Ten Triplets to Think About |
2022-03-30
|
Keep a handy-dandy list of critical items and refer to it regularly to stay on track. |
Artists in Business |
2022-03-15
|
Entrepreneurs that are artists or subject matter experts face unique challenges, get help!. |
An Entrepreneur's Take-Home Test |
2022-03-01
|
There are a series of questions that need to be answered while on your journey. |
Who is Your Customer |
2022-03-01
|
One must consider many factors to determine who the target customers are. |
Introduction to CxO-Atlas Website |
2022-02-27
|
CxO-Atlas is a free website that contains hundreds of articles on a wide variety of business issues. |
The Answer is Yes |
2022-02-24
|
List your competitive advantages in a seemingly simple way easily understood by others. |
It Costs Four |
2022-02-23
|
Ballpark answers can lead to strikeouts. |
Roadmaps to Guide the Journey |
2022-02-22
|
Show the interdependencies of all elements of the business with roadmaps. |
Article Listing by Number |
2022-02-20
|
A listing of articles by number |
Article Listing - Alphabetically |
2022-02-20
|
A listing of articles alphabetically. |
Volume and Chapter List |
2022-02-20
|
A listing of website Volumes and their Chapters. |
Available Presentations |
2022-02-18
|
This is a list of the available presentations on the CxO-Atlas website. |
Available Tools |
2022-02-18
|
This is a list of the available tools on the CxO-Atlas website. |
Planned Tools and Presentations |
2022-02-18
|
This article lists the planned tools and presentations that will be released over time. |
Introduction to Presentations |
2022-02-18
|
This is a series of presentations created from the contents of the CxO-Atlas article collection. |
What's Coming |
2022-02-18
|
This collection will never be completed; more material will be added regularly. |
Project Management and Leadership |
2022-01-27
|
Project Managers need to be empowered to be Project Leaders |
Falling Feels Like Flying |
2022-01-24
|
Initial revenue success may be misleading, understand the underlying reasons. |
Conserving Your Most Precious Asset |
2022-01-10
|
Rail Diagrams can help you conserve your most precious resource: Your Time. |
The Right Not to Learn |
2022-01-04
|
Plan on uneducated users; assume you, not them, are to blame. |
Explanations and Expectations: Two E's to Avoid Two E's |
2021-11-02
|
Upfront explanations can set proper expectations to avoid future exasperation. |
Add-a-Zero |
2021-11-01
|
Plan now how you will address activities as demand significantly increases. |
Re-Imagine Your Business |
2021-10-26
|
Define who you are by your actions, not your words. Involve everyone in the company. |
The Entrepreneur's Journey |
2021-10-22
|
An overview on entrepreneurship for high school students. |
Introduction to Volume 8 |
2021-10-03
|
This volume contains tools and presentations related to articles in this collection. |
First 100 Days |
2021-09-29
|
The first 100 days after stepping in as the new CxO sets the long-term success pattern. |
Comparative Customer Analysis with Rail Diagrams |
2021-09-14
|
Create and use some objective criteria in weighing alternatives to help avoid biases. |
Comparative Investor Analysis with Rail Diagrams |
2021-09-14
|
Create and use some objective criteria in weighing alternatives to help avoid biases. |
Entrepreneur's Roadmap Introduction |
2021-07-02
|
Answer some basic questions and plan your overall journey before you start. |
Stakes in the Ground Part 2 |
2021-07-02
|
Think hard about the entrepreneurial path that you are about to begin. |
Nine Startup Stages Introduction |
2021-07-02
|
Understanding the nine stages along the entrepreneur’s journey helps to set proper expectations. |
Startup Stages One thru Three |
2021-07-02
|
Solidifying the vision involves peeling the layers back through thoughtful planning. |
Startup Stages Four thru Six |
2021-07-02
|
It’s not what entrepreneur’s say that counts, it’s what others do. |
Startup Stages Seven thru Nine |
2021-07-02
|
Scaling operations, revenue increases, and operational problems are all part of success. |
The Could versus Should Trap |
2021-07-02
|
Falling into the could versus should trap can quickly lead to startup business failure. |
Three Levels of Discovery |
2021-07-02
|
