THE VALUE CREATION BLOG

How To Reduce Dependence On Large Customers

n the latest issue of the Value Creation Engines Newsletter (formerly the Strategic Innovation Ideas Newsletter), I share from personal experience and provide actionable steps on how to reduce this de... ...more

Strategy ,founder-independence

May 07, 2024•5 min read

Why Every Mid-market Company Should Have a Stock Price

If you want to know what a publicly traded company is worth, a quick Google search will give you the answer. Walk into the lobby of a publicly traded company and you'll likely see the real-time stock ... ...more

Valutation ,founder-independence

May 01, 2024•4 min read

A Smart Path To +1X, 2X, 3X EBITDA (or more) For Your Business

How do you increase the valuation of a business? It all comes down to what a buyer is willing to pay. EBITDA is what it is. The question is, "What multiple on EBITDA would a buyer be willing to pay?"... ...more

Strategy ,Innovation &founder-independence

April 22, 2024•3 min read

Visionary Inspiration vs. Intentional Innovation

Every business needs a great visionary. I believe that businesses also need an innovation team. In this article, I explore the differences between the two as well as how they can work together. ...more

Innovation

April 15, 2024•4 min read

The High Cost of Self Implementation

This morning I'm thinking about golf. Years ago, when I started playing golf, I wish I'd hired a coach. But, it was too cheap. I reasoned that I didn't have the time. So, I tried to teach myself. You... ...more

Strategy ,Innovation

April 08, 2024•5 min read

The Crucial Difference Between a Visionary Founder and an Innovative Culture.

This morning I’m thinking about the differences between a company that relies on one person for innovation vs. a company that has developed an innovative culture. ...more

Strategy ,Innovation

April 01, 2024•3 min read

Founder-Dependence is a Two-sided Coin

Traditional solutions to the founder-dependence problem include implementing a business operating system and ensuring processes are documented with SOPs. While these are certainly important, many comp... ...more

Strategy ,Innovation Exit Planning &founder-independence

March 26, 2024•4 min read

Innovate or Stagnate: The Critical Path for Midmarket Value Growth

Startup companies innovate — or they die. Fortune 500 companies have entire innovation teams. In between startups and enterprise companies, there is an innovation desert. Sadly, most established midm... ...more

Innovation ,Exit Planning

March 25, 2024•5 min read

Why Lower Mid-market Businesses are Uniquely Positioned to Leverage Innovation to Grow Revenue, Profit, and Valuation

Established mid-market businesses are uniquely positioned to benefit from innovation, especially those who are being proactive in hashtag#exitplanning. However, many mid-market companies depend on th... ...more

Innovation

March 18, 2024•2 min read

The Measurable Difference Between an Innovative Company vs. a Company with an Innovative Founder

The difference between a truly innovative company and one led by an innovative founder is critical. In this article, we’ll explore the three characteristics of an innovative company. We'll also look a... ...more

Strategy ,Innovation Exit Planning &founder-independence

March 11, 2024•4 min read

How To Attract and Retain the Best Employees, Customers, and Suppliers

Want your company to be the best in your category? You need the best employees, customers, and suppliers. How do you attract, engage, and retain these people? ...more

Strategy ,Innovation

March 05, 2024•3 min read

Four Ways Innovation Increases Business Valuation

Whether you want to maximize the multiple on your company as you prepare for a great exit or simply want to increase the profitability of your business, innovation may be the missing piece. In this ar... ...more

Innovation ,Exit Planning

February 26, 2024•4 min read