Strategies 4 Impact! Inc.
Home
1 Strategy
2 Directed to the Future
3 Sustainability
4 Success
WHAT's NEW?
February 6, 2012
Advocating Infrastructure Investment
The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada was on Parliament Hill recently advocating for continued investment in infrastructure.
ACEC representatives congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of the economic stimulus program and thanked him for the commitment to work with the industry to develop a long-term infrastructure strategy.
February 1, 2012
New Sustainable Prosperity Policy Brief: Managing Urban Sprawl
Development charges (DCs) are always a 'hot topic'.
Recently came across this brief that explores how DCs might be used not just for cost recovery related to development, but also as one tool for growth management. For example, DCs could be structured to reflect the lower infrastructure-related costs in higher density developments.
DCs could be redefined to reflect life cycle costs of hard and soft infrastructure, rather than just capital costs. Perhaps could be used to support investment in transit.
A quick, thought-provoking read.
Sustainable Prosperity is a national research and policy network, based at the University of Ottawa. SP focuses on market-based approaches to build a greener, more competitive economy. It brings together business, policy and academic leaders to help innovative ideas inform policy development.
January 29, 2012
P3 Report Distributed Across United States!
Brian was principal researcher and author of the report "Understanding Public Private Partnerships in Canada" for the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies.
That report has now been distributed across the United States through ACEC state Executive Directors.
Underlines one of the conclusions in the report, that P3s are not going to disappear.
Used properly and in the appropriate circumstances they are a viable form of project delivery.
But, P3s are NOT a panacea.
Brian expects to see more use of P3s in Canada as public owners struggle with austerity measures, and seek to shift more risk to private sector partners. Risks like schedule, budget, life cycle performance of infrastructure assets.
January 19, 2012
20 Big Ideas for 2012
So, what do we need to be thinking about as we develop, refine and implement our business strategies in 2012?
Don Tapscott has some provocative thoughts.
20 Big Ideas that he classes as "transformations".
Tapscott: "All 20 are based on the idea that the industrial age has finally run out of gas and we need to rebuild most of our institutions for a new age of networked intelligence and a new set of principles collaboration, openness, sharing, interdependence and integrity."
Here's the first one: Make the transformations required to avoid the 20-year slump... "There is growing concern that the global economic crisis is not over, but may be just beginning. How do we avoid a prolonged period of slump and its effects stagnation, unrest and even calamity? Evidence suggests that this is not a normal business cycle but rather a secular change that the industrial economy and many of its institutions have finally run out of gas. A fundamental transformation is required from old models of financial services to media, our energy grid, transportation systems and institutions for global cooperation and problem solving."
Another: A next step for social media: social business?... "Recent examples illustrate that social media is becoming a new mode production that changes the way economies and firms innovate, create wealth and compete. Beginning years ago with Wikipedia and the Linux operating system and extending today to entire industries like the manufacturing of motorcycles in China. Closed, hierarchical corporations that once innovated in secret can now tap, and contribute to, a much larger global talent poolone that opens up the world of knowledge workers to every organization seeking a uniquely qualified mind to solve their problem."
Collaboration. Integration. Openness. Interdependence.
So, how will all of this help you develop winning strategies for YOUR business?
Read all 20 Big Ideas on Reuters HERE (be sure to catch all 4 parts)
Tapscott is a Canadian business executive, author, consultant and speaker as well as Adjunct Prof at Rotman. He specializes in business strategy, innovation, organizational transformation and the role of technology in business and society. His latest book is "MacroWikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World."
January 9, 2012
Infrastructure Investment: Canada vs the U.S.
The federal government in Canada is moving forward in discussions with the provinces on a new infrastructure plan. In Ontario the government has announced $35B in infrastructure investment over the next three years.
Just came across an article in the December 2011 ARCHITECT, the magazine of the American Institute of Architects. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee is recommending that the 2012 Budget contain ZERO dollars for new construction by their General Services Administration. (more-or-less equivalent to Public Works Government Services Canada) And continued huge reductions in retrofits, including for energy efficiency.
The industry in the U.S., despite some modest stimulus investment, continues to suffer badly. [Paul Krugman wrote recently in the N Y Times that the U.S. investment was too little, and has not been kept in place long enough to do the job]
And now this?
As a friend of mine often says, "Yikes!"