Understand the problem first, then validate it with prospects, finally focus on your solution. |
Three Questions to Answer (Brio) |
2021-07-02
|
Validating the problem, your solution, competition, and the market require careful thought. |
Stakes in the Ground Part 1 |
2021-07-01
|
Think hard about the entrepreneurial path that you are about to begin. |
Pitches Don't Raise Money |
2021-06-27
|
Investor pitches accomplish only one thing: getting past the first “no” filter. |
Six Words to Help Ensure Success |
2021-06-08
|
This is no substitute for building a culture of accountability and remaining focused. |
Avoidable Gotchas (Brio) |
2021-06-02
|
Hazards along the journey commonly appear; learn from others to avoid them. |
Three Questions to Answer Blog |
2021-05-20
|
Seek external validation of the problem, solution, and customer’s motive for purchasing. |
Tiny Goals for Maximum Results |
2021-05-14
|
Define and focus on very short, easily attainable goals, following the adage of one step at a time. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
2021-05-13
|
The content, use, and genesis of the site are described in FAQ format. |
Three Marketing Missteps |
2021-05-11
|
Early-stage companies need to plan their marketing strategy, thinking about “not yet.” |
Three Most Important Aspects of Communications |
2021-05-09
|
Effective communications require the message to be clear, concise, and compelling. |
Forecast Sales Events, Not Revenue |
2021-05-07
|
Sales during a company’s life cycle will involve different costs—forecast sales events not dollars. |
Three Types of Customers |
2021-04-27
|
Base your business forecasts on anonymous customers that make objective decisions. |
Turning Off Financial Investors |
2021-04-13
|
Due to the volume of requests, investors focus on quickly saying “no” for the smallest reasons. |
Three Elevator Pitch Mistakes |
2021-04-13
|
Develop 12-word statements that will resonate with specific audiences. |
Three Levels of Customer Discovery |
2021-04-13
|
Customer discovery involves far more than socializing a plan with others. |
Three Kinds of Revenue Blog |
2021-04-09
|
Different strategies are required based upon the type of revenue being pursued. |
Landing a Job |
2021-01-09
|
Proper planning and execution are imperative in securing a new position. |
Putting Your EMBA to the Test: Starting a Business |
2020-09-18
|
With some additional areas of study, EBMAs are uniquely qualified to start their own business. |
Sales Compensation Workbook |
2020-08-24
|
Develop a sales compensation tool that is easy to use by the sales rep and the company. |
Sales Compensation Presentation |
2020-08-24
|
Developing a fair and equitable sales compensation plan must consider many factors. |
Seven Business Principles |
2020-08-10
|
There are seven business principles that need to be the foundation for every business. |
Early Stage Pitfalls |
2020-07-29
|
Continually review a list of pitfalls that others have made to avoid them. |
Management by Objectives: Incentive-Based Compensation |
2020-07-27
|
Develop specific goals and metrics to help ensure stakeholders are motivated. |
Early Stage Investor Questions |
2020-07-18
|
An investor pitch should be a summary of the details that address obvious investor questions. |
Selling: It's all about Matching First |
2020-06-06
|
Matching all aspects of the buyer-seller relationship is critical to success but often overlooked. |
It's All About Revenue |
2020-06-06
|
Continual, profitable revenue growth requires careful planning and execution. |
Sales Strategies: Myths and Insights |
2020-05-22
|
A rigid, robotic approach to sales does not work. Sales adaptability is key. |
Who Should Do What, When Presentation |
2020-05-10
|
Defining the required activities by revenue stage is the key in developing a realistic business plan. |
Avoidable Gotchas Presentation |
2020-04-28
|
Think of these issues as a checklist of what not to do. |
Tiny Goals for Maximum Results Presentation |
2020-04-19
|
Divide major tasks into bite-size pieces to better monitor overall progress. |
Guidance from Gurus Part 1 |
2020-03-27
|
Learning from others is probably the most important attribute that one can have. |
Guidance from Gurus Part 3 |
2020-03-27
|
Learning from others is probably the most important attribute that one can have. |
