Media Releases on Business, Strategy, Leadership & Management by Ric Willmot

Executive Wisdom Consulting Group Press Release

Is Business Getting Better? Latest Research by Executive Wisdom says: “Yes”.

On June 3^rd 2009 it was announced that Australia had NOT technically slipped into an official economic recession. Mr. Ric Willmot, Managing Director of Executive Wisdom Consulting Group (http://www.executivewisdom.com) states that his belief was the economic downturn (in Australia at least) was more perceived than actual. “Back as far as November 2008 I was imploring the business owners and executives in my Mentoring Program to focus their efforts on combating the perception not the economic downturn.”

Mr. Willmot, a global consultant, has been assessing and evaluating business perception of owners and partners of professional service firms in Australia and New Zealand. His research company, The Society for Executive Wisdom (http://www.executivewisdomsociety.com) surveyed owners and partners from the professional sectors:

§ Banking & Financial

§ Training, coaching, L&D, etc

The respondents were asked their opinions of 2009 and perceptions of what 2010 may hold. “We asked questions such as: When do they believe business will get better?” said Willmot. “And, how have revenues and profitability been impacted?”

The findings clearly indicate that even those who have been adversely affected by the Global Financial Crisis have an optimistic outlook. 59% of all respondents believed that business had already improved or would definitely improve by Q2 2010. A further 33% believe business overall will improve by the fourth quarter of 2010.

29% of professional service professionals stated their business had already begun to experience improvement in revenues and that they believed business was on the upturn. Of these, 53% are of the opinion that their profits for the financial year ending June 30, 2010 will be above those recorded for the 2009 financial year.

Willmot says, “It’s quite evident that if your organisation remains moored in the harbour until the recovery is obvious, you will be disadvantaged as your competition are at sea reaping the best catch of the new season. The recovery may transpire at any time, even as we speak.”

Willmot finished by saying, “The economic downturn swept around the world like a devastating tsunami. You get a sense of the opportunity before us; for there is a rising tide, unless we wish to be a victim of the water.”

The complete summary, “Is Business Getting Better?” details the research results, and is available for download from the home page of Executive Wisdom Consulting Group.

Executive Wisdom Consulting Group is a Brisbane-based global consulting firm recognised for supporting their clients to achieve unprecedented success and profits. For more information contact us:

October 23, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Executive Wisdom Release

You can say, "No"

The snack food CC's had an advertising campaign: "You can't say no" and inevitably many people in business have a similar affliction when receiving requests for assistance, no matter how inappropriate the request may be.

People are regularly coerced to agree to doing more than they could possibly have time for. Of course, then you discover you're too busy to do everything you have promised. Take solace that so does most everyone else.

The Society for Executive Wisdom (an international association of business leaders, owners and executives) surveyed its clients and members for their experiences and opinions as to why we can't say no.

Interestingly, one insight to this overcommitment is because of the expectation we will have more time in the future than we do currently in the present. Reality bites when the future becomes today and yesterday's acceptance becomes today's "ouch!" This is when the excuses begin.

People frequently agree to requests requiring a commitment in the future that they would not consider if the same commitment required action immediately. "Parkinson wrote that work fills the available void," says Ric Willmot, the Founder of the Society for Executive Wisdom. "Therefore we tend not to have the available time we considered when agreeing to requests for assistance from others."

Willmot goes on to explain that the reason for our agreement is not because of any life-enhancing opportunity but rather the self-validation expected that will provide a momentary approval from those around us. "Every time I board a plane it is explained that in an emergency I must put on my own oxygen mask before helping children and others. You have to help yourself first to be able to properly help others," says Willmot.

But how to say, "No"?

The clients and members of the Society were also asked how they themselves, confidently and respectfully decline inappropriate requests whilst maintaining a positive relationship with the enquirer. Here are some of the better responses which will provide you with an arsenal of valued responses to protect your repute and your time:

• I'm very sorry, but my current priorities have me fully obligated at the moment.
• Thank you for thinking to ask me, but, no thanks.
• This is the type of thing I would be pleased to help you with if only I had time.
• Before I accept this and take it from you, what do you think we should do about this?
• I'm unable to help you with this now, but we can talk about it again next week. Would that be okay with you?
• I have so many other vital commitments to others, it would be unfair to them and to you if I accepted anything more at this point.
• Just like you, I sometimes get swamped and have to tell some very special people, "no". This is one of those times.
• I'm certain we know each other well enough that when I say "no" you will understand it's for a very good reason.
• And, Ric Willmot's personal favourite: "No."

Mr. Willmot concludes, "Naturally, it is imperative that you use a soft, gentle tone of voice and smile as you speak."

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September 29, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Executive Wisdom Release

Whether you believe it's true or not - business is bouncing back

The Society for Executive Wisdom surveyed its global members and clients to assess whether they are experiencing a recovery in business sentiment.

"It appears that there is enough evidence in business results to indicate that the recovery is happening and happening quicker than anyone suspects, despite some of the media focus on bad news," says Executive Wisdom Managing Director Ric Willmot. "Our members and clients are a diverse group, both by industry and geography, and their feedback supports this."

Mr. Willmot who owns the global consulting firm Executive Wisdom and has a unique CEO Mentoring & Coaching Program, is telling his clients and audiences whether you believe it's true or not, you need to prepare as if the recovery is already here.

Businesses that agree the economy is recovering are reallocating resources and planning in a deliberate and considered manner or in a specific area to take advantage of new product or service offerings or to lure the best people and customers from the competition who aren't planning for the business rebound.

Those in business who disagree and believe that we have not yet began to bounce back, will be in for a rough time. Why? Because those businesses that do agree will be taking your best people and clients if you're not prepared.

The secret is to gain an even keel when juggling the balance of risk and reward in forward planning. This time last year business was in the process of savage cost reductions. "Today, businesses are seeking my expertise in establishing strategic growth plans. Doesn't that tell you the recovery is here!"

The best indication in support of the recent research by Executive Wisdom is that businesses are again making decisions and this is an exclelent leading indicator. Owners and CEOs are coming out of the bunker. They now realise that because they have survived, their business is "recession-proof" and therefore will now stand out from the crowd.

If they hesitate too long the competition will catch them up. Further proof is the knowledge that banks are more willing to lend on business acquisitions. And, while the criteria are tighter, there is more willingness to analyse possible ventures.

"If you behave as if the economic rebound is here," says Willmot, "it more than likely will be for you. There has never been a better time to dramatically shift your market position. For all you know, your competitors may already be investing more than you in the next boom."

Executive Wisdom Consulting Group is an Australian-based global consultancy firm recognised for supporting their clients to achieve unprecedented success and profits. For more information go to http://www.executivewisdom.com, or call +61 7 3395-1050.

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