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Zero-Based Roles – Structure Your Business For Alignment

by Ian Smith | Jul 15, 2014 | Chief Operating Officer, Execution Tips, Org Charts & Org Structures, Organizational Charts & Structures

You may have heard of the term zero-based budgeting. The basic thesis is to look at your business through the eyes of a start up. If you were starting today from scratch, what would you spend money on? Costs creep on over time and before you know it your business is...

Entrepreneurs Make Terrible Managers – Part 2

by Ian Smith | Nov 14, 2013 | CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Execution Tips

But they can make great leaders! However as stated in Part 1 of this post, the CEO needs help executing her vision. Some people are just really good at getting stuff done. They are very detailed oriented. They are relentless at follow through. Sometimes the CEO just...

Entrepreneurs Make Terrible Managers – Part 1

by Ian Smith | Nov 10, 2013 | CEO, Chief Operating Officer

But they can make great leaders! In this current chapter of my business career I’m getting invited into many businesses. Here is what I’m finding. The Symptoms People are mostly working really hard but the CEO’s big three audacious goals are not being achieved. The...
What every Company should have for Christmas – A Chief Operating Officer

What every Company should have for Christmas – A Chief Operating Officer

by Ian Smith | Dec 22, 2011 | Chief Operating Officer

Season’s Greetings to all my readers. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) position has emerged from the shadows as a fundamental role in getting things done. Tim Cook of Apple  performed the role brilliantly supporting Steve Jobs in executing a brilliant vision....

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  • Would You Buy Your Own Company?

    Would You Buy Your Own Company?

    July 2, 2026
    This is a practical briefing aimed at private company owners, CEOs, CFOs, and the trusted advisers around them. It is …Read More »
  • Management Buy – Outs – An Overview

    Management Buy – Outs – An Overview

    June 26, 2026
    Selling to management may be the obvious choice for service based businesses eg marketing agencies, residential architecture firms, managed IT …Read More »
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    Running a Business Vs Value Creation

    June 19, 2026
    Most owners know how to run their business to consistently make payroll. However, the creation of a sustainable business that …Read More »

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