Navigating Thru Uncharted Waters |
2020-03-21
|
During unsettling times, it is essential to think through the current situation and plan accordingly. |
One Million Cups Presenter Questions |
2020-03-09
|
To show an understanding of their business, presenters need to answer three core questions. |
Elevator Pitches Should Work in 2 Story Buildings (LLOL) |
2020-03-03
|
Less is More: Give your audience bite-size pieces of information about your business. |
David and Goliath Business Partners (LLoL) |
2020-03-03
|
Working with established partners than compliment your company is a key to success. |
Guidance from Gurus Part 2 |
2020-03-01
|
Learning from others is probably the most important attribute that one can have. |
Force Multiplication Through Partnering |
2020-02-08
|
Developing mutually beneficial partnerships is essential to businesses of every size. |
Seeking Investors: Don't Even Try |
2020-01-12
|
“Don’t even try” is the best advice to those who want to raise money from financial investors. |
SI Forum: Company Focus |
2020-01-09
|
The lack of market focus is probably the number one reason that startups fail. |
SI Forum: Internal Issues |
2020-01-09
|
ignoring day-to-day and growing pain details are always a threat to long-term success. |
SI Forum: Investor Considerations |
2020-01-09
|
Pursuing financial investors most likely is a bad idea for entrepreneurs. |
SI Forum: Sales and Revenue |
2020-01-09
|
Revenue is the wonder drug; it fixes almost everything. Focus on it accordingly. |
One Million: Too Much or Not Enough |
2020-01-01
|
Entrepreneurs should first focus on investors that invest amounts similar to their request. |
Limited Partner Returns Model |
2019-12-22
|
Adequate Limited Partner returns require VCs to find Grand Slam company exits. |
Term Sheet Example |
2019-12-22
|
The deal terms, not the valuation, determine the outcome of a company sales transaction. |
Inside the Head of Investors |
2019-12-22
|
Understanding the thought process and goals is critical to receive funding from investors. |
Things to Think About |
2019-12-19
|
Ask and answer a broad range of questions before committing to starting a business. |
Funding Alternatives |
2019-11-25
|
Developing a funding roadmap, considering all alternatives is well worth the effort. |
Two Critical MVPs |
2019-11-08
|
An entrepreneur needs to obtain candid and objective advice as early as possible. |
Problem, Prospect, and Customer Discovery |
2019-11-04
|
Customer discovery involves far more than socializing a plan with others. |
EMBAs and Private Equity |
2019-10-30
|
Executive MBAs have unique skill sets that make them valuable to Private Equity firms. |
Dancing For the Stars |
2019-10-13
|
Time is your most precious resource; spend it on building a business not investor slides. |
Where Are You Spending Your Time |
2019-10-13
|
Customer revenue is a far better way to raise money that a fancy slide deck. |
Hire the Right Person the First Time |
2019-10-11
|
Use newly available tools to identify qualified candidates that fit into the organization. |
Your Message: Less is More |
2019-10-01
|
Create your messages on what you want your audience to understand and remember. |
Three Questions to Answer |
2019-09-20
|
Ask others for their objective opinions about your idea and potential customer acceptance |
Business Plans versus Planning a Business |
2019-09-18
|
Business Plans are a document while Planning a Business is an Activity. |
Investor Messages Evaluation Tool |
2019-09-09
|
Evaluate your company with statements that are likely to be important to investors. |
Site Statistics |
2019-09-09
|
Articles average two pages in length and 850 words and can be read in three minutes or less. |
Why the "Why" is Important |
2019-09-06
|
Explaining Why you started the company can establish a relationship with potential investors. |
Music to an Investor's Ears |
2019-09-06
|
There are a series of common messages that are sure to get an investor's attention. |
Sour Notes to an Investor's Ears |
2019-09-06
|
A slip of the tongue or an obviously incorrect statement can quickly turn off potential investors. |
Do You Need Three Models |
2019-08-27
|
Build the financial model based on the revenue phases that the company will go through. |
Good Intentions But Bad Advice |
