Out with the old, in with the new

Jan 11, 2010

2010 is here. And, it’s going to be a year like none before. If you aren’t particularly happy with your firm’s performance these last couple years, it’s a great time for change— radical change. Out with the old and in with the new! Here are some examples of what I mean: Employees. Tired of the people who seem to have a crappy attitude? Don’t like it when someone is always critical, always skeptical, but never comes up with a good idea? Move ‘em out and replace ‘em! Out with the old and in with the new! Principals. Tired of those principals who don’t carry their own weight? Don’t like it when they complain about you and what you do, yet they clearly aren’t doing their own jobs effectively? Maybe it’s time for some new blood— from either inside or outside of the firm. Out with the old and in with the new! Subconsultants. Fed up with poor quality deliverables? Angry about something stupid said to one of your clients by another firm on your team? Stop working with them and get some new team members. Out with the old and in with the new! There must be some other, higher quality providers who would be thrilled to have you as a client and who won’t embarrass you in front of your clients. Service providers. Tired of the janitorial service that doesn’t empty all the trash cans? Fed up with the CPA firm that seems to keep charging you more every year but is doing less? Fed up with your attorney, who has forgotten who his client is? Trade ‘em in! Out with the old and in with the new! Marketing tactics. Sick of seeing the same lame newsletter going out twice a year? Tired of the annual Christmas party/open house because all you see coming to it are your local competitors? Fed up with the bad writing in your qualification docs and on your web site? Now is the time— in the next 30 days— to fix all that stuff. Out with the old and in with the new! Stock plan. Are you tired of people complaining about your stock value being too high or low? Can’t see how you will ever be able to pay off the stock note for the founder who retired in 2006? It may be time to make a change— people are psychologically ready for it. Out with the old and in with the new— now more than ever! Clients. Fed up with clients who think it’s O.K. to pay their bills 142 days late? Tired of the clients who do less and less with you each year and force you to be the low fee every time? Replace them with new clients! Resolve to do so this year and not later. Out with the old and in with the new! Don’t be satisfied with mediocrity. Demand respect. Take some new initiative. Make a change. Out with the old, in with the new in 2010! Originally published 1/11/2010

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, a four-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, is the premiere authority in AEC management consulting, the go-to source for industry research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group specializes in four core consulting areas: Talent, Performance, Growth, and Transition, including innovative solutions in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, financial management, ownership transition, executive search, business development, valuation, and more. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a competitive marketplace. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.