Small Business Blog from Atlantic Canada

I am "CA" Atreya (PMP, MBA), the author of this blog. I help businesses in Atlantic Canada achieve their BHAG successfully. You may subscribe to this blog using a feed reader (RSS).

The Mawhinney group of companies in Saint John, NB recently closed its operations. While I have not researched it, it probably is a safe assumption that there are number of businesses out there who have ceased to operate. While most leaders cite lack of financial resources, credit crunch, etc., I keep wondering if that is the root cause of their business failures. Is it truly the paucity of funds or is the leaders’ management that forced them to cease operations?

Funding is a function of how well you manage your cash flow. Cash flow is the timing of receiving cash (revenue, loans, equity) and the outflow of cash (expenses). You have got to match it. If not, then you are going to have funding problems even though you may have a strong balance sheet. Of the three sources of funds, “revenue” is the only one that is sustainable in the long term. If, as the owner, you keep taking money out instead of reinvesting it in your business, then you have to rely on external debt or equity for sustainable operations. Sustainable revenue generation is a function of how well you execute your strategy. Come on! You are in business so you have a plan. But are you executing it to ensure you reach you planned goals?

It’s all about strategy execution. Here are some sites/blogs that I trust will help you understand what it takes to execute your business strategy. These sites offer a combination of practical and academic tips on strategy execution that can ensure your business as a going concern.

• The Glue: A blog about executing business strategy
  The Glue is the place to learn how to apply Strategy Execution and Balanced Scorecard performance management frameworks. The writers include ActiveStrategy Executive Consultants with decades of experience helping organizations improve business results. Guest writers include clients and other thought leaders on Strategy Execution topics.
• The COO’s Bulldog Helping operating executives find and fix problems in their business.
  Kevin Callahan was named the COO’s Bulldog by a client because of his persistent manner of finding and focusing on what is important in order to solve a problem.
• ForumCorp’s Blog Thoughts on executing strategy through people.
  A company dedicated to helping organizations execute their strategy. Their work is shaped by conversations: with customers, with colleagues, with peers. The blog offers us a fantastic opportunity to continue and develop this dialogue.
• Manage by walking around Aligning execution with strategy.
  Jonathan D. Becher is an active participant in the performance management community, a frequent speaker at industry conferences, and a published author on a multitude of subjects. As SVP of Enterprise Solution Marketing at SAP, Jonathan Becher is is responsible for championing SAP’s strategy of helping organizations close the gap between strategy and execution so that they can optimize business performance.
• IT Strategy Blog Raj Sheelvant has more than 15 years of varied experience in the field of Information Technology and is passionate about aligning IT with Business needs. Raj strongly believes that IT can be leveraged to create, sustain and enable Business Strategy. This is a blog that demonstrates value added by IT to the Strategy
• Geoff Smith’s Blog Geoff has been involved in the construction industry for over twenty-five years. He gained valuable hands-on experience in field operations, business development and corporate affairs in preparation for his current responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer at EllisDon
• Innovation Reactor a fusion of new marketing and business ideas.
  Michael West started Innovation Reactor to provide practical information on how to implement them.
• Branding Strategy Insider Branding Strategy Insider is an extension of our efforts to help marketing oriented leaders and professionals build strong brands.
• Be Excellent - The official Six Disciplines Blog Revolutionizing strategy execution.
• Harvard Business School Working Knowledge - Strategy
  An excellent site with a wealth of knowledge not only on Strategy - but on other business topics like leadership, marketing, operations, finance and entrepreneurship.

If you would like your blog to be included in this list, use the contact us.
Photo: Courtesy Stock Exchange - Rodolfo Clix (http://www.rodolfoclix.com.br/)


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