December 2005 Boomer Bulletin
Each edition of the Boomer Bulletin offers an array of insights into firm management, technology and marketing. Review each Bulletin by its original publication date or search to explore specific topics. Come back frequently and discover new ways to keep your firm among the best!
The Importance of Firm Culture
December 7 | by L. Gary Boomer, CPA, CITP, CEO
Culture is a system of shared beliefs. These beliefs about goals, values and behaviors are required in order to achieve the firm's vision. Culture is strategic and directly affects everyone in your firm. It is often inherited, but it can change if required to do so. Firms can be successful with shared services. However, it is impossible to move the firm from generation to generation without a shared vision.
Strategic Planning: Beware of the Barriers
December 7 | by Sandra L. Wiley, COO and Senior Consultant
Firms of all sizes have begun developing - or have developed - a strategic plan for their firm. As they go through the strategic planning process, many will find that they will encounter barriers that will block their way to successful implementation, even with a solid plan in place. As any good planner knows, the earlier you recognize those barriers and find ways to overcome them, your chances for success will improve.
Great Sales Experience Leads to Purchase
December 7 | by Eric Hunt, Director of Client Relations
One of the biggest problems I find with people in sales is that they don't truly listen to what you are telling them. They ask a question or two and then make a quick "diagnosis" of your need. This was never more apparent to me than last month when my wife and I were shopping for a digital camera and a new camcorder. We did our research, set a budget and headed out on a busy Saturday to look at our options. Interestingly, our experiences were completely different because of how the salespeople interacted with us.
December 2005 Circle Update
December 7 | by Ken McCall, MBA, MCP, CDIA
November was another good month for the Boomer Technology Circles. Circles #3 and #5 met this month, with typically excellent programs.
DRM Protection and your computers - are YOU safe?
December 7 | by Eric Benson, Director of Interactive Communications
Most IT professionals have a series of security procedures and software in place to protect machines in their networks. Firewalls block access to an internal network from the outside world. Antivirus software and appliances are in place to prevent takeovers of computers on a network. Spyware is routinely squashed and erased from machines. IM clients are banned or protected from malicious worms that are cropping up. It's big business, and in many instances saves hours, possibly weeks, of work in reconstructing damaged systems.
What have you learned in 2005?
December 8 | by Sue Thiemann, Director of First Impressions
As we enter the holiday season and the end of the year draws closer, I like to reflect on the successes and lessons learned over this year. One area in particular is how well I have managed my time. How many times have I had to redo, reprint, revise items etc? Have I used my time and resources satisfactorily? Or have I wasted time and resources redoing projects? Here are some strategies for overcoming wasted time.