"...keeping you great"
HEADLINES:
The Dutch Rock -- fun fact for your next pool party -- Royal Dutch Shell has taken over the number one spot as the largest company in the world with $458 billion in revenue, beating #2 Exxon and #3 Wal-Mart. And coming in at #9 is another Netherlands-based company, banking giant ING -- wow, two of the top ten based in this tiny, yet powerful European country. FYI, seven of the top ten are oil companies and #10 is Toyota -- our dependency on autos continues to increase. Here's a link to the entire list.
2000 Thank You's -- Andy Bailey, President of NationLink Wireless, shared photos of his latest quarterly theme "2000 Thank You's." Last quarter they had a "Friends" theme focused on adding 132 new clients. They blew away the number and added 156, boosting revenue in June 2X every other month this year or last! In the upcoming quarter they are focused on retention, sending handwritten Thank You notes to clients, vendors, friends -- anyone that makes an impact on the company will receive a card the next day. Notes Bailey "The team is clicking on all cylinders and taking the theme and goal setting process to heart."
Make It Visual and Meaningful With Donation to AHA -- Continues Bailey "We are reporting the number sent, along with who it went to, each morning in the huddle as a KPI and checking off a "heart" on the scoreboard. We've also posted a reminder banner out in front of our offices (see attached photos). We are wrapping it up with a celebration and donation of $2,000 to the American Heart Association at the end of the quarter - $1 for every Thank You that goes out the door. The use of themes, huddles and all the other principles have made our business predictable and kept everyone focused on the important activities that drive revenue and thus success."
It's not too late to set a 3rd Quarter Theme -- pick a measurable focus, give it a name, put up a scoreboard, and set a celebration date -- just do it!!
FSB Media Request -- Doing Business in China -- this note from Malika Worrall "I'm a reporter with FORTUNE Small Business Magazine (published online at www.CNNMoney.com/smallbusiness). I'm looking for interesting businesses partly- or wholly- based in China (or with a large customer base there) to visit during an upcoming trip to China. Given that we're a small business magazine, I'm looking for start-ups or companies with less than $150 million in annual revenue. I would also be interested in hearing from any China-based for-profit social enterprises, by which I mean a company that is aiming to create a social impact and/or environmental impact as well as generate a financial profit. Given that we're a U.S.-based magazine, I'm looking for a company that has some connection to North America -- it would be ideal if one of the founders is North American or has spent a lot of time in the U.S. or Canada. If you think you fit the bill, or know of anyone who does, please contact me ASAP at malika_worrall@fortunemail.com. Thanks, Malika Zouhali-Worrall