Read the ARCHITECT article HERE
January 7, 2012
Innovative Funding for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
I'll credit Tyler Hamilton writing a while ago in the Toronto Star for this one.
A consortium in the US will analyse commercial buildings, design the upgrades, implement them, finance them ... and guarantee (backed by insurance) the savings that will pay for those upgrades.
No upfront money required from the owner.
Payments are recovered by the consortium through property taxes.
Apparently Canadian jurisdictions aren't legally authorized to collect those payments.
YET.
Think about the Tower Renewal Project in Toronto, for example. Great strategy. But no money.
Let's hope the Ontario government takes a look at this.
Meantime, even without the tax angle, maybe there's the germ of a strategy here given the huge stock of existing, hugely inefficient infrastructure we have. An integrated, TEAM approach.
Read a NY Times article about this HERE
Image courtesy of ERA Architects
December 31, 2011
Strategy and Social Enterprise
About this time last year Brian was facilitating strategic and tactical planning with the Board and senior management of DeafBlind Ontario Services. It's a non-profit that, since 1989, has provided specialized services to support Ontarians who are deafblind.
Like so many similar organizations it finds itself heavily dependent on government funding - meaning the critically-important services it provides to its clients are terribly vulnerable, for example, in these times of "economic uncertainty". Sustainability of services is far from guaranteed. Ability to expand services is seriously constrained.
One of the strategic objectives adopted by the Board was to "Explore opportunities for social enterprise/proprietary initiatives."
Simply stated, social enterprise is about applying business principles and strategies to advance philanthropic objectives.
DeafBlind Ontario Services fleshed out its social enterprise objective thusly: "Our organization, and therefore our clients, have always been very reliant on funding support from the provincial government. We plan to temper that dependence by investigating the potential to generate revenue from other activities to help us serve and support our clients. For example, there may be opportunities to market our highly-valued TOUCH training to others. The reputation of our REACH program is growing, creating opportunities to support individuals who are deafblind in settings outside of our residences."
Given his extensive background working and volunteering in and with the non-profit sector, Brian was thrilled to read about the coming launch of the Pecaut Centre for Social Enterprise in honour of the late civic leader David Pecaut. Its objectives:
- develop the next generation of social entrepreneurs
- act as a knowledge hub for the non-profit sector
- help startup social enterprises make themselves sustainable
Keep an eye on this one, and consider how we can all offer our support!
Read the Toronto Star article about the Pecaut Centre for Social Enterprise here
December 15, 2011
New b.note: Integrated Project Delivery - Why Owners and Industry are Looking for a NEW Approach
Brian has been watching the growth of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the U.S. over the past several years. Owners are frustrated with cost overruns, delays, poor quality, poor performance with 'traditional' project delivery models. Designers and builders see low profitability and lagging productivity signalling the need to find a new approach.
This new b.note will help owners and service providers understand what IPD is all about, the benefits it delivers, how it can fit into their strategies.
It's a 'team' approach, collaborative not adversarial. Bring all the key players together at the very outset of the project when the key decisions are being made. Share risk ... and reward!
It's real. It's happening. We've seen the case studies!
December 13, 2011
Infrastructure Investment - The Importance of "Staying the Course"
Brian talks a lot about the importance of infrastructure investment for our economy, our communities, the design and construction sector.
The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario has just released a follow-up to its earlier report which linked infrastructure investment to GDP growth. The report stresses the importance of "staying the course", building on the increases in infrastructure investment over the past couple of years.
Read the Earlier Report from July 2010 Here
December 5, 2011
Strategies at Construct Canada 2011
Brian spoke about some of the trends that are transforming Canada's design and construction sector, and linked them to the importance of a carefully-crafted business strategy.
"It's More Critical Than Ever That Every Business in This Industry Has a Solid, Intelligent Business Strategy!"
He explained that your strategy keeps your business focused on your markets, delivering value consistently, and resulting in success and sustained profitability.
He told the group how easy it is to create a sound business strategy, starting with studying "inputs" like the trends re-shaping the sector, as well as forces outside the industry that will affect it.
Before discussing some of those trends, Brian emphasized that he was only offering a few examples, saying "When I work with clients helping them develop their strategies, we usually spend a day-and-a-half or more doing this."
