Ian Smith | The Portfolio Partnership

Avoiding Post-Acquisition Cost Overruns

by Ian Smith | Jul 24, 2017 | Acquisitions

The WSJ reported this week that the $9.3 billion acquisition by Sherwin-Williams of Valspar has hit a snag. The acquirer stated that post-acquisition integration costs would be over six times more expensive than previously anticipated. Now this deal is related to two...

Preparing For A Great Sales Day Checklist

by Ian Smith | Jul 17, 2017 | Sales Management, Scaling

Sales is a mental game and the right preparation can ensure your state of mind is positive and confident. You are the chairman of the meeting, whether on a call, face to face, or Skype type conversation. All conversations need preparation. Even the coldest of calls...

Building Private Businesses Buyers Love To Buy – Last Call

by Ian Smith | Jul 13, 2017 | Events

During next week’s CEO Club I’ve been invited to deliver an interactive session for owners – Building Private Businesses Buyers Love To Buy. Date: July 20th at 7.30 am. Venue: Brae Burn Country Club. This is an invitation only event. Be my guest....

Key Account Penetration Checklist

by Ian Smith | Jul 10, 2017 | Sales - Farming

Scaling private companies is tough. We work with our portfolio clients to help prioritize and execute activity that will move the dial. This ensures our clients grow safely, in control, aligning all actions to the the strategic plan, and thus improving the...

Why Automation Doesn’t Mean A Smaller Workforce

by Ian Smith | Jul 3, 2017 | Innovation, Leadership

Tom Friedman in his latest book spotlights a counter-intuitive phenomenon that all entrepreneurs need to understand. Leaning heavily on the work of James Bessen, researcher and lecturer at Boston University School of Law since 2004, Tom highlights the following...