Questions

What kind of company would most benefit from Mike’s services?

Mike has worked in organizations large and small and his client list includes some of the largest outfits in the region. But his services are an especially good fit for a 10 to 50 person organization that needs to move beyond “informal” management of it’s operation, but can’t justify a full-time person.

How does Mike relate to the person covering the job right now?

Sometimes there is a person who is running a function who is finding that they’re getting in a little bit over their head -- often because they just “covered it” along the way as things came up that needed to get done. Mike’s goal is to make that person a success.  If they want to deepen their knowledge, he will work with them as a coach to introduce them to the skills they need.  If they’d rather get back to their “real job” he can lift the management burden from their shoulders.   Sometimes it’s a combination of the two.

How much does the initial visit to our company cost?

The initial visit is free. Mike enjoys meeting business owners and leaders, and hearing the stories of their businesses.

How do we determine how much time is spent at our company each month?

The time spent at your place depends on your needs.  And cost is also a factor -- cheap is good, after all. Mike will work with you to determine the highest priorities that need to be addressed. Both sides always agree as to what the monthly costs will be before proceeding.  And, unlike cell-phone companies, you only pay for time you use.

Do we need to make any kind of contracted minimum commitment for services?

Nope.  Mike schedules his times at your location in advance, but this is simply to keep the ball rolling and make the best use of everybody’s time.  He earns the right to return every time he’s at your company and you are free to end the relationship at any time if you are dissatisfied.

How will we benefit from Mike’s services.

Mike’s game is to find ways to accomplish four things for your business 1) increasing revenue, 2) reducing costs, 3) increasing quality and 4) reducing response time to customer demands. Everything he does is measured against those yardsticks.

Does he do project work in addition to this CxO stuff?

Yes, but not at your company if he’s acting in a CxO role. To avoid the conflict of interest (“the fox in the chicken coop”) he either performs CxO functions or project work but not both.

How do I introduce Mike to people outside the company?

As your CFO, COO or CIO, whichever is appropriate. It isn’t important to those people, often vendors, that Mike is working for you on a part-time basis.  What they want to know are his qualifications to be your CxO and whether they can rely on the information he provides.