Trends he identified included:
- sustainability and "green"
- Canada's growing "infrastructure deficit"
- shfits in population demographics
- rapidly-evolving technologies
- government policy of all types
- major changes in project procurement and delivery
- industry consolidation
He wrapped the session up by urging business leaders to "get out of your comfort zone", to study these and the many other trends that will change our industry, and use that knowledge to create the intelligent business strategies that will help them succeed and profit.
See a PDF version of Brian's PowerPoint slides here
And watch for the story on Brian's second session at Construct Canada on Lean Project Delivery with Dick Bayer of the Lean Construction Institute.
December 1, 2011
Bill Clinton Opens Ontario Economic Summit
We attended the opening event of this year's Ontario Economic Summit to hear former US President Bill Clinton give his take on Ontario's green energy policies and health care, and talk about cities and regions. He was positive and complimentary to Ontario on all three and saidif we get those right "The world will beat a path to your door."
Read the full article here, including a link to Steve Pakin's report on interviewing Clinton after he spoke.
November 27, 2011
Brian's Speaking at
Construct Canada 2011
As happens every year, the organizers have asked Brian to speak at Construct Canada in Toronto. Two sessions this year.
First is "Strategies for Profiting from the Trends That are Transforming Our Industry and Market on November 30 from 10.30 til noon. Brian will highlight many of the trends he tracks and then discuss some ideas for strategies that will help YOUR business maximize the benefits, and manage the risks, associated with the unprecedented changes happening ... and about to happen ... in procurement and delivery of design and construction.
Second will be "The Emergence of Lean Project Delivery as a New Approach to Design, Construction and Project Management" on November 30 from 1pm to 2.15 pm. Brian's been watching and talking about Lean Construction, which applies to construction lean principles from the manufacturing sector to maximize value and minimize waste. In a b.note published last year, he suggested that the entire process of design and construction would benefit from the Lean approach. He'll be joining Dick Bayer, Interim Executive Director of the Lean Construction Institute, to help you understand the potential of Lean Project Delivery.
More details on the Construct Canada website.
November 21, 2011
PACE 2001
Congratulations to Martha George and the Grand Valley Construction Association on another successful PACE event on November 18.
Since she launched the program three years ago, Brian has been working with Martha discussing how owners, buyers and service providers can keep "PACE" with the huge changes in the design and construction sector. Again this year, Brian facilitated the event and delivered one of the presentations.
This year's central theme was "teaming" a more collaborative approach to project procurement and delivery.
Alex Carrick, Chief Economist at Reed Construction Data gave an overview of the economic outlook and urged partipants to get our of their comfort zone and look for new things to do and new ways to do them.
Brian talked about some of the trends he is tracking and the critical need to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximiaze the benefits and minimize the risks from the changing marketplace. He spoke at length about Integrated Project Delivery, an emerging "team" approach to procurement and delivery of infrastructure projects, as well as the application of Lean principles to project delivery. (Lean originated with Toyota in manufacturing ... maximize value and minimize waste)
Anton Pojasok, VP of Professional Services at Infrastructure Ontario talked about the 4 business lines of that provincial agency and the lead role it plays in infrastructure delivery and asset management.
Geza Banfai, a well-know construction lawyer, closed with his view that Integrated Project Delivery is coming ... it's "inevitable". He also outlined some of the legal provisions in team-model contracts.
Read about it in theDaily Commercial News Here
November 12, 2011
It's the ... ENVIRONMENT, Stupid!
Recent polling by Angus Reid (September 2011) turned up some interesting results.
Despite roiling markets, general uncertainty about the economy (especially the Eurozone) and the results of the last federal election, it seems the majority of Canadians surveyed by Angus Reid believe that protecting the environment is more important than the economy. 52% of Canadians also believe that global warming is the result of man-made emissions.
See the story on the Angus Reid site here.
(Apologies, btw, to Bill Clinton whose campaign coined the phrase "It's the Economy, Stupid!" in his successful 1992 presidential election run in the U.S.)
November 5, 2011
Innovation Conference 2011 - Awesome!
As he does every year, Brian attended the Architectural Record Innovation Conference in NYC.
Watch for his report on it - fabulous and invigorating!!
Meantime, here'san "a propos" sign in an MTA Subway car in Manhattan. (Brian transits everywhere when travelling!)
October 23, 2011
Grand Valley Construction Association's PACE 2011
Again this year, Brian is working with the Grand Valley Construction Association's President, Martha George, to present their annual ... and much anticipated... PACE event.
