a law firm's web presence. But fear not if you are among the sinners, we'll give you a clear path to forgiveness.

Strategy1's own Don Orton inspired this blog post on, well, blogging. Well worth the read. http://blog.lawlytics.com/the-7-deadly-sins-of-attorney-blogging

7 Deadly Sins Of Attorney Blogging | Legal Marketing Blog | LawLytics Great written content on your website and blog will drive new business to your law practice more efficiently than any other single thing you can do.

Coming soon by Jeff Bezos: Changing the Way People Advertise! :: Mavatar's Blog What is the first question that comes to your mind when you hear Jeff Bezos buys Washington Post for $250 million? What can possibly be common between the online shopping industry and media?! Coming from a media background I never could easily see any significant difference between the new and old a...

Creating Success for your Company: Strategic Alignment

Strategy1 is focused on helping our clients achieve Strategic Alignment of People, Plans, and Processes. What exactly does that mean?

The foundation is that company leaders must be strategic. That means that they must clearly understand: "What business are we in?" "Who are our customers?" "How are we better than any other company in our industry?" "What is the path from where we are today to where we want to be, and by when? In other words, the company needs to have a clear vision.

Alignment simply means that ALL company assets must be pointed in the same direction. The key to alignment is simple: communication. Everyone needs to understand strategic direction and the end objective... and their role in it. When that happens, people work on the right things, there are fewer diversions, and more is accomplished. This in turn, results in better teamwork and improved corporate performance.

It goes without saying that people are indeed a company's most important asset. Whether the company is a chemical processor, or health care provider, it is the people that make the company go. When people are strategically aligned, they are organized, disciplined, and trust others to carry their part of the load.

The old adage "proper prior planning prevents poor performance" continues to be very true. It is the plans that need to guide daily actions. Company leaders should never make any move without understanding how that action fits into the plans, and what the impact will be.

Finally, processes are the rules by which the company operates. They can be product related, like chemical processing, or people oriented, like hiring and performance management, or corporate functions, such as financial reporting. In all cases, they must be designed to support the company's goals.

These words should be easy to understand; it is the implementation that is often tricky. Contact Strategy1 today, and let us show you how to strengthen your Strategic Alignment of People, Plans, and Processes.

Contributed by John Dennis, Strategy1 President

New use for an old tool...

To prepare for the transition of Human Resources (HR) from an administration and compliance entity to a participating member of the corporate leadership team, HR should have a Strategic Plan.

One way to do so is to use IPO chart; no, not an Initial Public Offering, but an INPUTS - PROCESS -OUTPUTS chart!

Here’s the “twist.” This tool works best by starting with the OUTPUTS first, the INPUTS second and the PROCESS third.

Know the destination: OUTPUTS include a comprehensive, focused, & documented plan. The plan includes subsets and tools to drive implementation.

Gather information: INPUTS are the company's vision, mission, values, business strategy, goals, key business metrics and industry knowledge.

Create the magic: PROCESS! Interpreting the documents in the INPUTS map out the immediate and long term people needs, and - bingo - an HR Strategic Plan!

The consequence of not having an HR Strategic Plan is like driving from Tucson to Tallahassee without a map; you may or may not reach your destination. Strategy1 can guide you through the IPO process. Contact us today to support your success!

Contributed by Strategy1 Consultant, Sally Lanyon.

An interesting perspective...

Is An MFA The New MBA? Companies all across America are starting to see a critical talent gap as older employees retire. Arts students may not have all the traditional...

Is an MFA the next MBA? An interesting perspective...

http://www.fastcompany.com/3007541/mfa-new-mba?goback=%2Egde_2730249_member_244412183

Is An MFA The New MBA? Companies all across America are starting to see a critical talent gap as older employees retire. Arts students may not have all the traditional...

Myopia: Business Killer

Is your buisiness myopic?

"Marketing Myopia" is a concept coined by Theodore Levitt which he defines as "a short-sighted and inward looking approach wherein companies focus on themselves rather than the ever changing marketplace and the needs and wants of the customer."

Levitt advanced the idea that companies could enjoy significantly more growth if they regularly redefine themselves and the "business they are in."

Kodak is a recognizable example of myopia, having defined film as their business. Even though their R & D had invented the digital camera, they decided to "sit" on it to protect "their business". As a result, Cannon and Sony proceeded to aggressively market this new technology. We all know how the story ends. Myopia: Business Killer

Levitt's definition of "Marketing Myopia" applies to companies who concentrate on selling their products and services rather than ascertaining, and acting upon, the needs and wants of the customers.

