Blog
The Bottom Line Benefits of Exporting
The business press loves stories about exporting and often point to the benefits of 1) increased profitability, 2) spreading risk, 3) economies of scale and 4) enhanced innovation. The Canadian government (and every other level of government below it) loves to promote...
Is the customer always right?
“The customer is always right“ is an old adage that may or may not be true, however “Is this the right customer?” is an even more important question that businesses should be asking themselves. One of the cornerstones of an effective business strategy is deciding who...
Omni Speaks
When someone needs a physician, they call their doctor’s office. When they need assistance with a legal matter, they call an attorney. However, most people don’t think to call a management consultant when they have a business problem. For one, it can be very difficult...
Can you grow yourself out of business?
Many companies find themselves in the odd position of being in trouble on the heels of significant success and growth. Authors John Lambden and David Targett identified 6 common causes in their 1990 book Small Business Finance, which I am going to expand on here. 1. ...
Your Kick-Off Meeting
Kick-off meetings are a part of every consulting engagement. It’s generally the first meeting between a consultant and a client once the contract has been signed and can set the tone for an entire project. Every kick-off meeting will be different, depending on the...
Industry Metrics: Use them or Lose?
I recently did some consulting for two non-competitor clients in the same industry. As I was doing research for the second client I came across an excellent blog post that identified and discussed the fundamental performance metrics for their industry and forwarded a...
On Being an Outstanding Scientist
One of the greatest questions for self or business development is 'how can I become a better leader?'. Maybe you've been fortunate enough to work for a good, maybe even great leader. Wonderful if you have, but my sense is most of us haven't been so lucky. Two common...
Omni MCA in the Edmonton Journal
The Edmonton Journal and Capital Ideas recently put a shout-out to Edmonton entrepreneurs to ask, "What’s the key to building a business that lasts?" See Omni MCA partner Cheryl Lockhart's response in the Edmonton Journal - Capital Ideas
Consulting Unplugged
Over the years I've developed fairly wide musical tastes - classical, blues, jazz, rock, techno, even a bit of working man's opera from time to time. Occasionally I like my music loud and rough. But, I remember hearing the music of Nirvana many times some twenty odd...
Stepping Up
I recently attended the Alberta Annual General Meeting for the Canadian Association of Management Consultants. The agenda for the day was ambitious; the well-organized meeting included opportunities throughout the day to network and catch up with my peer group; an...