"The ICI construction industry is undergoing unprecedented change ... If you're not at the leading edge of knowledge, you're at the bleeding edge. PACE addresses this by bringing industry experts together in exclusive gathering of buyers of ICI construction services and business leaders to discuss:
P = Planning - The critical value of business strategy in these volatile times.
A = Advocacy - How to make it work for ICI.
C = Contracts and Conditions - The RISK of non-standard contracts.
E = Evolution of Procurement - What's driving it?
Brian will talk about some of those big changes that are happening and on the horizon, and about business strategy.
Other speakers will include Alex Carrick, Chief Economist, Daily Commercial News; Geza Banfai, Partner and Certified Specialist in Construction Law at Heenan Blaikie; and, Michael Inch, VP Procurement at Infrastructure Ontario.
When? Friday, November 18th from 9am til 12.30
Where? Cambridge, ON
For more information email brian@strategies4impact.com
October 18, 2011
Celebrate Small Business Week in Canada!
Every year at this time BDC sponsors Small Business Week. The theme this year is Power Up Your Business - Invest, Innovate, Grow!It runs through October 22 and there are lots of resources and eventson the website.
September 9, 2011
TRTL - Canadian Housing Entry in US Solar Decatholon
TRTL - Technological Residence Traditional Living - is the innovative entry designed and built by a team from the U of Calgary for this year's US Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon.
The net-zero detached home will generate at least as much energy as it uses via a rooftop PV (photovoltaic) array. It is constructed of prefabricated Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) over a steel sub-frame.
What is most interesting, perhaps, is that the team partnered with the native communities of Treaty 7 with the objective of reflecting aboriginal traditions in the design and construction. The team is hopeful that this can be a prototype for affordable housing, including for aboriginal families.
Check out the website and Go, Team Canada!
August 18, 2011
Rebuilding New Orleans After Katrina - Part 2
Brian was in NOLA in May and toured rebuilding efforts (that are still far from complete).
This 2nd article in the series describes a second awesome strategy in play, the Musicians' Village.
Led by Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick Jr., this community is being rebuilt by Habitat for Humanity with the key objective of attracting musicians back to New Orleans. Many were forced to leave after Katrina left them without housing.
The heart of the neighbourhood is the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music that, in addition to providing rehearsal and performance space for resident musicians, will introduce local kids to the world of music - so critically important to every child's development!
Read the full article with images here
July 27, 2011
Ontario's New Infrastructure Strategy
One of Brian's favourite words is "strategy".
Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli, recently announced "Building Together", a 10-year strategy for infrastructure investment in that province.
The strategy includes a projected $35B investment over the next three years to continue to address the so-called "infrastructure deficit" in Ontario.
That's especially noteworthy given the provincial deficit, which could otherwise result in major cuts to infrastructure investment! It's certainly had that impact in the past!
The announcement notes a general trend to longer-term planning and announces that the government is adopting a 10-year planning framework going forward.
Now that's strategic!
The Introduction outlines some of the direct and indirect economic returns resulting from effective and consistent investment in infrastructure, including preserving and creating a projected 300,000 jobs over the next three years.
"Building Together" looks like some positive news for the design and construction sector, Ontario's economy in both the short and long term, AND the quality of public infrastructure in Ontario.
July 22, 2011
David Suzuki Supports Ontario's Green Energy Act
On June 9, What's New talked about the David Suzuki Foundation redefining NIMBY as Nature in My Backyard.
Now, the Toronto Star reports that David Suzuki has made a "rare foray into partisan politics" by endorsing the Ontario Liberal party's Green Energy Act. Goes on to point out that the PCs say they will scrap the FIT program and other elements of the Liberal's green strategy including initiatives related to wind and solar power.
The PCs have also said they'll kill the Siemens deal, and with it the $7 Billion that the company promises to invest in Ontario developing green manufacturing.Quoting the Star ...
I dont get it, because its a job creator I would have thought that the Conservatives would be banging away at the need to create jobs, the host of CBCs The Nature of Things said during a stroll with McGuinty in Stanley Park on Wednesday.
Ontario right now is a leader in North America. Why would anybody come in and throw that out the window? It doesnt make any sense.
Read the whole article in the Star
July 7, 2011
Rebuilding New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina
A May 28 piece in What's New talked about attending the American Institute of Architects Convention in New Orleans. That city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
While attending the convention, Brian took an AIA tour of the 9th Ward where rebuilding is ongoing.