2019-08-21
|
Listen to the advice from individuals with applicable experience, then decide to follow it or not. |
Process Examples: Overview |
2019-08-17
|
Using simple tools can make process implementation quick and easy. |
Process Example: Ordering Lunch |
2019-08-17
|
This is an example of the use of five simple tools to create a process. |
Process Example: Customer Fulfillment |
2019-08-17
|
This is an example of the sequential use of five simple tools to create a series of processes. |
Process Example: Inflection Point Sequential Processes |
2019-08-17
|
This is an example of using only two or the five available tools to create a series of processes. |
The Pre-Process Explosion |
2019-08-15
|
Re-work and inefficiency due to a lack of processes can be tolerated -- until they can’t! |
Risk Assessment Tool Basic Version |
2019-08-06
|
Identify and then assess the risks the company may experience and then plan accordingly. |
Risk Assessment Tool Advanced Version |
2019-08-06
|
Identify and then assess the risks the company may experience and plan accordingly. |
Company Assessment Tool Basic Version |
2019-08-01
|
Use a numeric rating system to help determine if an investment should be made in a company. |
Company Assessment Tool Advanced Version |
2019-08-01
|
Use a numeric rating system to help determine if an investment should be made in a company. |
Different Top Line Revenue Goals |
2019-07-18
|
Meeting top line revenue goals requires a company-wide strategy led by the CEO. |
Intolerance for Intolerance |
2019-07-15
|
Somehow, we have lost civility and stopped treating everyone with dignity and respect. |
Avoidable Gotchas |
2019-07-10
|
Once aware, there are several pitfalls that an entrepreneur can easily avoid. |
Prepare the Soil |
2019-06-06
|
Do not hire a sales rep until well-documented customer responses are available. |
Moving Out of the Garage |
2019-05-21
|
Moving a home-based business to a professional setting requires careful consideration. |
Five Times Two is Better |
2019-04-20
|
The true mark of success is when customers purchase from you the second time. |
Pitches, Home Runs, and Strike Outs |
2019-04-20
|
The same, universal pitch universally does not work for all audiences. |
Your Message: Crystal Clear or Foggy |
2019-04-20
|
Make sure that your intended message is what the other person heard – It can be very different. |
Jump Start Your Business with EMBAs |
2019-04-20
|
The unique skill set combination of EMBAs can help a company meet current and future challenges. |
With a Little Help From My Friends |
2019-04-15
|
Work closely with Boards of Directors, Advisors, and Customers and others as the business grows. |
Your Best Friend |
2019-04-15
|
Mentor, Advisor, Coach, Sponsor, Objective Feedback |
Who Should Sit Around the Table |
2019-04-15
|
Deciding who to add to the new company’s ecosystem is critical but not easy. |
Legal Counsel: Changing Chairs |
2019-04-15
|
Legal counsel will shift from providing advice to the entrepreneur to representing the company. |
The Inside Table Roles |
2019-04-15
|
There are many indirect or support functions that need to be added sooner rather than later. |
Part-Time Employees, Fulltime Experts |
2019-04-15
|
The market is filled with individuals with outstanding expertise available on a part-time basis. |
Outsourcing - Force Multiplication |
2019-04-15
|
Outsourcing allows a company to focus on its core competencies while leveraging others. |
Fulltime (but often delayed) Seats at the Table |
2019-04-15
|
Critical functions are often ignored with severe consequences encountered later. |
Company Boards Overview |
2019-04-15
|
To be successful, recruit and engage with experienced individuals in different Board capacities. |
Board of Advisors |
2019-04-15
|
The use of domain expert advisors can be the difference between success and failure of a startup. |
Customer Boards |
2019-04-15
|
Customer Boards can provide unique insight into what to do now and in the future. |
Board of Directors |
2019-04-15
|
Understanding how to operate under the supervision of a Board of Directors is critical. |
BoD Interaction Introduction |
2019-04-15
|
Maximizing the effective interaction with the Board is the CEO’s responsibility. |
BoD Dynamics |
2019-04-15
|
