Earlier this year Scott Scrogin was named President of Heartland Tech Group. Recently another key announcement was made - that Connie Arentson is now President of Heartland Technology Solutions.
That makes me out of the loop on the day to day business of both HTS and HTG. Sort of like sending your kids to college. You work toward this day all your life, and when it comes, it seems like only yesterday you were starting the business. Connie and Scott are both fantastic leaders whom I trust completely. They are surrounded by a fantastic leadership team at both HTS (Jane Cage and Larry Hedin) and HTG (Ken Shetler and Christy Sacco) as well as strong boards that will be focused on keeping things moving the right direction. My role will be to focus on strategy, M&A, relationships and whatever else I can do to add value to both orgs. My official title will be CEO and Chairman of the board and I will still be involved in both organizations to support and bring opportunities to the leadership teams. The hard part is keeping out of the way of day to day decisions, although with my travel schedule it really isn't all that hard to be out of the routine.
Here is the official press release. It really is a great day for all - our teams, our customers, our partners, our members, our vendors and everyone associated in any way with HTS or HTG. Things are in very good and capable hands, and I am proud to still be allowed to be part of it all.
Harlan, Iowa (July 21, 2009) – Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS) announces that Connie Arentson has been named president of HTS. Connie will be responsible for day to day activities at HTS. Connie most recently served as Vice President of Professional Services where she managed the service side of the HTS technology business as well as leading the Precision Agriculture business unit. Connie has been with HTS since 1995 and served as a dispatcher for a number of years, and as a field engineer prior to that. “Providing great customer service has been an integral part of delivering solutions at HTS and that will definitely continue to be a top priority,” said Connie.
Connie is a member of First Baptist Church where she serves as a teacher for Sunday school and Baptist Youth Fellowship, an outreach ministry program for 170 kids in the Harlan community. She is also an active member of the praise team. Recently Connie served on the Harlan Sports Booster Board.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Connie earned double bachelor’s degrees in Agriculture Education and Dairy Science.
Kim Marples has also been promoted to service manager at HTS and will hold that role across all HTS locations. Previously Kim held the role of dispatcher for the Harlan location and worked closely with the technical team to ensure clients’ needs were met and expectations were exceeded.
Kim is also a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s of Business Administration in Transportation and Logistics.
Scott Scrogin was earlier named President of Heartland Tech Groups, the international peer group program founded in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen. Scott has been filling that role since the first of the year and has recently been joined with the addition of Christy Sacco who is now part of the HTG team. Ken Shetler continues his role of building strategic relationships for HTG as well.
The longstanding HTS leadership team will remain in place with Arlin Sorensen continuing to serve as Chairman and CEO, Jane Cage as COO and Larry Hedin as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Connie and Scott both bring a deep understanding of our client base and the proven ability to streamline processes and drive efficiency which will help ensure that our clients continue to receive the best possible service. This will allow my role to change from day to day management to strategy, M&A and industry relationships,” said Arlin.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
WPC Wrap
What a week it has been. The 2009 version of Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is in the books and it was another fantastic event. The WPC team did a fantastic job of executing as I didn't detect any real blips at all. OK - the power going out on Thursday during the central region awards event caused some excitement - but that is probably not in the master plan. Kudo's to the team for a job well done. I can't really imagine the details that go into planning an event like that. I can imagine the miles of walking because it seemed my meetings were from one end of that venue to another, and it is no little distance. But it was cool inside so no complaints from me. If there was an area the team could have corrected, it would have been to get the temps down to the Friday level for the early part of the week. I nearly melted on Sunday and Monday just walking the few blocks to the convention center.
There were lots of important announcements this week. MPN - the new Microsoft Partner Network - tops my list of important things to consider. Change is inevitable, and while the current MSPP program is very well done, the new one looks to take it to yet another level. They are putting Small Business where it belongs - as a real competency - and appear to be raising the bar a bit as well which is welcome. The current program has been watered down a bit too much over time, so a reset is good and should bring new value to partners. Of course the key will be the associated air cover to the marketplace so they have some clue of what MPN is all about and how they can use it to find quality partners to engage with.
The technology wave is exciting. I think this has to be the largest wave of new products ever, and there are some really exciting things on the horizon. I spent quite a bit of time with the Win7 group as part of their Ignite program. We had a customer who participated in the program down at the event with us and were able to spend time providing feedback and direction on our participation and the program overall. Win7 has me really excited - in our SMB client base - lots of folks that have postponed hardware refresh due to the economy. I hope Win7 will be just the nudge to get them to move. Office 2010 looks very cool as do a lot of other pending releases.
But the real value of WPC is not the sessions (sorry Microsoft - especially now with digital WPC where I can watch them this week from home). The real value happened in the hallways and particularly for me - in the Connect area. I had about 25 meetings this week with different partners and Microsoft folks. That is why I attend WPC. No other venue gives me the access to so many people I want to connect with. Even in the many trips I make to Redmond, it is more difficult to connect. At WPC everyone is there for the same reason - there aren't all the normal interruptions of life, and you can just get down to business. So if you attend this event in particular, but really any of the large partner events, use the time to connect. I tend to use the daytime to connect with Microsoft and the evening and meals to connect with peers. But my goal is to be spending time with people in small groups or one on one for at least 12 hours a day. I can sleep this week - sure didn't do enough of that last week.
HTG had a fantastic week at WPC. A number of our members presented, and we had our green shirts (well some of us did) on Wednesday. You know who you are if you didn't. :-) Funny the excuses I heard about why not. Var Vid was there recording things and it was just great to be in a place where there were about 20-25 fellow HTG'ers roaming the halls. Inevitably I would run into a friendly face most everywhere I went. The SBSC council dinner was another highlight as we spent the evening getting acquainted and looking forward to the future. Francois Daumard is doing a stellar job of resetting that program and has pulled together a strong advisory council to help lead that charge. HTG has 5 of those seats and will be intimately involved in helping take SBSC in the US to a new level. I was able to connect with a lot of the central region team about our needs at HTS, and with many folks about HTG. There was certainly a lot of buzz around HTG and the great things we are doing.
The ConnectWise partnership continues to grow and drive value and direction in the marketplace. Had a lot of good time with the ConnectWise team and many good discussions with members about how we can take process to the next level with our relationship. Exciting days are ahead because of our strategic alliance with them.
All said, it was an awesome week. Great food, great content, great venue and most of all great people. It just doesn't get much better than that. If you missed this year - put it on your calendar for 2010. Washington DC in July - it is worth the investment!
There were lots of important announcements this week. MPN - the new Microsoft Partner Network - tops my list of important things to consider. Change is inevitable, and while the current MSPP program is very well done, the new one looks to take it to yet another level. They are putting Small Business where it belongs - as a real competency - and appear to be raising the bar a bit as well which is welcome. The current program has been watered down a bit too much over time, so a reset is good and should bring new value to partners. Of course the key will be the associated air cover to the marketplace so they have some clue of what MPN is all about and how they can use it to find quality partners to engage with.
