Saturday 30 August 2008

I watched Bill Clinton's speech to the Democractic Party's convention on my computer a few days after he actually delivered it. Two things struck me about this speech; Bill's humility and one comment he made: "people the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power." These are words not just for Americans. They are for us all.

Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers

Wednesday 27 August 2008

7 characteristics of the best company’s

In one of the great books written about the successful present and future of business in my view, ‘Firms of Endearment’, authors Raj Sisodia, David B Wolfe, and Jag Sheth, put forward 7 characteristics that differeniate the best companies from the rest as follows:

“freely challenge industry dogma
create value by aligning stakeholder interests
are willing to break traditional tradeoffs
operate with a long-term perspective
favor organic growth to growing by mergers and acquistions
blend work with play
reject traditional marketing models”

How would you rate your organisation against these?

I highly recommend this book. In my view it surpasses the work by Jim Collins in his best selling book ‘Good to Great’

Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers

Friday 15 August 2008

Bush not a builder

President George W. Bush has been reported as threatening to get Russia expelled from the G8 because “Russia’s actions in Georgia were incompatible with membership of international institutions.” This is the greatest example of the pot calling the kettle black I know of in recent times. Bush appears to me to genuinely believe what he does is right. To me he has a heart however in my view he has not been a builder of our new world and the sooner he is off the world stage the better the world will be.

Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers

Sunday 10 August 2008

True differentiation

My wife and I recently had dinner at a Richtree Market Restaurant in Toronto, Canada.

This is a truly remarkable place, a fresh food market and several restaurants all in the one place. You choose your food, have it cooked and enjoy your meal in very pleasant surroundings. Plus the service is exceptional.

What are you doing to truly differenitate your business from everyone else?

Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers

Tuesday 5 August 2008

‘A life at work’ - Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore is one of my favourite authors. His books ‘Care of the Soul’, ‘Soul Mates’, ‘Original Self’, ‘The re-enchantment of everyday life’ have enriched my life. His latest book ‘A life at work’ is a real gem. I highly recomend it to you. For more on Thomas, a builder of our new world, visit his website

Be remarkable
Ian
strategic advisor to difference makers