Avalion Consulting

2009 Vol. #5

You Can Say That Again

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.

- Alan Watts

'The Net' Works

It’s Thursday afternoon, you receive a file from a client, attempt to open it and a message appears stating you do not have the correct software to support that file. You find the correct software, install that onto your computer and only use it one time. Does this scenario sound familiar? If so, read this article to find out the free website that will assist you with file conversion without having to bog down your system with unnecessary downloads.

What's the Big Idea?

While mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is down due to recent economic conditions, some companies continue to take advantage of “bargains” to boost profits through increased operating efficiencies or to add complementary products and service lines. Many plans look good on paper, however, success is often enabled in the technology trenches. Continue reading to find out what requirements and approach are needed to ensure a positive outcome with these types of projects.

The Project Assassin

Assassin
Proven Techniques for Glorious Failure

“Balance is key.” Mr. Miyagi had it right, and balance IS key to accelerate projects successfully. Many of us are guilty of an uneven approach which ultimately leads to project paralysis. Why is it that if management believes in tight standards, one should tighten them further?And if standards are loose, strive to eliminate them completely? If this sounds familiar to you, read further and allow the assassin to walk you through Lesson 5 – “project jujitsu.”

In Between the Covers the Covers

Randy Mayeux, First Friday Book Synopsis

Book Outliers, The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell presents a clear and compelling premise: success is not a matter of gift, but of “hard work,” with plenty of culture and luck thrown in. Outliers makes many points, but the most important is in regards to expertise; becoming an expert takes a lot of hard work. How much? A minimum of 10,000 hours, to be exact.

Busted for Soliciting

Handcuffs Is your team considering or about to launch a multi-faceted technology initiative involving business processes, change management, data and technology challenges?

Do you currently have an IT-enabled project underway that is over budget? Behind schedule? Not meeting expectations?

Is your management team currently frustrated that they do not receive the types of reports / information that they need to effectively run the business?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, and if your firm is mid-sized with headquarters or key operations in Texas, please contact us. At Avalion, the majority of our new business comes from our satisfied clients and as referrals from friends who understand our commitment to "accelerating the promise of IT."

Click here to forward this newsletter to three people who may enjoy reading it.

Go to the Avalion Consulting Newsletter archive