The technology wave is exciting. I think this has to be the largest wave of new products ever, and there are some really exciting things on the horizon. I spent quite a bit of time with the Win7 group as part of their Ignite program. We had a customer who participated in the program down at the event with us and were able to spend time providing feedback and direction on our participation and the program overall. Win7 has me really excited - in our SMB client base - lots of folks that have postponed hardware refresh due to the economy. I hope Win7 will be just the nudge to get them to move. Office 2010 looks very cool as do a lot of other pending releases.
But the real value of WPC is not the sessions (sorry Microsoft - especially now with digital WPC where I can watch them this week from home). The real value happened in the hallways and particularly for me - in the Connect area. I had about 25 meetings this week with different partners and Microsoft folks. That is why I attend WPC. No other venue gives me the access to so many people I want to connect with. Even in the many trips I make to Redmond, it is more difficult to connect. At WPC everyone is there for the same reason - there aren't all the normal interruptions of life, and you can just get down to business. So if you attend this event in particular, but really any of the large partner events, use the time to connect. I tend to use the daytime to connect with Microsoft and the evening and meals to connect with peers. But my goal is to be spending time with people in small groups or one on one for at least 12 hours a day. I can sleep this week - sure didn't do enough of that last week.
HTG had a fantastic week at WPC. A number of our members presented, and we had our green shirts (well some of us did) on Wednesday. You know who you are if you didn't. :-) Funny the excuses I heard about why not. Var Vid was there recording things and it was just great to be in a place where there were about 20-25 fellow HTG'ers roaming the halls. Inevitably I would run into a friendly face most everywhere I went. The SBSC council dinner was another highlight as we spent the evening getting acquainted and looking forward to the future. Francois Daumard is doing a stellar job of resetting that program and has pulled together a strong advisory council to help lead that charge. HTG has 5 of those seats and will be intimately involved in helping take SBSC in the US to a new level. I was able to connect with a lot of the central region team about our needs at HTS, and with many folks about HTG. There was certainly a lot of buzz around HTG and the great things we are doing.
The ConnectWise partnership continues to grow and drive value and direction in the marketplace. Had a lot of good time with the ConnectWise team and many good discussions with members about how we can take process to the next level with our relationship. Exciting days are ahead because of our strategic alliance with them.
All said, it was an awesome week. Great food, great content, great venue and most of all great people. It just doesn't get much better than that. If you missed this year - put it on your calendar for 2010. Washington DC in July - it is worth the investment!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
HTG at WPC
We are almost ready to head to New Orleans for what may be the biggest event of the year outside our quarterly HTG meetings. There is a lot going on down there, and here is a list of things you probably want to take advantage of:
HTG Green Shirt Day
Wednesday is the day which has been set aside for HTG members to wear your green HTG shirts. It is important to bring that shirt along and proudly wear it that day. See photo for clarification on shirt!
HTG Buttons
Scott and I will have buttons available for you to wear at WPC to let people know you are part of HTG. Find us and put a button on!
HTG meeting place
SBSC is again hosting the Yellow Lounge, which is a good place to meet up with other SMB partners and particularly HTG members. Plan to meet up there around 11:30 each day to see what other HTG'ers are free for lunch.
Morning prayer and devotions
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings we will have a devotional and prayer time at 6:30 AM at the Residence Inn Convention Center in the courtyard there. Join us and bring along anyone that has interest.
Partners in Christ Prayer Breakfast
Wednesday morning at 7 AM we will hold the annual prayer breakfast at the Marriott Convention Center. Pre-registration is requested – link to register is http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2is6m4qfuzirfgr/a011kfwjnyit6/questions
HTG Meet-Up and dinner
Sunday evening at 6:30 PM – sponsored by ConnectWise and Microsoft
The Court of the Two Sistershttp://www.courtoftwosisters.com/ 613 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70130. This is for HTG member companies only and you need to RSVP to me via email to have a spot.
HTG Speakers at WPC
SMB007 Power of Community
Presenters: Mark Crall, Dave Sobel, Erik Thorsell, Richard Tubb, Jamison West
Wed 7/15 2:00 PM-3:00 PM 215-216
Learn from esteemed peers who have successfully harnessed the "Power of the Community" in not only establishing better operational, sales, marketing and financial practices but greater work/life balance through execution of goals and accountability to their peers who become lifelong friends. Get ready to be personally challenged to aspire to greater things as you witness fellow SMB IT community peers who have called each other higher though a commitment to giving and execution.
SMB008 Social Media 101: Defining and Understanding How to Connect with Your Clients and Colleagues Using the Latest Technologies
Presenter: Stuart Crawford
Wed 7/15 2:00 PM-3:00 PM 217
Social media is the latest trend, but many leaders face big hurdles with getting online and creating a buzz. Hear how you can use social media tools internally across your organization and as a mechanism to quickly share important information. This session takes a hands-on approach on how to: use social media to connect with employees, team members, and clients; design a blog; write your message clearly and concisely; and apply delivery mechanisms and alerts for notification of new content.
SMB009 Partner Planning: Four Simple Plans That Can Change Everything
Presenters: Scott Scrogin, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Wed 7/15 3:30 PM-4:30 PM 208-210
This first session discusses key plans that should be in place for success, including: company business plan, personal leadership plan, life plan, and a disaster recovery/continuity plan. Hear from Partners who have had business or life change because of planning and learn how to get started with specific tools in each of these areas. Plan to spend a few hours working on your business and your life developing foundational direction that will lead to success!
SMB010 Virtualization: What You Need to Know to Get Your Business Ready
Presenter: Dave Sobel
Wed 7/15 3:30 PM-4:30 PM 215-216
Virtualization is a game-changing new approach to infrastructure. Learn what you need to know to start implementing projects using virtualization technologies, specifically as it relates to Windows Small Business Server and Windows Essential Business Server. See real life techniques and experiences that get you ready to deliver solutions, including a complete restore into a virtual machine from raw backup. Not just for the big boys, this is the next generation of infrastructure.
SMB013 Partner Planning Workshop: Putting Pen to Paper
Presenters: Scott Scrogin, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Wed 7/15 5:00 PM-6:00 PM 208-210
In this session, a workbook is provided for working on your company business plan, personal leadership plan, life plan, or continuity plan. We break into groups to work on at least one plan that is specific to your situation. Partners provide feedback and ideas to help you with the process. One of the outcomes of this session includes follow-up and accountability. Plan to spend this hour working on your business developing foundational direction that will lead to success!
SMB015 Building Momentum in Your Managed Services Practice
Presenter: Mark Crall
Thu 7/16 1:30 PM-2:30 PM 218-219
Move from the hit-or-miss world of break/fix to a reliable, recurring revenue stream. Industry leader Mark Crall strategizes on how to successfully move your customers to managed services. Learn • The importance of offering managed services • Key issues to consider first • Steps for planning your new service offerings • When and how to present to existing customers Don't miss this session! A stable, predictable revenue stream is critical for your company's survival and continued growth.