That area suffered the most damage, and unfortunately, the most deaths. The "Make It Right" project staged an international design competition is now building the winners. Some unique and outstanding designs are housing some of the residents who were displaced by the storm.
(the second article in the series will focus on a fascinating project in the Upper 9th Ward)
Read the full article with images here.
June 22, 2011
Brian Presents Strategic Plan to AGM
Brian presented the organization's new strategic plan "Proud Past. Dynamic Future"at the Annual General Meeting of DeafBlind Ontario Services.
He opened by briefly describing what a strategic plan is, and the process he used to facilitate the work of the Board of Directors and Senior Management in developing this one.
Brian told attendees that a strategic plan is critically important for every organization and business because it defines what the enterprise will look like a few years down the road and what it will be doing. (Often called Vision and Mission)
He went on to explain how a good strategic plan helps the leadership maintain the FOCUS of the organization AND ensure that precious resources are invested to achieve the objectives described in the plan.
June 19, 2011
"GREEN Litigation arrives in Canada"
Brian came across an interesting article on the Building Strategies and Sustainable Design website today. (Brian has written for that publication)
Evidently litigation around sustainable and 'green design' has found its way to Canada. The article outlines a couple of US examples, then discusses a statement of claim filed re. a Toronto condo project.
The claim alleges that the building was marketed as 'green' as in inducement to purchasers, but, despite rectification of deficiencies, it remains "far from the cutting edge green building promised". For example, the HVAC system is not delivering the efficiencies promoted to purchasers.
The advice: make sure your contracts deal with risks related to "green building" issues such as failure to achieve LEED certification. Contracts should also clearly set out responsibilities of all parties related to building performance and for collecting and submitting documentation for certification, approval of authorities, and so on.
June 12, 2011
Impact of Design Quality on Health
Yes, on health!
A great article by Architect Tye Farrow and Sharon VanderKaay in the March issue of Canadian Architect underscores the connection!
Example: urban sprawl, strip malls, hectares of asphalt parking lots, long commutes - all the worst characteristics of suburbia - are increasingly being seen as having a broad, direct and negative impact on health.
Who walks or even bikes in the suburbs? Planning and design are all about car travel. Need a quart of milk? Hair cut? Roll of stamps? Want to visit a friend?
Hop in the car.
Anyone wonder why obesity has become such a ubiquitous health issue?
Farrow and VanderKaay propose that debate about design needs to move away from design jargon ("mixed use" and "sense of place") to much more tangible and REAL conversations about the 5 "Vital Signs" (vital signs - health - get it?)
Design that:
- Creates connections with the natural world (also see the note 2 articles below on NIMBY - Nature In My Backyard)
- Projects character that is locally inspired - unique, individual
- Provides lots of variety and visual interest to experience while you walk
- Stimulates social interaction
- Leaves a legacy of long-term health
Let's face it, our health care system is strained, to say the least. We can't assume we can afford to just keep throwing more money into it - that's simply unsustainable.
Instead, quality design can play a major role in reducing "preventable disease".
Brilliant strategy!
But, what do we do about the suburbs we've built for the last few decades?
Farrow and VanderKaay cite the book "Retrofitting Suburbia" by Ellen Durham-Jones. It offers 80 examples of "suburban transformations" like one in Colorado where a massive mall was redeveloped into a couple of dozen walkable blocks of sustainably-designed new buildings.
All in all a powerful thesis that ought to stimulate discussion and debate not just within the design professions, but among the general public and - very importantly - with politicians and policymakers!
Read the entire article at Canadian Architect.
June 17, 2011
Strategic Planning
Brian had a first meeting with a new client, a professional service firm that is anxious to design its future, building on the solid foundation it has created over the past ~5 years.
A priority for this firm is the creation of a succession/transition plan AND a business development strategy ... all driven by a powerful strategic plan which Brian will help them create.
Read more about strategic planning.
June 9, 2011
NIMBY - Nature In My Backyard
We were browsing our community newspaper the other day and came across an article from the David Suzuki Foundation.
It suggests we redefine "NIMBY" from "Not In My Backyard" to "Nature In My Backyard". Start with gardens, then local and regional green spaces.
The article cites a study that demonstrates the positive economic impact.