Such companies struggle annually to achieve growth because of their constricted thinking and focus. During planning, the question they ask themselves is "How can I get my current customers to buy more of the products /services I currently offer?"

Those who take a much broader view of their business thus enjoying sustained annual growth, are companies who are willing to modify their products/services in accordance with market needs. They pursue opportunities for growth by seeking out new customers as well as satisfying the ever changing customer needs.

They ask a series of questions which focus on the marketplace and customers:

~ What are our (customers) needs and desires?
~ Have they changed and if so, how?
~ What is causing the changes?
~ Will the benefits that our products/services currently provide satisfy both their present and future needs/desires? If not, what will be required?
~ Who is currently, or might be, in a position to meet their needs?
~ If there is a gap between where I am now and where I need to be, how do I fill it?

If your company struggles each year just to achieve incremental sales increases, you too may be suffering from marketing myopia. The Strategy1 team has successfully guided companies in identifying and adapting to changing markets. Move beyond myopia - call Strategy1 today.

Thanks Alan Dankwerth, Strategy1 Consultant, for this article.

When businesses hire people they do so to solve a business problem. At first both parties are excited - the candidate who landed the job and the company that added the help they need.

Then reality sets in, something isn't quite right. Perhaps there is some discord or non-performance and either the person leaves or is let go, because it 'just didn't work out.' The process is then repeated, what an expense!

Typically people are hired for skills and are fired for fit. Wouldn't it save money if you could hire for both skills and fit at the same time? Wouldn't it be nice if you could identify the candidates with a good fit with the required work before you hired?

Strategy1 thinks so!

Today we know that the nature of work has changed and the old hierarchical structure of managers, supervisors, and workers no longer serves us. Today, each job has aspects of the old structure embedded in it.

Strategy1 now offers work design, individual assessments, and personalized coaching through the McFletcher Corporation's WorkStyle Patterns Process®. This inventory is solidly based in work, is easy to understand, is not based in personality, and delivers the 'fit' of a candidate to a job or role designed.

Strategy1 excels at Business and Organizational level consulting and now offers Strategic Alignment at the individual level.

Contact Strategy1 today to get your business strategically aligned for growth, sustainability and profit!

Thanks Strategy1 Consultant and certified WSPTM Facilitator, Mark Jepperson, for this article!

What is your strategy for obtaining and retaining the best possible workforce? One approach is to hire slow, fire fast.

As with many things in life, it pays to invest time upfront, ensuring that you have the right person for the job. Take a moment and consider how you acquired your most recent hires.

HIRE SLOW
Consider using the KASH box when hiring and appraising employees.

KASH
Knowledge:
Trust but verify. Make sure your prospective hire has completed the education and certification processes included in their application. A quick pop quiz can be useful.

Skills:
A probationary period can determine if the new hire has the skills necessary for the job requirements. If not, then make sure they show promise in their ability to master the tasks at hand.

Attitude:
While we often hire for knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA), attitude makes the difference in making sure the new hire fits in with the rest of the company. Ask around to see how they are interacting with other members of your team. Don't forget that your receptionist or administrative aide can have an interesting perspective on this topic.

Habits:
How we approach tasks is related to our own personal habits. Arriving on time, keeping a tidy workspace, lending a hand when needed, stepping up when asked. It takes time and effort to change our habits if they are not serving us well. Are you getting the same complaints about the new hire?

FIRE FAST
Have you ever thought repeatedly, "If I give them one more chance I am sure they will get it right?" Or, have you moved an unsatisfactory employee to different departments or positions hoping they will do less damage there? Are you documenting the successes and failures of your employees? It is good to know when to let people go.

Do you need assistance in obtaining and retaining workforce for your company? Contact Strategy1, our consultants will help you build the best talent base for your business.

Thanks Strategy1 Consultant, Pat Taviss for this article!

Impulse or Accelerator: Are Tax Incentives in Your Strategic Planning Arsenal?

When it comes to tax incentives is your organization falling into the trap of the impulse-buy? Did you scramble to make a significant purchase in December just to qualify for a tax break?

Rather than waiting to jump on a "good deal" at the last minute, start your stimulus shopping now for an incentive that will accelerate you organization toward meeting a strategic objective in 2013.

First, check your ABC's.

Accelerator or impulse-buy:

Will it support a strategic objective?
Do you have a reinvestment plan for the tax savings?
Does the reinvestment plan itself meet the accelerator test?

