Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/180153
face time High performing talent wants to be with organizations that have strategic clarity, that know where they're going, that understand why they're different. we launched the book in October of last year is we gave the process away to every business leader so they can optimize strategy and talent in their own organization. Around 30 percent of companies plan – what are the other 70 percent doing? We plan for weddings, we plan for vacations, but we don't plan for the one thing that's going to fund all that, and that's our business. Why don't they plan? It's because they don't have a process – is it because they don't know how to? Is it because they can't? So we're doing research to figure all that out. That's our passion, to get as many companies planning as possible. If they do it on their own, great, if they do it through a workshop that we might lead, or if they use another advisor, whatever it is, great. My personal passion is that more companies plan. The question I would ask business owners is, 'Do you agree that if you're more prepared for a situation it'll likely go better?' The answer is yes, so then why wouldn't you prepare for 2014? Because we're living in a global economy, we're not competing against the guy that's a town away or 100 miles away, we're competing against people that are thousands of miles away. So we have to clearly be able to, number one, have the organization understand how we're unique, and then be able to take that to market in our sales and marketing plan. You want to buy from us because we provide this at a level that nobody else can – and then prove it. The one thing about the New North (region of Northeast Wisconsin) is that there are never highs and lows – it's always pretty steady, so we have to recognize that we have to continue to do the right things. What I do see on the talent side, especially, is the high performing talent wants to be with organizations that have strategic clarity, that know where they're going, that understand why they're different. Talent stays with companies that have their act together, fundamentally, so be an organization that understands why customers are going to do business with you. Be an organization that has a clearly defined strategy that has a vision. People like to work for people that know where they're going. The second thing that manufacturers in the New North need to continue to work at is not only identifying talent but developing it and retaining it. Business Lending At Its Best ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ SBA Preferred WI Lender USDA Financing Available Customized Financial Solutions Local Decision Making Award-Winning Customer Service Where the community and trust come together! 920-731-4440 333 S. Nicolet Rd. Appleton 920-849-8888 1265 E. Chestnut Chilton www.communitybankandtrust.com 18 | Insight • O c t o b e r 2 013 Pictured from left: Bob Merriam, Office President; Kari Stockinger, AVP Mortgage Lender, NMLS# 892285; Paul Farrelly, President & COO; Ed Schultz, Office President Member FDIC w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m