Advice for CEOs

Companies of every size face problems daily that are difficult to overcome. And for small to midsize businesses, it can be hard to overcome these challenges with limited time and resources.

Middle-market companies tread a treacherous path. Improvement is imperative to growth and success, but how do you improve? A Newport Board Group partner recently quipped:

It’s hard to review any news report today and not find references to “disruption” or “new age of…” or “transformation”. Reports of those who were on the wrong side of change are all too common, while those seemingly few on the right side of change gather fortunes in no time at all. It’s enough to make you wonder if the concept of “business as usual” is a relic of the past. Perhaps it is. Many business owners and leaders struggle with this question every day. While these issues are real for all types of business, middle-market businesses are especially vulnerable to rapid changes in the business environment. The good news is that help is available – regardless of the size of your business. Today we will take a look at how your business can prepare for the future, and not be trapped by business as usual, through a 5-point review of your business. These five points are the result of the experience that I, and others at Newport Board Group, have gained in our efforts to help middle-market businesses adapt to, and thrive in, an ever-changing environment.

You’ve closed the acquisition deal. Now what? Many companies sign on the dotted line and immediately begin overhauling systems, operations, HR, customer relationship functions, etc.. But, if you want to secure a high return on your investment in this new company, you would likely benefit from a more patient, strategic approach when it comes to the early days of post-acquisition integration.

Change is hard. If you’ve been through a merger or acquisition, you know how many challenges can arise when you’re going through a transition. And, while it’s imperative that you conduct comprehensive due diligence before you invest in a new company, today’s competitive landscape often requires the completion of due diligence faster than ever before.

These days there is much talk about the low growth rates in the US and other developed economies. Measures proposed to enhance GDP growth include fiscal policy, border adjusted tax, tax code simplification, corporate rate reduction, repatriation, regulatory relief, trade, workforce training and enhanced capital access.