SI003 Optimizing What You Already Own in a Changing Economy
Presenter: Kenneth Lince, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Thu 7/16 4:30 PM-5:30 PM 243-244
Understand the software your partnership with Microsoft affords you to maximize your management of information and client relations. Learn how partners are using Microsoft technology solutions they own, as a result of their partnership with Microsoft, to optimize their business and sales agility in selling and delivering solutions more effectively to their customers.
HTG Green Shirt Day
Wednesday is the day which has been set aside for HTG members to wear your green HTG shirts. It is important to bring that shirt along and proudly wear it that day. See photo for clarification on shirt!
HTG Buttons
Scott and I will have buttons available for you to wear at WPC to let people know you are part of HTG. Find us and put a button on!
HTG meeting place
SBSC is again hosting the Yellow Lounge, which is a good place to meet up with other SMB partners and particularly HTG members. Plan to meet up there around 11:30 each day to see what other HTG'ers are free for lunch.
Morning prayer and devotions
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings we will have a devotional and prayer time at 6:30 AM at the Residence Inn Convention Center in the courtyard there. Join us and bring along anyone that has interest.
Partners in Christ Prayer Breakfast
Wednesday morning at 7 AM we will hold the annual prayer breakfast at the Marriott Convention Center. Pre-registration is requested – link to register is http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2is6m4qfuzirfgr/a011kfwjnyit6/questions
HTG Meet-Up and dinner
Sunday evening at 6:30 PM – sponsored by ConnectWise and Microsoft
The Court of the Two Sistershttp://www.courtoftwosisters.com/ 613 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70130. This is for HTG member companies only and you need to RSVP to me via email to have a spot.
HTG Speakers at WPC
SMB007 Power of Community
Presenters: Mark Crall, Dave Sobel, Erik Thorsell, Richard Tubb, Jamison West
Wed 7/15 2:00 PM-3:00 PM 215-216
Learn from esteemed peers who have successfully harnessed the "Power of the Community" in not only establishing better operational, sales, marketing and financial practices but greater work/life balance through execution of goals and accountability to their peers who become lifelong friends. Get ready to be personally challenged to aspire to greater things as you witness fellow SMB IT community peers who have called each other higher though a commitment to giving and execution.
SMB008 Social Media 101: Defining and Understanding How to Connect with Your Clients and Colleagues Using the Latest Technologies
Presenter: Stuart Crawford
Wed 7/15 2:00 PM-3:00 PM 217
Social media is the latest trend, but many leaders face big hurdles with getting online and creating a buzz. Hear how you can use social media tools internally across your organization and as a mechanism to quickly share important information. This session takes a hands-on approach on how to: use social media to connect with employees, team members, and clients; design a blog; write your message clearly and concisely; and apply delivery mechanisms and alerts for notification of new content.
SMB009 Partner Planning: Four Simple Plans That Can Change Everything
Presenters: Scott Scrogin, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Wed 7/15 3:30 PM-4:30 PM 208-210
This first session discusses key plans that should be in place for success, including: company business plan, personal leadership plan, life plan, and a disaster recovery/continuity plan. Hear from Partners who have had business or life change because of planning and learn how to get started with specific tools in each of these areas. Plan to spend a few hours working on your business and your life developing foundational direction that will lead to success!
SMB010 Virtualization: What You Need to Know to Get Your Business Ready
Presenter: Dave Sobel
Wed 7/15 3:30 PM-4:30 PM 215-216
Virtualization is a game-changing new approach to infrastructure. Learn what you need to know to start implementing projects using virtualization technologies, specifically as it relates to Windows Small Business Server and Windows Essential Business Server. See real life techniques and experiences that get you ready to deliver solutions, including a complete restore into a virtual machine from raw backup. Not just for the big boys, this is the next generation of infrastructure.
SMB013 Partner Planning Workshop: Putting Pen to Paper
Presenters: Scott Scrogin, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Wed 7/15 5:00 PM-6:00 PM 208-210
In this session, a workbook is provided for working on your company business plan, personal leadership plan, life plan, or continuity plan. We break into groups to work on at least one plan that is specific to your situation. Partners provide feedback and ideas to help you with the process. One of the outcomes of this session includes follow-up and accountability. Plan to spend this hour working on your business developing foundational direction that will lead to success!
SMB015 Building Momentum in Your Managed Services Practice
Presenter: Mark Crall
Thu 7/16 1:30 PM-2:30 PM 218-219
Move from the hit-or-miss world of break/fix to a reliable, recurring revenue stream. Industry leader Mark Crall strategizes on how to successfully move your customers to managed services. Learn • The importance of offering managed services • Key issues to consider first • Steps for planning your new service offerings • When and how to present to existing customers Don't miss this session! A stable, predictable revenue stream is critical for your company's survival and continued growth.
SI003 Optimizing What You Already Own in a Changing Economy
Presenter: Kenneth Lince, Arlin Sorensen, Erik Thorsell
Thu 7/16 4:30 PM-5:30 PM 243-244
Understand the software your partnership with Microsoft affords you to maximize your management of information and client relations. Learn how partners are using Microsoft technology solutions they own, as a result of their partnership with Microsoft, to optimize their business and sales agility in selling and delivering solutions more effectively to their customers.
Friday, July 3, 2009
One More SWOT Under the Belt
I was blessed this week to spend a couple days with Russ and the team of RJB as we performed a SWOT here in Philly. Russ is part of HTG14 and had requested some outside eyes to take a look at where his company is and help provide some guidance on where they should tweak a bit. Joining me were Michael Cocanower (HTG2) and Chris Chirgwin (HTG14). We arrived on Tuesday evening and started bright and early on Wednesday. The entire day was spent with Russ, his strong management team, and his staff at large. We met in small groups, large groups and one on one. As SWOT participants we turned over the rocks, looked in the closets and dug around all aspects of his business. As is always the case, we uncovered a few things that were news to everyone, but most of our findings were known or at least suspected. We ended a very long day with a great sandwich at Pat's King of Steaks where we got cheese steak "wit" and added some American cheese.
Day two we turned the tables and the management team at RJB grilled Chris, Michael and me for almost three hours with questions they had. The theme for this visit was growth and how to prepare for it - what things need to be put in place to allow the business to scale. Later in the day we presented our finding to the management team and then the entire company. We left them with some pretty large shifts in how they currently do things, and a task list that should keep them focused for the next months at a minimum. But the story doesn't end here. We also set up accountabilty for all to make sure that things really do change. It is so hard to stay focused on the transition when human nature pulls us to return to our comfort zone or past way of doing things. We aren't going to let Russ do that, nor his team for that matter.
