February 2008
Raffoni CEO Consulting Newsletter
Q4- 2007, Q1-2008 
 
Helping CEOs Take Their Companies to the Next Level
Quick Links

Raffoni Interview on WMUR/ N.H. Business News
In This Issue
Noteworthy Client News- Abacus Travel, Lilliputian Systems, Vinfen
Peer Group Info- Recruiting, New Group, Annual Conference
Strategic Planning Events- Simulia, Egenera, Firestone
Sample Cases & Readings
Quick Links
 
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Greetings!  
 
I am sending this newsletter to share information about our CEO network & services.  If you have any suggestions on how I might improve its value or content in upcoming issues, I welcome your input.
 
Also, if you are so inclined, check out my recent interview on NH Business News (link above).  Comments are always appreciated:
 
 
Thanks for your support,
Melissa
Noteworthy Client News:
 
Abacus Travel Sells to Radius http://www.fmbizjournal.com/articles.asp?id=%7B1384DF6B-C5E2-4750-AC23-96CBA433C7D9%7D

Lillipution Raises an Additional Round http://venturebeat.com/2007/12/28/lilliputian-systems-a-fuel-cell-maker-adds-on-20m/

Health Executive Magazine's Dec. issue spotlights Vinfen http://www.healthexecutive.com/content/view/1590/
 

Congrats to Allan, Marla, Ken, Roger and Gary!

Peer Group Info:
 
Recruiting to Fill Three Open Slots!
Given some near term CEO transitions, I am actively recruiting to fill 3 slots in current groups in 2008.  Ideally, I an in search of CEOs with at least 5-7 years experience, 50 million in revenue, and a strong potential for future growth.  Exceptions will be considered for Entrepreneurial CEOs who can demonstrate a solid growth plan and expertise that complements that of others in the group.  Referrals are very much appreciated and are the best source of new members.
 
New Group Kicked Off in January!
I'm very excited to report the kick off a a third peer group.  The group is comprised of 10 members who have demonstrated previous success & depth of experience as CEO, strong growth potential with their current companies, and a commitment to working together to navigate future business challenges and opportunities.  Special thanks to Steve Munroe, Larry Rosenfeld, Eric Gordon, Beran Peter, and others who I worked with back in my Inc. days for inspiring me to get this group going!
 
Second Annual Conference A Success!
Our second annual joint group conference in October, according to members, was a success!  Our agenda included Best Practice Awards (given to Aquent, Egenera. Long Term Care Partners, Newbury Comics, and Firestone Financial), guest speaker Prof. Michael Cusumano, Sloan Management Review Distinguished Professor from MIT Sloan School, the JJWild Success Story, Golf, and a cocktail party.  Thanks to Mike Thompson, Sal Lanuto, and Ken Lazarus for hosting events.
 
Strategic Planning Events
 
Congratulations to the following Management Teams for completing successful Strategic Planning Events over the last two quarters:
 
- Egenera
- Simulia
- Firestone Financial
- Lexia Learning
Sample of CEO Cases & Readings:
 
Given the 4th quarter, a majority of the CEOs presented their long term strategies and annual plans for feedback.  Additionally, there were cases on...
 
-Channel Strategy- Direct vs. OEM
-Acquisition Alternatives
-OEM Positioning Strategies
-Management Team Alignment Strategies
-Alternative Financing Strategies
-Organizational Restructuring
 
Reading discussions included:
"Growing Talent as if your Business Depended on it"
"How do you Motivate Employees"
"McKinsey Study on Trends"
"Managing the Right Tension"
"Time- Driven Activity Based Costing"
 
Raffoni CEO Consulting Services:
 
-Advanced CEO Peer Group Programs
-Strategic Planning and Mangement Faciltiation
-CEO 1-1 Sessions
-Custom Management & Professional Skills Training
 
Have a great quarter!  Focus on what matters...
 
Melissa