Articles of interest related to the career, business and nonprofit consulting needs of individuals, companies and organizations. All material is produced by George F. Franks, III, President and Principal Consultant with Franks Consulting Group.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
"Executives vs. Managers"
"I read your article "Alcatel Stakes Turnaround on More Cuts" (Leading the News, Nov. 1) with great interest having worked for Patricia Russo both at AT&T's Business Communications Systems division and at Lucent Technologies, pre-Alcatel-Lucent.
I had anticipated nothing less than "more cost cuts, operational improvements and a slimmer management team" as her "much-anticipated turnaround plan" for Alcatel-Lucent. Those executives who cut their teeth at AT&T, including Ms. Russo, Carly Fiorina, Rich McGinn and Gary Forsee, had a formula for any crisis. It included: cut headcount, cut budgets, reduce senior management (especially those who were threats or outspoken) and always reorganize. From 1984 on, this formula played out again and again at AT&T and its spinoffs.
Anyone can lay off personnel, cut budgets and change an organization chart. It takes true genius and creativity to grow a business. Without that genius, executives at any level are just managers.
George F. Franks III
Bethesda, Md."
George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group, a Bethesda, Maryland management consulting and leadership coaching practice. Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com
George can be reached by e-mail at:
gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Business Card Do’s and Don’ts
The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today. Whether CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or founder and part-time CEO of a web-based start-up, the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool. But like any tool, it must be used properly. The do’s and don’ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success are helpful to prosper in a business or organization of any size.
When to Carry Business Cards. Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engaged in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards. Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
- Don’t give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don’t give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don’t drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don’t give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don’t leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk – and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don’t hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group - a management consulting and leadership coaching practice. Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com
George can be contacted at gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com