Benefits & Risks -

Does it provide short and long term benefit to the organization?
Are there significant risks/additional burdens on the organization as a result?

Cash Considerations -

Do you have the necessary uncommitted cash (short term and long term)?

From the recently extended American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 here are a few of the key Business Tax Provisions your organization may want to consider.

Sec. 179 and Bonus Depreciation:

Sample Strategic Initiative: Upgrade current equipment to control cost and/or improve cycle time

Benefit: Greater tax deduction in year of purchase

Risk: Taking a big deduction now leaves less offsetting expense in future operational years; especially critical if you expect net profit to increase as a result of the purchase

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Veterans Opportunity to Work VOW:

Sample Strategic Initiative: Enhance/expand skilled workforce to pursue new market/opportunity

Benefit: Tax credit per employee helps offset cost of onboarding

Risk: The same reasons an employee may be eligible for the program may make them a risk as a new hire

Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (aka R&D Tax Credit, Credit for Increasing Research Activities):

Sample Strategic Initiative: Increase in systematic technological/scientific research and development to improve the quality of a business component.

Benefit: Formula based tax credit in addition to deduction of certain related expenditures

Risk: "Qualified research expenses" are subject to interpretation and there are numerous eligibility considerations

New Markets Tax Credit Program:

Sample Strategic Initiative: Investment in low-income communities to further a particular cause/achieve a particular result

Benefit: Tax credit based on investment, investment in non-real estate businesses allowed

Risk: This is not to be confused with a charitable donation; you should be in it for the long term as your investment can't be redeemed prior to the seven year term of the credit accelerated

Remember, just because it is on sale, doesn't mean you need it. Stick with your strategic objectives and you can confidently sort the accelerator from the impulse purchase.

Looking to accelerate your organization? Contact Strategy1, our business boosting experts are skilled in identifying, designing and implementing the right solution for you!

Contact Strategy1:
T. 520.299.9169
[email protected]

Strategy1 welcomes 2 new team members!

We are delighted to have Bill Allaire and Mark Jepperson on board for 2013 and beyond! Learn more about Bill, Mark and the Strategy1 team at: http://www.strategy1services.com/

Business Consulting/ Strategy1 Strategy1 is a full service consulting, marketing, accounting, HR and leadership development firm doing business across the US.

Fellow ACT members -
Are you ready to make 2013 your best year yet? Join the Strategy1 team at the January 16 monthly meeting for a brief presentation on how to make your business shine.

Partner to Prosper! Forging Strong Business Alliances!

Today companies are realizing they must attain a strategic advantage to prosper and grow, or be "squeezed" by aggressive global competitors into eventual expiration.

One way to prosper is by forming alliances or partnerships, whereby one or more companies are able to leverage resources in creative ways. Each company lends its respective "talent" to the alliance. However, each remains independent.

Companies should consider entering into alliances to achieve specific strategic goals and reduce risks while increasing rewards. Alliances should not be a happenstance occurrence.

In order for an alliance to succeed, it is essential that:
~ You find the right partner. This is no different than looking for a marriage partner.
~ Good "chemistry" is vital. Your strategic goals, sense of direction, philosophies of doing business, management styles, and cultures should be compatible.
~ There needs to be a spirit of trust, cooperation, and integrity between parties.
~ The alliance must be of significant importance to the senior management or business owner who will "champion" it and not address it "only as time permits".
~ Above all, both partners must be "winners." No plan or formal agreement will compensate for this fundamental flaw.

Strategy 1 has extensive experience building alliances, joint ventures and acquisitions. Let us assist you in forming a successful alliance by identifying the right potential partner, guiding you through the "courtship", helping to structure a strong win-win agreement, and working with you to achieve your desired goals.

Here is to your success!

"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." - Alexander Hamilton

Business Consulting/ Strategy1 Strategy1 is a full service consulting, marketing, accounting, HR and leadership development firm doing business across the US.

Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil. - J. Paul Getty - http://ow.ly/bY6lq

Failure is success if we learn from it. - Malcolm Forbes - http://ow.ly/bY6lp

Community Calendar of Events (October) http://conta.cc/WebYDl

Community Calendar of Events (October) Camp Soaring Eagle FoundationWhere children with serious illnesses discover the healing power of laughter.October 20, Friday2012 Annual Affair, Golf and Gala  

Absolute identity with one's cause is the first and great condition of successful leadership.
Woodrow Wilson http://ow.ly/cW8qQ

Business Consulting/ Strategy1 Strategy1 is a full service consulting, marketing, accounting, HR and leadership development firm doing business across the US.