One of the questions I answered over and over is why we do this. The answer is quite simple. Everyone who participates in the HTG SWOT process wants to make a difference. And the best way to do that is to give back. We all have warts and issues that we know exist in our businesses. So the fact that people need help is no mystery. But when owners give their time to help another, they learn more than the company being visited in most cases. I am sure that Chris and Michael would say that is true here. RJB was the focus, but the three of us all were talking to ourselves often as we gave suggestions and counsel to the team here, and we all have a list of things to go home and work on in our own company.
Expect to see some great things from the RJB team in the days ahead. It won't be because of our SWOT, but because of the focus and teamwork they will put together to make their company even greater. We may have played a small part in helping them realize just how well positioned they are to succeed, but the hard work will be done by Russ and the team and we will be watching and smiling and looking back saying I remember when.......
Day two we turned the tables and the management team at RJB grilled Chris, Michael and me for almost three hours with questions they had. The theme for this visit was growth and how to prepare for it - what things need to be put in place to allow the business to scale. Later in the day we presented our finding to the management team and then the entire company. We left them with some pretty large shifts in how they currently do things, and a task list that should keep them focused for the next months at a minimum. But the story doesn't end here. We also set up accountabilty for all to make sure that things really do change. It is so hard to stay focused on the transition when human nature pulls us to return to our comfort zone or past way of doing things. We aren't going to let Russ do that, nor his team for that matter.
One of the questions I answered over and over is why we do this. The answer is quite simple. Everyone who participates in the HTG SWOT process wants to make a difference. And the best way to do that is to give back. We all have warts and issues that we know exist in our businesses. So the fact that people need help is no mystery. But when owners give their time to help another, they learn more than the company being visited in most cases. I am sure that Chris and Michael would say that is true here. RJB was the focus, but the three of us all were talking to ourselves often as we gave suggestions and counsel to the team here, and we all have a list of things to go home and work on in our own company.
Expect to see some great things from the RJB team in the days ahead. It won't be because of our SWOT, but because of the focus and teamwork they will put together to make their company even greater. We may have played a small part in helping them realize just how well positioned they are to succeed, but the hard work will be done by Russ and the team and we will be watching and smiling and looking back saying I remember when.......
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Heartland Tech Group Partners with ConnectWise
Here is the official press release about the HTG strategic alliance with ConnectWise. This is great news and the phone and email have been running hot with calls and mail grateful for this move. While no one really likes change, everyone who has called acknowledges that it is needed to move us to the next level. We can't just continue on the path we have been on and achieve the ultimate goal of helping our members succeed. So this is fantastic news for all involved.
MSPMentor has also captured a podcast that you can check out to hear the interaction between Joe, Arnie and myself regarding this strategic alliance. That podcast may answer some of your questions and should certainly give you something to be excited about. Check it out at: http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/30/connectwise-htg-peer-groups-ink-strategic-alliance/
One other note while we are announcing things: Christy Sacco has joined HTG as a full time staff member. We are really excited about her addition and know she will continue to make a significant impact on our members and HTG as a whole. Welcome her when you have a minute!
Here is the official press release:
HTG Peer Group members standardize on ConnectWise PSA platform to more accurately compare and measure operational data, performance and efficiency
HARLAN, Ia. – June 30, 2009 – Savvy IT service providers appreciate how critical it is to streamline their business operations and rely more than ever on their peers to develop, share and implement industry best practices. Today, the leading IT peer group network, Heartland Tech Group (HTG), and ConnectWise, the worldwide leader of IT professional services automation software, announced a strategic alliance that will further the insight and analysis available to HTG members through ConnectWise’s capabilities.
Through the partnership, HTG members will use ConnectWise as their business operating system and use ConnectWise-developed education as part of their peer group process. This common experience will enable HTG members to share expertise and quickly implement and measure business process improvements.
“Joining HTG and making the investment in ConnectWise both rank up there with the best business decisions we have made,” commented Dan Shundoff, President and CEO of Kearney, Neb., based Intellicom. “We are excited to see these two mission critical organizations work hand-in-hand to enhance our peer group interaction and our business. This move just confirms those decisions even further.”
ConnectWise, the worldwide industry-leading publisher of professional services automation (PSA) software, is investing over $3 million in the development of educational content for its partners during 2009. The alliance with HTG builds on the company’s commitment to deliver practical and actionable business process education to the solution provider community.
“As HTG has evolved, we realized that our members needed an efficient way to transform ideas into operational improvements,” said HTG CEO and Founder Arlin Sorensen. “We can now not only focus on what should be done to enhance our members’ operations, we can talk very specifically about how to do it. This strategic alliance will allow us to move from theoretical to tactical and increase the impact on member companies exponentially. ConnectWise is uniquely positioned to deliver the industry insight and software capabilities HTG members need to create business success.”
ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini said that the HTG partnership is one more way for his company to support the solution provider industry’s success: “HTG has clearly established the industry’s leading peer group community. We’re committed to helping organizations like HTG develop their members’ expertise and improve their business results. With our online university, regional user groups, Learning Center, Mastery sessions and Partner Summit, HTG members have access to the industry’s leading educational content and can select the delivery method that works best for them.”
About Heartland Tech Group
Heartland Tech Group (HTG) is an international peer group organization focused on business improvement, member accountability, and work-life excellence among leading IT solution providers. HTG has over 225 member companies throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom spread over 20 groups of 12 non-competing member companies. Peer groups meets quarterly for a confidential two-day event that focuses on sharing best practices, benchmarking, process improvement and member business review. HTG was founded in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen to provide solution providers a community to foster business and personal growth driven by execution. Visit www.htgpeergroups.com or call 712-744-3619 for more information.
About ConnectWise
ConnectWise is the leading Web-based professional service automation (PSA) software application designed exclusively for technology consultants, integrators and developers. More than 29,000 IT solution providers rely on ConnectWise to more efficiently integrate key business operations across their enterprises, from business development and project management, to client services and billing. ConnectWise technology enables IT companies to drive greater accountability, operational efficiency, profitability, and tighter systems integration. Visit www.connectwise.com for more information or call 813-463-4760.
# # #
Contact for More Information:
Christy Sacco, Heartland Tech Group
813-785-8571 / lcgoodwin@tampabay.rr.com
Lynette Bohanan, CommCentric Solutions
813-727-0196 / lbohanan@commcentricsolutions.com
MSPMentor has also captured a podcast that you can check out to hear the interaction between Joe, Arnie and myself regarding this strategic alliance. That podcast may answer some of your questions and should certainly give you something to be excited about. Check it out at: http://www.mspmentor.net/2009/06/30/connectwise-htg-peer-groups-ink-strategic-alliance/
One other note while we are announcing things: Christy Sacco has joined HTG as a full time staff member. We are really excited about her addition and know she will continue to make a significant impact on our members and HTG as a whole. Welcome her when you have a minute!
