David J Foster MBA

Of blogs, newsletters and stamina

David — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:33:55 +0000

At times there may seem to be an inconsistency between the general theme of my advice and my behaviour. I’m thinking here particularly in regard to this blog, but it may appear occasionally to manifest itself in other areas of my business too.

Those of you who have spent time with me, or have read my previous . . . → Read More: Of blogs, newsletters and stamina

Getting More Referrals

David — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:10:18 +0000

Many of you will know my interest in Networking and some of you will have participated in one of my Networking Skills Workshops. As an extension to that, I’d like to draw your attention to an interesting webinar from John Niland and John Braught at Success 121 on the subject of Getting More Referrals.

When it comes . . . → Read More: Getting More Referrals

What start-ups are really like

David — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:10:40 +0000

This essay by Paul Graham of Y Combinator is OUTSTANDING and my sincere thanks to Jack Huang of Dealbunch for drawing it to my attention.

My advice is to do the MBA thang and read the conclusion (entitled The Super-Pattern) first, as this will give you a good idea whether it’s worth YOU reading the rest.

All I . . . → Read More: What start-ups are really like

Small lessons for bigger businesses

David — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:37:39 +0000

I run a lot, as you can see from my www.fosterRuns.com blog and as such I get through a steady stream of running shoes and other assorted gear. At the point where, early in 2004, I started training for the Berlin marathon, a friend kindly introduced me to Kurt, Fred and Tom at the small specialist . . . → Read More: Small lessons for bigger businesses

Last minute pre-Christmas planning

David — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:38:36 +0000

Here are some thoughts carried over from last Christmas that are still valid, so before you kick-back and put your feet up for the winter break, here are a few simple tasks to give you a head-start when you get back in 2010.

Clear the decks: If you have a vague lull in work over the . . . → Read More: Last minute pre-Christmas planning

PWC Turnaround Directors’ Survey

David — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:56:49 +0000

PWC’s latest Turnaround Directors survey makes interesting reading and whilst it does not specifically relate to the SME market, some very useful points are made.

Firstly, that there is a general reluctance of management to admit that they are struggling.

In addition to this being a primary barrier to seeking help, it also points to the inexperience of . . . → Read More: PWC Turnaround Directors’ Survey

Permalinks apology

David — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:03:51 +0000

Just a quick apology. I didn’t realise that the permalinks on this site had not translated from the previous theme.

This is now fixed and the archives are . . . → Read More: Permalinks apology

TMA-UK Brighton event, 30th September

David — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:46:11 +0000

Getting a Grip of Pricing

For our first TMA Brighton event of the autumn season, hosted by award-winning Acumen Business Law, we are delighted to be joined by Cliff Burgin of the pricing consultancy Burgin Associates, who gave a well-received presentation to the London region recently which was highly informative as well as entertaining.

Cliff will share his practical tips . . . → Read More: TMA-UK Brighton event, 30th September

Interesting Turnaround Management article

David — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:45:39 +0000

If you are currently facing tough trading conditions or are interested in the Turnaround Management space, one of my colleagues at RiVO partners recently wrote this very interesting article http://www.tma-uk.org/uploads/Rivo%20-%20Distress%20is%20painful%20delay%20deadly.pdf

I have also recently taken on the role of Regional Event Co-ordinator for the Turnaround Management Association (TMA UK) in Sussex so if you are interested in . . . → Read More: Interesting Turnaround Management article

New websites

David — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:49:48 +0000

This is a quick note to say that we have launched new websites for executive or SME coaching at www.rallystrategic.com and for mid-market companies in need of turnaround or performance improvement . . . → Read More: New websites