Print and Go! If you don't have time to read this issue online, download and print the entire issue using Adobe Reader. MSAE Diamond Award Winner
Michigan Association of CPAsBusiness Edge
May 29, 2009
Volume 6, No. 5
 
In this issue...
 -  People Make Customer Relationship Management Succeed
 -  Healthcare Abroad: Fact and Myth
 -  Maximize Your Company’s Exposure by Building Relationships with the Media
 -  Seven Strategy Execution Themes That Will Keep Your Organization Moving in the Right Strategic Direction
 -  Calculating the Cost of Running Your E-Mail System
Words from the Wise

"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people."

- Woodrow Wilson

People Make Customer Relationship Management Succeed

It does not matter how sophisticated your customer relationship management technology is; it is the people within your organization who make the systems work. After all, it is people who deliver a service; decide how work gets done; deal with the customers; and ensure the level of quality associated with the product or service. If your organization puts constraints on understanding and responding to the customer point of view, then don’t question why you are losing a competitive advantage.
Read More  
Healthcare Abroad: Fact and Myth

It has been a long-held belief that medical care in the U.S. is number one in the world. There is, however, growing evidence that this is far from the truth. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization, the U.S. ranked 37th. Expats who retire abroad will be pleasantly surprised by the care they get in Europe and Latin America. From more personal and humane treatment to much improved treatment facilities, expats are getting a level of comfort from the healthcare they receive in many foreign countries, and it doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg.
Read More  
Maximize Your Company’s Exposure by Building Relationships with the Media

If you want to be the “go to” person for media interviews or sound bites, there are several methods you can use that will help you build a solid relationship with the intention of promoting your business. There are certain expectations reporters have and if you can meet their needs, you won’t have to seek them out anymore — they will come to you. Providing informative and respectful interviews of any type with integrity; a professional demeanor and appearance; and an overall positive attitude will make you more distinctive, leading to more exposure.
Read More  
Seven Strategy Execution Themes That Will Keep Your Organization Moving in the Right Strategic Direction

If only each strategy can be implemented in a way that leads to the results envisioned. So how come this desire frequently falls short? Many issues drive poor execution, but there is one overall common thread: lack of overall organizational preparedness to implement marketplace strategies. The critical issues to evaluate include whether your organization’s performance is in alignment with its vision; if there is a lack of customer-centric orientation; and whether the people in your organization have the right tools and resources to meet the needs of your customers.
Read More  
Calculating the Cost of Running Your E-Mail System

Your company can accrue considerable cost savings if you outsource the administration and maintenance of your e-mail system. Consider the total cost of ownership of your current in-house system: salaries for the administrator and support staff; yearly maintenance of the software program and server; time spent in vendor contract negotiations; and training and help desk support. While you may save a bit on the initial costs for an in-house mail system, in the long-run you end up paying more for internal resources when they could be put to better use elsewhere.
Read More  
Toastmasters International

MACPA Home

E-News

Leaders' Edge

Classifieds

Featured Conferences

West Michigan Management Information & Business Show

Audits of Employee Benefit Plans Workshop

Litigation & Business Valuation Conference

Mergers & Acquisitions Forum

Management Information & Business Show 2

Management Information & Business Show 3

Featured Seminars

CFO Seminar Series Course 1: Financial Statement Analysis & Bank Financing

Advanced QuickBooks for Accountants

Loscalzo's Guide to the New World of Acquisitions & Consolidations

Trends in Corporate Financial Planning: Beyond Traditional Budgeting

Of Interest

Webinar: Auto Dealers/Suppliers on Deck: How Not to Get Lost in the Shuffle

5480 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48098 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: businessedge@michcpa.org