Here is the official press release:
HTG Peer Group members standardize on ConnectWise PSA platform to more accurately compare and measure operational data, performance and efficiency
HARLAN, Ia. – June 30, 2009 – Savvy IT service providers appreciate how critical it is to streamline their business operations and rely more than ever on their peers to develop, share and implement industry best practices. Today, the leading IT peer group network, Heartland Tech Group (HTG), and ConnectWise, the worldwide leader of IT professional services automation software, announced a strategic alliance that will further the insight and analysis available to HTG members through ConnectWise’s capabilities.
Through the partnership, HTG members will use ConnectWise as their business operating system and use ConnectWise-developed education as part of their peer group process. This common experience will enable HTG members to share expertise and quickly implement and measure business process improvements.
“Joining HTG and making the investment in ConnectWise both rank up there with the best business decisions we have made,” commented Dan Shundoff, President and CEO of Kearney, Neb., based Intellicom. “We are excited to see these two mission critical organizations work hand-in-hand to enhance our peer group interaction and our business. This move just confirms those decisions even further.”
ConnectWise, the worldwide industry-leading publisher of professional services automation (PSA) software, is investing over $3 million in the development of educational content for its partners during 2009. The alliance with HTG builds on the company’s commitment to deliver practical and actionable business process education to the solution provider community.
“As HTG has evolved, we realized that our members needed an efficient way to transform ideas into operational improvements,” said HTG CEO and Founder Arlin Sorensen. “We can now not only focus on what should be done to enhance our members’ operations, we can talk very specifically about how to do it. This strategic alliance will allow us to move from theoretical to tactical and increase the impact on member companies exponentially. ConnectWise is uniquely positioned to deliver the industry insight and software capabilities HTG members need to create business success.”
ConnectWise CEO Arnie Bellini said that the HTG partnership is one more way for his company to support the solution provider industry’s success: “HTG has clearly established the industry’s leading peer group community. We’re committed to helping organizations like HTG develop their members’ expertise and improve their business results. With our online university, regional user groups, Learning Center, Mastery sessions and Partner Summit, HTG members have access to the industry’s leading educational content and can select the delivery method that works best for them.”
About Heartland Tech Group
Heartland Tech Group (HTG) is an international peer group organization focused on business improvement, member accountability, and work-life excellence among leading IT solution providers. HTG has over 225 member companies throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom spread over 20 groups of 12 non-competing member companies. Peer groups meets quarterly for a confidential two-day event that focuses on sharing best practices, benchmarking, process improvement and member business review. HTG was founded in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen to provide solution providers a community to foster business and personal growth driven by execution. Visit www.htgpeergroups.com or call 712-744-3619 for more information.
About ConnectWise
ConnectWise is the leading Web-based professional service automation (PSA) software application designed exclusively for technology consultants, integrators and developers. More than 29,000 IT solution providers rely on ConnectWise to more efficiently integrate key business operations across their enterprises, from business development and project management, to client services and billing. ConnectWise technology enables IT companies to drive greater accountability, operational efficiency, profitability, and tighter systems integration. Visit www.connectwise.com for more information or call 813-463-4760.
# # #
Contact for More Information:
Christy Sacco, Heartland Tech Group
813-785-8571 / lcgoodwin@tampabay.rr.com
Lynette Bohanan, CommCentric Solutions
813-727-0196 / lbohanan@commcentricsolutions.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
HTG Mantra
HTG in a sentence is changing slightly for 2010. I was once told that unless it was possible to define the mission of an organization in a sentence that would fit on a t-shirt, it was too complicated or undefined. For the past few years, our mantra has been “execution driven by accountability”. A very noble statement that has done us well as we have worked to become execution focused. But as we move to the next level with HTG3.0, the story is shifting slightly to become “business and personal growth driven by execution”. One of the things that has become extremely clear to us over the past few years is that execution does not always translate to growth. In fact, we have seen far too often that people can execute on certain goals or objectives and actually go backward in their pursuits.
The reality is that unless growth is a focus, there is no guarantee that execution will have the kind of impact that is desired. There has to be a concerted effort to move toward growth to make sure it will occur. It is part of the fabric of HTG, and while it was always assumed, it now will be very visible for all to see. It has been apparent for some time that the mission of HTG had to move beyond best practices to process development and prescriptive guidance. At our April Summit, we announced the continuing transition to that strategy which was first announced in February 2007 as part of what was called the HTG Business Triangle at that time. Members in more mature and longer running groups were identifying the fact that true change cannot be driven by best practice sharing. It requires a similar approach that any pro athlete takes when trying to refine their game. They don’t bring in a group of people to give them ideas and suggestions to consider. They hire the best coach available, practice all the time, and tweak their game until it is the best it can possibly be. This is where we are in the evolution of HTG.
We are now shifting from best practices being the focus, to peer review and coaching. Peers will still be the magic of HTG, but not in sharing what they do in a vacuum but rather looking deeply at the other members businesses and giving guidance that will lead to growth. We will get prescriptive in offering guidance that directly translates to the business operating platform so specific tweaks can be suggested for immediate implementation. We want to shortcut the time to change from months to weeks or even days. It is critical if HTG is to provide the maximum ROI for the investment our members make to participate.
HTG is committed to being a change agent for our members companies and lives. We are not content to just offer ideas and suggestions, which is what best practices really have been. The future is to drive deeper into offering real change for one another that moves the needle toward growth each quarter by sending members home with actionable goals that can be implemented quickly to drive maximum impact and return. So accountability is not going away – it will continue to be a differentiator in the HTG peer program. And as we hold one another accountable to business and personal growth we will be fulfilling the mission we have of helping each member become more successful and profitable in the marketplace as they achieve goals, plans and dreams.
The reality is that unless growth is a focus, there is no guarantee that execution will have the kind of impact that is desired. There has to be a concerted effort to move toward growth to make sure it will occur. It is part of the fabric of HTG, and while it was always assumed, it now will be very visible for all to see. It has been apparent for some time that the mission of HTG had to move beyond best practices to process development and prescriptive guidance. At our April Summit, we announced the continuing transition to that strategy which was first announced in February 2007 as part of what was called the HTG Business Triangle at that time. Members in more mature and longer running groups were identifying the fact that true change cannot be driven by best practice sharing. It requires a similar approach that any pro athlete takes when trying to refine their game. They don’t bring in a group of people to give them ideas and suggestions to consider. They hire the best coach available, practice all the time, and tweak their game until it is the best it can possibly be. This is where we are in the evolution of HTG.
We are now shifting from best practices being the focus, to peer review and coaching. Peers will still be the magic of HTG, but not in sharing what they do in a vacuum but rather looking deeply at the other members businesses and giving guidance that will lead to growth. We will get prescriptive in offering guidance that directly translates to the business operating platform so specific tweaks can be suggested for immediate implementation. We want to shortcut the time to change from months to weeks or even days. It is critical if HTG is to provide the maximum ROI for the investment our members make to participate.
