I just returned from Rhode Island, where I attended “The Strategist” workshop, which was conducted by Alan Weiss, Ph.D. It was simply outstanding.

Here are some of my takeaways:

1. Strategy is the what, tactics is the how


2. Planning kills strategy. Strategy is top down, planning is bottom up.


3. Strategy starts with the end desire. Paint a picture of the future.


4. Being good at what you do trumps being at the right place.


5. The key to strategy is to make enough good decisions, not one perfect decision.


6. Strategy is organized serendipity


7. Strategy is a continual process, not an annual event.


8. Ambiguity is the norm.


9. Process visual charts of the Strategy Quadrant, The Strategic Profile and Risk /Reward Ratio which I will publish shortly.

How do you recognize a good strategy?

1. Anyone in the company is able to talk about it.


2. Executives in the company held directly responsible for implementation


3. Executives constantly looking and reviewing its effectiveness.

Lastly, some points of interest:

• If IBM were still a punch card company they would have been out of business many years ago. They are in the information exchange business.


• Steve Jobs: “We wait for the next big thing and we then jump at it”

I received several great emails and suggestions about my last Blog post, which has triggered some of my additional points:

1. Technology for technology sake makes no sense – Why purchase a faster processor when the old one is just fast enough? Why upgrade immediately to the latest software version when you are barely still using 5% of the functions of your current software? Why get the latest and “hottest” gadget when it is still not tested enough or has enough technology and integration acceptance? For technology to make sense, it must increase the following: Usefulness, productiveness, efficiency, and fun.


2. Learn to exploit your technology – Imagine how much fun and success you main gain if frequently you learn to implement one new idea with your software and hardware. Imagine if you implemented several.


3. Get an expert – If you find yourself aggravated figuring out new technologies or stagnant for a while, consider contacting an expert and let them help you gain the knowledge you need in a short time.

Here are some fun and productive ideas to get you started:

1. Listen to books digitally and download them to your iPod or a CD and listen in your car, plane ride or during your power walk.


2. Subscribe to your podcasts of interest and download to your iPod and enjoy listening while learning new concepts.


3. Implement software to better organize your ideas, projects and calendar.


4. Learn how to better search the Internet for the information you need.


5. Explore the digital world of video or audio recording and share your favorite events with your family or clients.


6. Better plan and forecast your future with simple spreadsheet calculations.


7. Use your computer for video conferencing so you may talk and see your family.

I suggest you don’t just purchase technologies because it’s the cool thing to do. Make sure it also makes personal and business sense to do so. Once you do get it, learn to leverage your investment and gain the most out of it. And remember, the cool stuff you get today will anyways be old news in a short time clearing the way for newer and cooler technologies to take its place.

Isn’t innovation great?

It was 1968, I was 12 years old growing up in Israel. After waiting for over a year, the phone my parents ordered for our home, finally arrived. There was great excitement in our home, and we even built a small credenza to proudly display our new arrival. What made it even more exciting was the fact that we were one of the first families on our block to have our phone installed. The technician installed and tested it and then left. Exhilarated, I picked up the handset, the beautiful tone sounded loud and clear, I placed it next to my ear and I then realized … I had no one to call. None of my friends had their phones yet.

I am delighted to announce the development, implementation and the launch of the new blog for Aviv Shahar, owner of Amber Network. Aviv is a fascinating thought leader who helps executives improve effectiveness, strategic thinking, collaboration and innovation. Click here to visit his new blog and explore his thoughts for times of change.

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The Wall Street Journal had a brief remembrance for the editor of Forbes magazine, James W. Michaels, 1921 – 2007. After he took over the magazine, circulation more than doubled. He was contrarian in life as in editing. He rarely socialized with publishing professionals. He distrusted electric typewriter and loved word processing and the Internet which allowed him to easily send his editing from his home while claiming that he could shorten any story by 15%. At age 73 he took up scuba diving.