After 25+ years of Service within our Community Business I executive tips Harry Siegel, CPA PRINCIPAL Is Pleased to Announce his Affiliation with A" M P R R Group clkAlt tOgr- AL VESOAS Contact Harry Today Stay Ahead Of The Pace: The Time To Act Is Now (248) 415-4420 'to- hsiegel@mrpr. cam. Need more information on how to choose the firm that's right for you? Download "The Insiders' Guide to Choosing a CPA" at wwwsurptcorn/jewishnews 28411 Northwestern Highway, Suite 800 Southfield, MI 48034 www.mrpr.com Holiday Gift Season is here... let us WM you! Marty's Cookies does Corporate & Holiday Gifts Perfect Hostess Gifts & beautiful Shiva Trays too. Our gifts are memorable, delicious, all natural and Michigan Made! MARTY says Life is not a destination. Enjoy the Cookies Now taking orders for Cookies Holiday Trays & Gifts! S 5.00 off orders of S 50.00 or more $ 10.00 off orders of $ 100.00 or more Fin ' gel Factory Southwest corner of Telegraph and 12 Mile Rd. 24551 W. 12 Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48034 www.martyscookies.net 248.352.5695 I n the constant-chang- from experts, even if all ing world, it is a these outsiders do is enable necessity to deal with your enterprise to make many pressing and pivotal fundamental improvements management issues. Top without the destructive management teams, boards conflicts that plague many and owners of companies major change efforts. need to quickly and effec- The right consulting tively resolve issues such group will have a goal to as: help clients dramatically F. Kevin Browett improve the performance • Difficulties in making Columnist the transition from entre- of their organizations, preneurship to professional achieve sustainable revenue management; and profitability targets, enjoy the • Bureaucratization, which pressures enhanced conditions of operations an organization that is out of touch and improve the quality of their work with its markets and losing entrepre- lives. neurial vitality; I recommend this since it often is • Conflicts between founders, own- the case that leadership knows what ers, board members, partners and to do, but just cannot get out of the family members; day-to-day needs to get it done — or • Internal conflicts and politics that they are not able to deal with some escalate to the extent of the personal feelings they inhibit success of and issues intertwined the business; The fundamental in such decisions. • Growing pains; Sometimes, it is as change in the • Culture clashes simple as saying to a between companies staff member, "You need business cycle is better undergoing mergers skills!' Make it a or acquisitions. positive. one that is actu- The reason for the The time to act is critical nature of these now; this fundamental ally going even issues: We experienced change in the busi- faster; what was ness cycle is one that what was a normal and traditional life- actually going even taking two years is faster; cycle for business over what was taking the past 20 years. Over two years is now tak- is now taking six the past five years, ing six months. Getting this model has been months. Getting ahead sooner than later turned on its manage- is key. ahead sooner rial head. The reason For advice, comments why is simple: The or insights, write me at than later is key. kbrowett@renmedia. speed and options relating to commu- us. nication made for a very aggressive need to get and stay A further source on this topic is the ahead of the market, the customer and book "Corporate Lifecycles: How and your evolving business. For example, Why Corporations Grow and Die and if many on your staff were capable What To Do About Irby khak Adizes, and could stay capable over say 15-20 founder of the Adizes Institute in years, the market would force them to California (Prentice Hall, 1989). retool their skills or else they would become outdated within two to three F. Kevin Browett is chief operating officer years. of Jewish Renaissance Media, parent ❑ company of the Detroit Jewish News. He Seek Help You may ask, "What can or should I do?" My recommendation: Get help A46 November 13 • 2008 Al is a former vice president of Kmart Corp. and a past small-business founder and officer.