HTG is committed to being a change agent for our members companies and lives. We are not content to just offer ideas and suggestions, which is what best practices really have been. The future is to drive deeper into offering real change for one another that moves the needle toward growth each quarter by sending members home with actionable goals that can be implemented quickly to drive maximum impact and return. So accountability is not going away – it will continue to be a differentiator in the HTG peer program. And as we hold one another accountable to business and personal growth we will be fulfilling the mission we have of helping each member become more successful and profitable in the marketplace as they achieve goals, plans and dreams.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The HTG Way Part VI - Legacy Plan
Richard Bach said “There's no disaster that can't become a blessing, and no blessing that can't become a disaster.” While this is a true statement, unexpected and unplanned for disasters can certainly cause a lot of stress and uncertainty. So the fourth plan HTG requires members to address relates to how business, leadership and life will continue in our absence. Some call it a legacy plan.
A key component of the legacy plan is related to disaster recovery and business continuity. This plan needs to address all three of the prior areas we discussed. For example – what happens to the company if you get hit by the proverbial bus? What happens to the areas of leadership you are responsible for? What happens to your spouse, family, civic organizations and other areas you currently are involved? All those questions need to be addressed so there is no drop off in the event of a disaster, be it short term or permanent. One thing we can all be sure of, life on this earth will come to an end. We do not know when, but we do know that it will. So we need to prepare so we are ready whenever that time comes.
But legacy is much more than just disaster recovery. It addresses the impact of a person’s life after they are gone. How do you keep a tangible presence beyond your actual lifespan? It is what happens after you die. While physical assets may be deemed a component of a person's ultimate legacy, the focus on family or institutional history, values and the stories that define us dictates that every individual, family and entity can be enriched through implementing a strategic legacy plan.
So what are the key components to a legacy plan?
1. Personal mission statement – a series of guiding principles that lead you through daily and major life decisions. This answers the question “How will you live?”
2. Personal legacy statement – allows you to articulate what is closest to your heart. It is a record of messages and information too valuable to be lost and captures your inner most thoughts for the benefit of future generations. This answers the question “What will the result and impact of my life be after I am gone?”
3. If something happens to me – a collection of key information that makes recovery from a short or long term illness or death much simpler for those left behind.
4. Exit Planning Guide – key information to make the funeral planning process go smoothly.
5. Estate and Will Planning Template – key information to help in the creation and review of your will.
These are simply some tools to use to put together a systematic plan to be sure that you have at least started the process of putting a legacy plan in place that prepares your company, leadership and life for a change in your status. Without proper preparation, you put all things at risk and make the situation much more difficult and complex than it needs to be. No one really enjoys this process, but it is so very important to consider prior to being needed. It is often not possible to address these areas once illness or death has occurred. So take the time now, record the needed information, and make sure those important in your life are informed of the location of the documents.
A key component of the legacy plan is related to disaster recovery and business continuity. This plan needs to address all three of the prior areas we discussed. For example – what happens to the company if you get hit by the proverbial bus? What happens to the areas of leadership you are responsible for? What happens to your spouse, family, civic organizations and other areas you currently are involved? All those questions need to be addressed so there is no drop off in the event of a disaster, be it short term or permanent. One thing we can all be sure of, life on this earth will come to an end. We do not know when, but we do know that it will. So we need to prepare so we are ready whenever that time comes.
But legacy is much more than just disaster recovery. It addresses the impact of a person’s life after they are gone. How do you keep a tangible presence beyond your actual lifespan? It is what happens after you die. While physical assets may be deemed a component of a person's ultimate legacy, the focus on family or institutional history, values and the stories that define us dictates that every individual, family and entity can be enriched through implementing a strategic legacy plan.
So what are the key components to a legacy plan?
1. Personal mission statement – a series of guiding principles that lead you through daily and major life decisions. This answers the question “How will you live?”
2. Personal legacy statement – allows you to articulate what is closest to your heart. It is a record of messages and information too valuable to be lost and captures your inner most thoughts for the benefit of future generations. This answers the question “What will the result and impact of my life be after I am gone?”
3. If something happens to me – a collection of key information that makes recovery from a short or long term illness or death much simpler for those left behind.
4. Exit Planning Guide – key information to make the funeral planning process go smoothly.
5. Estate and Will Planning Template – key information to help in the creation and review of your will.
These are simply some tools to use to put together a systematic plan to be sure that you have at least started the process of putting a legacy plan in place that prepares your company, leadership and life for a change in your status. Without proper preparation, you put all things at risk and make the situation much more difficult and complex than it needs to be. No one really enjoys this process, but it is so very important to consider prior to being needed. It is often not possible to address these areas once illness or death has occurred. So take the time now, record the needed information, and make sure those important in your life are informed of the location of the documents.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The HTG Way Part V - Life Plans
Abraham Lincoln said “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years”. For too many of us in the business community, life takes a back seat to work. There is a struggle we all must work through regarding life/work balance. Without a plan and a focused effort to address this battle, we will default to the world’s answer of work. So it is critical that we all develop a plan that can help keep us accountable and focused on what we say is important so our time is spent appropriately and wisely. Without a plan, we will wake up one day and wonder where life has gone.
The third plan HTG is focused on is a life plan. For many, this is a very new concept. A life plan needs to answer the question of “why I got up this morning” or what my purpose is for my life. Far too often people get to the end of life and become aware that they have spent their entire working time focused on things that really were not the most important to them. But the cruel reality of time is that once it is spent, it can never be used again. Each of us is granted 168 hours each week. A life plan should dictate how those hours are used. Every activity or interaction a person makes should go through the funnel of a life plan to assure each minute is spent on things that align with the real priorities and objectives a person has for their life. Without a plan, each of us will wake up someday and wonder where all our time has gone and how we missed the chance to live focused on the things that really matter. For many, this may be the first time they have addressed these deep philosophical questions personally, and even more often, the first time they have discussed them with their spouse, business partners or other important people in their lives. But what could be more important than identifying how I want my life to count and what I should spend my time on to make sure the things I say are important truly are treated that way.
In many ways, the life plan we use for HTG is very similar to the leadership plan. The focus is different in that the areas are not related to business, but to our own personal goals and objectives. There are three key areas that need to be addressed:
1. Commitments – specific areas that align with life goals and stated objectives you wish to achieve through your life.
2. Execution plan – how you will achieve the commitments you have with specific steps, milestones and dependencies
3. Accountabilities – how you will measure success and to whom you will be accountable.
The third plan HTG is focused on is a life plan. For many, this is a very new concept. A life plan needs to answer the question of “why I got up this morning” or what my purpose is for my life. Far too often people get to the end of life and become aware that they have spent their entire working time focused on things that really were not the most important to them. But the cruel reality of time is that once it is spent, it can never be used again. Each of us is granted 168 hours each week. A life plan should dictate how those hours are used. Every activity or interaction a person makes should go through the funnel of a life plan to assure each minute is spent on things that align with the real priorities and objectives a person has for their life. Without a plan, each of us will wake up someday and wonder where all our time has gone and how we missed the chance to live focused on the things that really matter. For many, this may be the first time they have addressed these deep philosophical questions personally, and even more often, the first time they have discussed them with their spouse, business partners or other important people in their lives. But what could be more important than identifying how I want my life to count and what I should spend my time on to make sure the things I say are important truly are treated that way.