The CEO is responsible for the cohesiveness and effectiveness of the Board of Directors. |
BoD Potential Friction |
2019-04-15
|
The CEO and the Board Members should be aware of some common potential areas of conflict. |
BoD Meeting Preparation |
2019-04-15
|
Develop a simple, replicable template for Board Meetings to minimize the preparation effort. |
BoD Meeting Logistics |
2019-04-15
|
Coordinate Board Meetings early to avoid conflicts and follow a standard format. |
What to Cover |
2019-04-15
|
Develop a standard Board Meeting template to minimize prep time. |
CEO BoD Assessment |
2019-04-15
|
To provide effective guidance, Boards need the CEO’s objective and candid assessment. |
BoD Presentation Tips |
2019-04-15
|
It is the CEO’s responsibility during Board Meetings to set a positive, open dialogue tone |
During and After the Meeting |
2019-04-15
|
Successful Board Meetings require detailed preparation and management of the meeting flow. |
The Good, Bad, and Ugly Assessment |
2019-03-15
|
Objectively evaluate where you are and what you can control and what you cannot. |
Introduction to Mergers and Acquistions |
2019-02-28
|
Pre-merger communications often averts poor post-merger performance. |
Match Making an M/A Transaction |
2019-02-28
|
Try to form a business partner relationship before pursuing a transaction. |
M/A Transaction Types |
2019-02-28
|
Each type or merger or acquisition will have a lasting impact on the new organization. |
M/A Motivation |
2019-02-28
|
Understanding each party’s motivation for pursuing a transaction is critical. |
Starting the M/A Process |
2019-02-28
|
Each controlling entity needs to ask and answer some basic questions about the transaction. |
Initial M/A Positioning |
2019-02-28
|
Spend time in a detailed “get to know” session early in the M/A discussion. |
Why Mergers Fail |
2019-02-28
|
Poor employee communication during early transaction discussions usually results in failure. |
Management M-A Buy-In |
2019-02-28
|
Employee communications with first level supervisors or managers is critical. |
Merging Realities |
2019-02-28
|
Management must recognize the negative employee feelings when merger discussions begin. |
Acknowledge the Obvious |
2019-02-28
|
Management needs to address employees as soon as any M/A discussions begin. |
Employee M/A Anxiety |
2019-02-28
|
Increased levels of anxiety will be ever present until merging activities are complete. |
M/A Communications |
2019-02-28
|
Develop an overall communications plan to ensure consistency of the M/A messages. |
M/A FAQs for Employees |
2019-02-28
|
Provide an FAQ document to employees replace rumors with factual information. |
What It's Worth |
2019-02-28
|
The valuation of a company discussed in an M/A transaction can vary widely. |
Likely M/A Show Stoppers |
2019-02-28
|
Identify issues that could stymie an M/A transaction as early as possible in the discussions. |
The Could Versus Should Trap |
2019-02-09
|
Creeping feature requests can easily add undue complexity and lengthen the time to market. |
Awareness and Urgency |
2019-02-01
|
Prospect awareness of what you offer is not enough; they must have a sense of urgency. |
Introduction to Volume 9 |
2019-01-15
|
This volume’s contents do not fit nicely into the structure of the site but may be of interest. |
Landing a Job Overview |
2019-01-15
|
Landing a new job requires planning, alignment, and execution, just like landing an airplane. |
Running To or Away |
2019-01-15
|
It is easy to rationalize any new position if one is focused on running away from where they are. |
Breadth or Depth Value |
2019-01-15
|
Does the candidate and the company want subject matter expertise or general knowledge? |
Large or Small Company Support |
2019-01-15
|
Some individuals cannot adapt to the differences between large and small company support. |
Long-Term Value |
2019-01-15
|
Both the candidate and the company need to assess their long-term value in the hiring process. |
Hidden Information in Plain Sight |
2019-01-15
|
Examine all available sources of information during the interview preparation process. |
Bring and Ask Questions |
2019-01-15
|
: Interviews need to be two-way dialogues in which both parties ask and answer questions. |
They Know All About You |
2019-01-15
|
