February 2006 Boomer Bulletin
Boomer Consulting is consistently striving to find innovative ways to bring value to our readers. Beginning this month, we will be publishing a new initiative for your reading pleasure. We will feature an industry leader from our Boomer Technology Circle's as a guest writer sharing their insights, wisdom and accomplishments with you. These articles will provide the value you have come to expect from our publication.
Our first Spotlight author is Peter Henley, a valuable member and professional leader to the Circles. As the IT Director of Clark Nuber in Bellevue, Washington, Peter understands that his job is "not all about the technology", it is about the management of the resources in the firm - including his own staff. This month Peter shares the wisdom he has acquired in the area of technology management by imparting 10 "rules of engagement" for the IT Professional.
Book Review: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
February 15 | by Sue Thiemann, Director of First Impressions
Intriguing title, isn't it?! The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni is a quick read with powerful applications. Along with his first two best-selling books, The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive, he uses his unique storytelling ability to illustrate the five areas of dysfunction within teams.
Marketing New Services During Tax Season
February 15 | by Ken McCall, MBA, MCP, CDIA+
Does your firm have a technology consulting practice? Or do you offer strategic planning services? Or, can you help your clients with recruiting, mentoring, or other personnel related services? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", are your partners and staff taking full advantage of the client contacts which will occur over the next few months to market these services?
Creating Work-Life Balance Within The Firm
February 15 | by Sandra L. Wiley, COO and Senior Consultant
In your firm today, an increasing number of staff members - from the partner level to the administrative staff - are experiencing burnout, low productivity, dissatisfaction and stress related illnesses...due in large part to a lack of balance between their work and personal lives. It is time for your firm to look at how they can create greater balance between work and personal lives of the number 1 asset in your firm - its people.
The IT Director's 10 Rules of Engagement
February 15 | by Peter Henley, CIO, Clark Nuber, Bellevue, Washington
Managing with Metrics
February 15 | by L. Gary Boomer, CPA, CITP, CEO
Average is where the best of the worst meet the worst of the best. Most firms don't consider themselves average, yet many are not performing to their capabilities due to outdated attitudes toward billing and technology. Poor billing policies are only exacerbated by technology and visa versa. Value billing is talked about, but in reality few firms are utilizing it and maximizing the potential return on their technology and training investments. Before we discuss the reasons and how firms can improve, let's examine the metrics we have accumulated over the past few years.
Are you making progress on New Year Resolutions?
February 15 | by Eric Hunt, Director of Client Relations
Like most people, at the beginning of the year you probably made a New Year's resolution or two. It is almost the end of January, how have you done so far?