Where we live, governments are working toward establishing the first urban National Park in Canada. And it would be in the 'backyard', a transit trip away, from millions of people.
NIMBY - Nature in My Backyard!
Read more on the Foundation's website.
May 30. 2011
Strategic Alliance
Strategies 4 Impact! was recently retained to help the principals of two architectural practices explore the potential for a strategic alliance that could lead to an eventual merger. Brian has developed a strategy and is facilitating their discussions.
May 29, 2011
A New b.note - AIA Supplemental Architectural Services
The AIA introduced a new set of resources at its recent Convention related to architects marketing and providing "Supplemental Architectural Services" to clients. The AIA website lists the services, provides essential knowledge about them, and advises on which standard AIA contract to use to increase profitability while minimizing risk.
Brian suggests the same strategy will work in Canada, adjusted to Canadian conditions.
And it's a strategy for every professional service firm, not just architects.
The new b.note provides the details and resources.
May 28, 2011
AIA Convention
Brian attended the American Institute of Architects Convention earlier this month as he tries to do every year to gather some 'intelligence' from the US.
This is the first of a number of short articles he'll be posting.
Generally, American architects are still in recovery mode - or trying to get into recovery mode - from the lingering recession. Lots of continuing education on the topic, also on pursuing international work.
Talking with individual architects, many are struggling. Partners facing multiple 'cash calls' to keep the firm afloat. Heavy investment in business development chasing too few projects in the marketplace.
Musings about ways to expand revenue base and move back to profitability.
Many archtiects report inquiries for potential new projects remain well below sustainable levels.
Not the prettiest picture.
But, the Convention WAS in New Orleans!
Great food, great jazz, and a really unique city. (between continuing education sessions, of course!)
Walking the Vieux Carre
The Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band at Fritzel's on Bourbon Street
But the big talk around town and on the news wasn't the AIA Convention. It was the rising Mississippi which threatened New Orleans (again!). Water level on May 14 was nearing the top of the levee.
The river crested soon after the Convention when authorities opened the Morganza Spillway for the first time since 1973to redirect the water away from New Orleans.
April 30, 2011
The Board of Directors of DeafBlind Ontario Services approved the Strategic Plan that they developed through Brian's faciliation at their retreat in January.
Brian also worked successfully with management to develop the tactical/operational planning to implement the Strategic Plan.
April 30, 2011
A recent Angus Reid poll asked businesses about outsourcing. What services do they outsource?
Strategic Planning was includedon the list of services commonly outsourced.
And, Hey!, that's part of our core business at Strategies 4 Impact!
We facilitate Strategic Planning for businesses in the design and construction sector.
AND for businesses outside of the sector.
Not to mention non-profit groups like DeafBlind Ontario Services where the Board of Directors just approved the Strategic Plan that Brian helped them develop.
And, Brian also worked with the management group there to develop the Tactical/Operational Plans to make sure it all happens!
what's brian reading?
the leisure economy
How Changing Demographics, Economics, and Generational Attitudes Will Reshape Our Lives and Our Industries
Linda Nazareth
I came across a reference to this recently and pulled it off the shelf for a fresh look. Nazareth, who is a Canadian economist, author and broadcaster, published this in 2007.
I read it then and wanted to re-read it now in our new context ... struggling to come back from the Great Recession, "uncertainty" in the Eurozone, roiling markets, Arab Spring, the Occupy movement ...
Are her predictions of a shift to a Leisure Economy still on?
Lots of talk about "time-crunched" Boomers, less frantic Gen X and Gen Y who will chuck the job to achieve work/life balance. Four classes of Boomers in retirement with very different interests and wants. (If they retire at all!)
As the demographic shift unfolds, what will it mean to YOUR business strategy?
On the demand side, people are going to want or need different things - infrastructure to support leisure and health care. To support education and cultural pursuits. Commerce. Other kinds of services. And so much more.
They'll want it in different places. We all know our population is "urbanizing" generally. But where will folks want to live? Downtown in a major city? 'burbs? Exurbs?
Then there's the supply side, especially human resources. How to replace the Boomers as we retire. (If we retire - that's another question!) How to manage the different expectations and attitudes among the generations we'll employ. What role will technology play?
Critically important questions for the next few years!
How will YOU spot and profit from the opportunities? While managing the challenges and risks.
Something I spend a lot of time on with my clients! YOU need to start YOUR planning NOW!