Online information about you will be reviewed during the hiring process; plan for it. |
Prepare for Three Questions |
2019-01-15
|
Prepare answers to what your past boss might say about you and a mistake you made. |
One-Page Resume Nonsense |
2019-01-15
|
Providing relevant information should dictate the length of a resume. |
Ampersands Should Stay on the Keyboard |
2019-01-15
|
Prepare a resume as if it was a paper for a Language Arts class, not as a quick SMS to a friend. |
Make it All About Them, Not You |
2019-01-15
|
The topline statement of your resume should focus on how you can help the company. |
Research by Both |
2019-01-15
|
Both the candidate and the company should expend the same effort in researching each other. |
Education, Experience, Wisdom |
2019-01-15
|
Demonstrating sound business judgment sets candidates apart. |
Someone is Watching |
2019-01-15
|
Assume that everyone you meet or see is evaluating you as part of your job interview. |
There Are Stupid Questions |
2019-01-15
|
Ask appropriate and well-thought-out, relevant questions during the interview. |
Talk Less and Listen More |
2019-01-15
|
Engage the interviewers by asking probing and follow-up questions. |
Never Say 'That is a Good Question' |
2019-01-15
|
It is OK to pause while you are formulating a thoughtful response to a question. |
Know When to Stop |
2019-01-15
|
Asking for the job at the appropriate time is OK but asking too early or continually asking is not. |
Meet Your Boss's Boss |
2019-01-15
|
Your boss’s boss, is the likely person to help your career advancement. |
What You and Others Learned |
2019-01-15
|
List what you learned during interviews and what you think the interviewers learned about you. |
Follow-Up Activities |
2019-01-15
|
Send non-self-serving information to interviewers to keep you top-of-mind. |
Startup Insights Forum Overview |
2019-01-09
|
Share and solicit opinions in an informal atmosphere from others to avoid costly mistakes. |
Sales Aren't Happening |
2019-01-01
|
There are a dozen major activities that can impede the flow of sales that are often missed. |
Learning From Losses |
2019-01-01
|
There is an outcome for every prospect that starts the sales process. Understand them. |
DNA Match |
2019-01-01
|
It is important to explore the different characteristics of a candidate and the company. |
Tell A Story |
2019-01-01
|
Show who you are with stories in your resume. |
Movin On Up |
2018-09-15
|
The keys to success for larger clients and smaller clients may not be the same. |
What Is Next |
2018-09-01
|
Identify definitive six-month success goals to keep focused and avoid diversions. |
Do Differently |
2018-09-01
|
Carefully and regularly review errors and traps you and others have made to avoid them. |
Making Time Versus Taking Time |
2018-09-01
|
Show others that you are human and truly care about them and not just the work they do. |
Hiring Number Two |
2018-09-01
|
Hiring someone to help shoulder the load of the CEO in a new company is critical to its success. |
Dancing with Goliath Introduction |
2018-09-01
|
Forming a relationship with a large company first requires careful dancing. |
Meeting Goliath |
2018-09-01
|
One never knows when an opportunity to meet a Goliath will occur; be ready. |
Do Your Homework |
2018-09-01
|
Prepare carefully and thoroughly before initially meeting with a potential business partner. |
Getting Goliath's Attention |
2018-09-01
|
Get Goliath’s attention by talking about increasing their revenue and market share. |
Why You, Why Us, Why Now |
2018-09-01
|
What’s In it for You and Me are obvious relationship questions that need to be clearly answered. |
Whom Are You Dancing With |
2018-09-01
|
Your Goliath contact needs to act as a local guide that helps you through the corporate maze. |
Watch Your Ps and Qs |
2018-09-01
|
You are on-stage, in full view, during your first meeting with a Goliath act accordingly. |
Hidden Goliath Enemies |
2018-09-01
|
Individuals within a Goliath can sabotage your efforts; don’t be surprised, but plan for them. |
Goliath Landmines |
2018-09-01
|
Potential landmines that can derail a David-Goliath relationship are everywhere; be careful. |
A Handy Reference Guide for Executives and Managers at All Levels.
9 Volumes 42 Chapters ~689 Articles
Browse Select Read Download