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Bob Sherlock
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Recent Posts
From Economic Insight to Growth Strategy: What CEOs Should Do Now
At our most recent CEO Growth Talks, I spoke with Taylor St. Germaine, Senior Economist at ITR Economics. The timing couldn’t have been better — the latest GDP numbers had just been released, and Taylor broke down what they mean for CEOs planning growth.
As always, ITR brought a clear and fact-based perspective. The economy is growing. Consumer spending is strong. And while some industries are facing headwinds, opportunities abound for leaders who are ready to act.
But the real question for CEOs isn’t just what the economy looks like. It’s: how do you prepare your business to grow in this environment — and the one coming next?
Nate’s Erroneous Thinking (but probably not yours)
Tue, Nov 26, 2024 — Let’s suppose that each of us is recognized at work for thinking clearly, correctly, maybe even insightfully. That is no guarantee that our significant others will recognize that quality in us at home. No, in our personal lives, our thoughts may be regarded by those who love us as Erroneous Thinking.
99 and Counting Backwards
Tue, Jul 2, 2024 — Out for a walk on a cool May morning, I saw a pickup truck pull alongside. It was Ray from up the street. “Are you around May 31st?” he asked. “I’m having a 99th birthday party.” That’s funny, I thought, Ray can’t be much over 70. “Yep, this one is my 99th. Last year’s party was my 100th. Figured there’s no way I’d ever live to be 100, and I really wanted to have a 100th birthday party. So I did!
Seven Steps to Shorten Your Sales Cycle
Thu, Apr 11, 2024 — Does your company provide customers with expensive business inputs? Or are you crucial in other ways to your customers’ business success?
What’s the #1 Job that Marketing Needs to Do for Your Business?
Wed, Dec 13, 2023 — I joined a group of colleagues recently to brainstorm a request from one person’s client: “Develop a catchy, differentiating idea that hooks prospects.”
You Might Hit Two
Mon, Jul 17, 2023 — This post is briefer than my usual, with two quick topics vs. one longer theme. 1. Aim “There’s this thing in quail hunting… if a dozen jump and you shoot at the flock, you don’t hit [diddly squat]." “But if you pick a quail, you might hit two.” Hunting expert Steven Rinella Quoted in the Wall Street Journal, 11/28/20
Building a Growth Engine with Effective, Efficient Marketing
Wed, May 10, 2023 — “Efficient marketing requires a target, followed by a message that immediately resonates sufficiently to foster a conversation between two willing parties.” - David C. Baker When that pithy sentence from marketing guru David Baker hit my email box in February, it rang true.
“It worked really well, until it didn’t”
Thu, Mar 9, 2023 — Over dinner with Ted, the retired founder/CEO of a successful company in the electric power sector, I heard an interesting story with a widely applicable lesson.
The Dollars You Could Invite to Stay
Mon, Nov 28, 2022 — We’re hearing concerns from business owners and executives that it’ll be harder to fund their growth initiatives. It’s understandable, with most companies experiencing increases in the cost of their inputs (people, materials, etc.) and some facing softer demand. The good news: There are two major sources of money companies can tap without needing to raise external capital:
Create Bigger Customer Value | Those Who Hustle
Wed, Jun 29, 2022 — “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” Unknown Is your company creating enough value for your customers? I don’t mean that in a chiding way—just as a thought-provoking question for business strategy.