In many ways, the life plan we use for HTG is very similar to the leadership plan. The focus is different in that the areas are not related to business, but to our own personal goals and objectives. There are three key areas that need to be addressed:
1. Commitments – specific areas that align with life goals and stated objectives you wish to achieve through your life.
2. Execution plan – how you will achieve the commitments you have with specific steps, milestones and dependencies
3. Accountabilities – how you will measure success and to whom you will be accountable.
There are a number of areas you may wish to set life goals, but here are a few to consider in order to get things started:
- Relationships, Family and Friends
- Health and Fitness
- Money and Finances
- Recreation and Lifestyle
- Spiritual
- Service and Contribution
- Happiness
- Retirement
You can add or delete areas you wish to define as life commitments, but the key is to make a list and become accountable. This is best done shared with your spouse and family so they can be part of the discussion, decisions and accountability loop. I also recommend you also include a “Bucket List” of activities you wish to achieve before your time on earth ends. This should also be shared, updated and kept top of mind so you can work toward reaching those goals and keep focused on spending your time where it matters most.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
New SBSC Advisory Board Announced
The FY2010 SBSC advisory board has been announced, and I am proud to say the 5 of the 10 members are leaders of HTG member companies. I also am privileged to serve as part of that esteemed group as one of the 10 representing the North Central district.. SBSC is now being led by Francois Daumard, who has a passion to drive the community to a new level. He is looking at every aspect of the program and is working hard to find ways to increase member value and provide more tools to help us be successful.
Part of the role of this advisory board is to gather ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into the program that will help Microsoft partners succeed. If you have ideas, feel free to reach out to your SBSC advisory board member. I will gladly take feedback from anyone, but there is a specific person in each of the Microsoft districts that are assigned the task of representing you and your thoughts, suggestions and concerns. Take advantage of this council. Use us to carry your message. Remember that just complaining won't go very far. It is creative, positive suggestions that will get a response. Too often we focus on the things that are wrong with no suggestions around how to make it better. That is not very valuable. We need to provide guidance on what works and what would add value to the program, Microsoft and ultimately us. To see the list of fellow partners who represent you - check the web at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40110269.
Here is the official announcement: The SBSC Program Team has selected new SBSC Advisory Board members for the new Microsoft fiscal year starting July 1, 2009. The role of the SBSC Advisory Board is to provide Microsoft with real-life feedback and ground-level intelligence about what is important for SBSCs. This year there is one SBSC Advisory Board member in each of the 10 Microsoft U.S. Sales Areas. SBSC Advisory Board members are committed and eager to be the local partner liaison between you and Microsoft. If you want to find the SBSC Advisory Board member in your region, and share the good and the not-so-good about being an SBSC member, speak to your SBSC advisory board member.
Part of the role of this advisory board is to gather ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into the program that will help Microsoft partners succeed. If you have ideas, feel free to reach out to your SBSC advisory board member. I will gladly take feedback from anyone, but there is a specific person in each of the Microsoft districts that are assigned the task of representing you and your thoughts, suggestions and concerns. Take advantage of this council. Use us to carry your message. Remember that just complaining won't go very far. It is creative, positive suggestions that will get a response. Too often we focus on the things that are wrong with no suggestions around how to make it better. That is not very valuable. We need to provide guidance on what works and what would add value to the program, Microsoft and ultimately us. To see the list of fellow partners who represent you - check the web at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40110269.
Here is the official announcement: The SBSC Program Team has selected new SBSC Advisory Board members for the new Microsoft fiscal year starting July 1, 2009. The role of the SBSC Advisory Board is to provide Microsoft with real-life feedback and ground-level intelligence about what is important for SBSCs. This year there is one SBSC Advisory Board member in each of the 10 Microsoft U.S. Sales Areas. SBSC Advisory Board members are committed and eager to be the local partner liaison between you and Microsoft. If you want to find the SBSC Advisory Board member in your region, and share the good and the not-so-good about being an SBSC member, speak to your SBSC advisory board member.
Be Memorable in Meetings
This is an excerpt from a recent newsletter from David Russell (david@managetowin.com). I found his thoughts very valuable as he addresses doing things to set yourself apart as a leader and creating memorable moments.
You are a leader. Why not be a memorable one?
An important part of being memorable as a leader is listening well, making certain your people feel valued and having meetings that are productively interactive. However there are some little things you can do to increase your memorability in meetings also. Here are some ideas:
1. Bring gifts. I often bring hard-cover copies of my books to meetings as a gift. It helps them get to know me and our work better. It is thoughtful because the book retails for $29.95 and can be helpful. Yes, it also is a great business card. $10-$15 gift cards are an alternative that can be effective, especially if you match them to the interests of each meeting participant.
2. Bring treats. Consider bringing high quality treats such as See's Candies chocolate (high quality, not some cheap brand), brownies or other treats from a classy bakery, or anything that is classy but not too expensive. No doughnuts!
3. Bring examples. For instance, if you are talking about the importance of branding then bring some samples of great brands to give away after you explain why they are unique. (You don't have to bring a Macintosh computer, just an iTunes card...) Maybe give the examples as prizes for people who have innovative ideas or answers to your questions.
4. Tell great stories. If you are on a tight budget then be prepared with one or more great stories to tell. If you think others tell stories better than you, work with your storytellers before the meeting and weave their participation into your agenda.
Life is way too short! Be memorable.
Thanks for the great thoughts David. If you are looking for software to help with people management, check out his product at http://www.successwithpeople.com/.
You are a leader. Why not be a memorable one?
An important part of being memorable as a leader is listening well, making certain your people feel valued and having meetings that are productively interactive. However there are some little things you can do to increase your memorability in meetings also. Here are some ideas:
1. Bring gifts. I often bring hard-cover copies of my books to meetings as a gift. It helps them get to know me and our work better. It is thoughtful because the book retails for $29.95 and can be helpful. Yes, it also is a great business card. $10-$15 gift cards are an alternative that can be effective, especially if you match them to the interests of each meeting participant.
2. Bring treats. Consider bringing high quality treats such as See's Candies chocolate (high quality, not some cheap brand), brownies or other treats from a classy bakery, or anything that is classy but not too expensive. No doughnuts!
3. Bring examples. For instance, if you are talking about the importance of branding then bring some samples of great brands to give away after you explain why they are unique. (You don't have to bring a Macintosh computer, just an iTunes card...) Maybe give the examples as prizes for people who have innovative ideas or answers to your questions.
