Small Business Blog from Atlantic Canada

If I were an American International Group Inc. (AIG) employee I would quit – in a hurry. I’d rather be at home than become a government employee. Isn’t that what an AIG employee has now become? “Because the government gave me money, I got to do what the government asks me to.” I cannot run my business (unit) without thinking if my actions are going to upset the government and public. Today it is the retention bonuses – tomorrow I’ll be told I can’t make money. AIG won’t be returning to profitability any time soon in this scenario

Now that you have your business objectives that are measurable as defined by your strategy you need to look at the initiatives (programs) you need to undertake. Simply put, a program is a series of related or unrelated projects that further a certain goal. Just to drive home the point, the program is a portfolio of projects designed to achieve your organizational goal (strategy). Having a good program management also ensures your resources are prioritized and aligned.

“The current crisis is unprecedented!” “Governments globally are reducing interest rates to historic lows in response to this crisis.” “Government is urging banks to lend.” “TSX is down another 100 points …”

Not a day goes by these days without us hearing the words of economic gloom and doom. Deficit’s seem to be the new economic mantra. It seems to be the magic wand that will seemingly fix our economic woes. And perhaps it will. But I am not sure that getting into a deficit to fund infrastructure spending is the key to our economic recovery. A deficit may be effective depending on how we get into deficit.

I received the following email a few days ago. From my experience working with an investment bank, I know that VCs NEVER send out such emails soliciting clients. This is most likely a scam. This is the first time I have received one. Beware of such emails - you have been warned!