3 Classic Mistakes; Would You Do This; No Internal Customers; Tom Peters
February 3, 2011Reputation Saved; Tom Peters Top 4; Work Spouses; Workshops Announced
February 17, 2011Pie a Senior Guy; Winner in India; Need a President; Australia Growth Summit
"…keeping you great"
HEADLINES:
Throw a "Pi" at a Senior Guy — this is Portland-based New System Laundry's quarterly theme. With a Q1 revenue goal of $3.14 million, and considering that the mathematical constant Pi is 3.1416…Mark Rawlinson, President, and his senior team (Lyle, Ken, Darin, and Jon) volunteered to take a cream pie in the face for every week the company hit's $240,000 in revenue ($3.14 million divided by 13 weeks in the quarter). As Keith Cupp, their Gazelles' coach, noted "so far the results have been smashing!"
More Pies and Details — the "splatting" takes place on Wednesday's between shifts where an employee's name is drawn. That employee then gets to choose which senior guy they wish to splat. In addition, Franz (local brand) pies are handed out to ALL employees during those weeks the goal is reached. And if they hit the final goal by March 25, the company will host a Pie and Ice Cream Social…served by the guys that got pie in the face! Here's a link to some pictures showing the announcement of the theme, a themed rug that reminds everyone of the goal, and some pictures of the splatting.
Never Bet Against This Senior Guy (in India) — Michael Dell, that is — and you know I'm one of his biggest fans. For all the bad news Dell garnered a few years ago, Dell grew like a "gazelle" last year, increasing global revenues almost 20% and earning a record $.45 per share while increasing cash almost $4 billion to a record $14 billion. In addition, they just surpassed HP as the #1 computer manufacturer in India, growing at 55% last year – and they were late to the party. Take five minutes to read this detailed Feb 10 Fortune article on how Dell conquered India.
Need a Senior Guy? — Gerry Barg is looking for a growth firm that needs a leader or co-leader. After selling is $34 million Southern Ontario-based auto business, which averaged an annual growth rate of 38% over 17 consecutive years, Gerry went back to school and completed an MBA. One of our best Rockefeller Habits "students", Gerry operated his business through 11 different locations in 6 cities, peaking at 180 employees. Now he's rested and ready to jump into either a growth firm or a company that needs turned-around. If you know of one, preferably in the Toronto area, though he's single and able to move, email Gerry at [email protected].
1099 Requirement Repealed Last Friday — and a little piece of good news for growth firms. The US Senate repealed the increased 1099 reporting requirements hidden in the HealthCare Bill last Friday. It's expected to pass the House as well. That's some relief!
Growth Summit Australia — I'm looking forward to seeing our customers in Australia next week (Feb 15 Summit, Feb 16 workshops) at our upcoming Sydney Growth Summit — Tom Peters, Liz Wiseman, Brian Halligan, and more are sharing their growth company wisdom.