4. Tell great stories. If you are on a tight budget then be prepared with one or more great stories to tell. If you think others tell stories better than you, work with your storytellers before the meeting and weave their participation into your agenda.
Life is way too short! Be memorable.
Thanks for the great thoughts David. If you are looking for software to help with people management, check out his product at http://www.successwithpeople.com/.
Opportunity to Share your Faith in New Orleans
For those coming to Microsoft's WPC - we are holding a special prayer breakfast on Wednesday morning. This will be the second annual Partners in Christ prayer breakfast. Here are the details:
New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center
859 Convention Center Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Click Here to Register Today!http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2is6m4qfuzirfgr/a0115fwc143m2/questions
This is open to any and all who want to gather for a time of fellowship and sharing. Please register at the link above so we have plenty of space and food. I hope to see you in NOLA and particularly at this breakfast. It is open to VAR's, vendors, Microsoft staff - any and all are welcome to join us. There is no cost to attend. Just show up to meet and fellowship.
Our speaker this year will be Boyd Bailey. Boyd is founder and Chairman of Wisdom Hunters, LLC and is the author of two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God; Boyd is also founder of Ministry Ventures, a venture capital firm for early stage ministries which has helped 45 start-up ministries raise over $15.5 million and impact over 35,000 people for Christ. Prior to Ministry Ventures, Bailey was the National Director for Crown Financial Ministries. He was instrumental in the expansion of Crown into 30 major markets across the U.S. He was a key facilitator in the 25 million dollar merger between Christian Financial Concepts and Crown Ministries. Before Crown he and Andy Stanley started First Baptist Atlanta’s north campus; and as an Elder, Boyd assisted Andy in the start of North Point Community Church. In college he bought a service business with five employees. This business endeavor financed his education and the equity from its sale was the economic launching pad for his graduate school experience.
Again this year we will be providing all attendees a free book, Boyd’s Infusion devotional. We look forward to seeing you at the Marriott on July 15 at 7AM!
New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center
859 Convention Center Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Click Here to Register Today!http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2is6m4qfuzirfgr/a0115fwc143m2/questions
This is open to any and all who want to gather for a time of fellowship and sharing. Please register at the link above so we have plenty of space and food. I hope to see you in NOLA and particularly at this breakfast. It is open to VAR's, vendors, Microsoft staff - any and all are welcome to join us. There is no cost to attend. Just show up to meet and fellowship.
Our speaker this year will be Boyd Bailey. Boyd is founder and Chairman of Wisdom Hunters, LLC and is the author of two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God; Boyd is also founder of Ministry Ventures, a venture capital firm for early stage ministries which has helped 45 start-up ministries raise over $15.5 million and impact over 35,000 people for Christ. Prior to Ministry Ventures, Bailey was the National Director for Crown Financial Ministries. He was instrumental in the expansion of Crown into 30 major markets across the U.S. He was a key facilitator in the 25 million dollar merger between Christian Financial Concepts and Crown Ministries. Before Crown he and Andy Stanley started First Baptist Atlanta’s north campus; and as an Elder, Boyd assisted Andy in the start of North Point Community Church. In college he bought a service business with five employees. This business endeavor financed his education and the equity from its sale was the economic launching pad for his graduate school experience.
Again this year we will be providing all attendees a free book, Boyd’s Infusion devotional. We look forward to seeing you at the Marriott on July 15 at 7AM!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The HTG Way Part IV - Leadership Plans
Zig Ziglar said “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Creating a business plan is foundational, but next we move to planning that will assure those who are required to perform in order to achieve the business plan are aligned. This requires personal commitments from those in leadership as well as those who will do the day to day activity required for success of the company plan. We call this personal commitment plan a leadership plan.
Far too often owners and managers create job descriptions and commitments for their staff or team, but seldom have written anything in regard to their involvement in achieving the success of the company business plan. We know from experience that as the owner or manager goes, often so goes the business. If the leadership in a company is not disciplined and dedicated to following a plan, or leading the execution of the company plan, it often falls by the wayside and becomes little more than a piece of paper with some words on it. The leadership plan is the document that allows the owner or manager to put a stake in the ground saying “I am going to do these things to assure we reach our goals”. The leadership plan should clearly define his priorities for how time is used on the job and should provide the team with clarity in what role will be fulfilled. Of course successfully using this plan means a willingness to be evaluated about how well it has been executed. That level of accountability to the team sets a standard and creates an environment that leads to growth and success of people and the organization as a whole.
HTG uses a simple worksheet to capture leadership commitments. These consist of three areas around each topic:
1. Commitments – specific areas of focus that aligns job performance goals and objectives with the company business plan and goals. Answers the question “What areas of my job align directly with the company business plan and goals?”
2. Execution Plan – how you will achieve your commitments. This should include key milestones, priorities and dependencies for success. Answers the question “What will you specifically do?”
3. Accountabilities – define how you will measure success and what metrics you will use to evaluate the realization of your commitments. These will be KPI’s and metrics related to measuring success. Answers the question “How will you know you have achieved success?”
Far too often owners and managers create job descriptions and commitments for their staff or team, but seldom have written anything in regard to their involvement in achieving the success of the company business plan. We know from experience that as the owner or manager goes, often so goes the business. If the leadership in a company is not disciplined and dedicated to following a plan, or leading the execution of the company plan, it often falls by the wayside and becomes little more than a piece of paper with some words on it. The leadership plan is the document that allows the owner or manager to put a stake in the ground saying “I am going to do these things to assure we reach our goals”. The leadership plan should clearly define his priorities for how time is used on the job and should provide the team with clarity in what role will be fulfilled. Of course successfully using this plan means a willingness to be evaluated about how well it has been executed. That level of accountability to the team sets a standard and creates an environment that leads to growth and success of people and the organization as a whole.
HTG uses a simple worksheet to capture leadership commitments. These consist of three areas around each topic:
1. Commitments – specific areas of focus that aligns job performance goals and objectives with the company business plan and goals. Answers the question “What areas of my job align directly with the company business plan and goals?”
2. Execution Plan – how you will achieve your commitments. This should include key milestones, priorities and dependencies for success. Answers the question “What will you specifically do?”
3. Accountabilities – define how you will measure success and what metrics you will use to evaluate the realization of your commitments. These will be KPI’s and metrics related to measuring success. Answers the question “How will you know you have achieved success?”
You can select a number of areas that align directly with the company business plan, but here are a few that may be good to consider:
- Revenue/Financial/Profitability Objectives
- Personal Growth and Training Objectives
- Customer Relationships and Satisfaction/Loyalty Objectives
- Company Culture/Fellow Employee/Process Improvement Objectives
- Business and Career Objectives
There likely will be other areas you can include. This is not the same as a job description, but should include the reality that many items on this personal leadership commitment plan need to align with the job description as well as the company business plan. Just make sure you are able to identify what role you play in achieving company success and then identify the things you need to do to achieve those, and how you can measure and assess your work along that path.
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